A WORD FROM JULIET GRAYSON ON UKCP CHAIR CANDIDATE

SUE PARKER HALL

Sue Parker Hall, has been one of our trainers since 2020. She delivers workshops for us on Anger, Rage and Relationship (the title of her Routledge book), Shame, and Grief. 

She has recently put herself forward as the new chair of the UKCP. When I read her own statement about her application, I was impressed. You can find that here https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/media/ggwnwgvi/es-sph.pdf I know Sue as a dedicated and commited person with integrity.

This is a voluntary role, so to have someone who wants to fight for psychotherapists in this way feels like an asset. She has written a shorter letter, which I have offered to send out - see this below.....(and by the way, voting opens on February 10th - here are more details about the process https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/elections/)

Juliet

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

A message from Sue Parker Hall for UKCP members who will be voting for candidates in this election.

I have enjoyed meeting so many of you through the training courses that I deliver for Juliet. Being a trainer has enriched my understanding of our profession so much thanks to all I’ve learned from you, and I have gained in confidence. Now, as UKCP members will probably know, I am standing for Chair of UKCP to make sure that the traditional psychotherapy values that guide our work - integrity, transparency, and the welcoming of all, are at the centre of our organisation.

It’s common knowledge that the UKCP has faced challenging times in the past two years. If elected, I will endeavour to restore stability, transparency and accountability. I will establish a Truth and Reconciliation Committee, ensuring that within three months, the board openly shares a full account of past decisions and the lessons learned.

Psychotherapy thrives on diversity—of thought, philosophy, and practice. I believe UKCP’s individual Colleges and Member Organisations should have autonomy over EDI-BIIDE policies. I trust these bodies to develop policies that align with their unique philosophical values. 

Safeguarding children is a moral imperative. I supported UKCP’s withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 because decisions about children should be made by experts, not activists. Our Child and Family Colleges must lead these conversations.

Access to training must expand. Financial barriers are real, and we must develop more flexible training models—such as earn-as-you-learn options—to ensure psychotherapy remains open to a variety of viewpoints and a wide spectrum of practitioners, from all walks of life.

I bring 28 years of experience in psychotherapy, training, and leadership. My pledge is simple: to listen, to lead with integrity, and to ensure our organisation serves its members and clients, not external agendas.

I will be offering some 20 minute evening (9.00 p.m.) drop-in sessions on Zoom; I’m calling them 'election shots’. I will talk for 5 minutes about an election topic, then invite observations and questions and get a feel for the issues that concern you the most to be addressed in future drop-ins. If you are a UKCP member please contact me if you’d like to be included in these events.  

I hope all of you will vote (preferably for me!). Together, we can restore trust, refocus on psychotherapy, and build a stronger future. The best days of UKCP lie ahead - let’s shape them together.

All good wishes,

Sue Parker Hall

Candidate for UKCP Chair

Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy); Registered Member UKCP; MBACP (senior accred); MSc (Counselling & Supervision); EMDR practitioner