Valvira has rejected applications submitted by graduates of UWE Bristol to use the protected professional title of psychotherapist in Finland

Valvira has issued its first decisions on applications for using the protected title of psychotherapist which are related to the Solution Focused Therapy training organised by the Helsinki Psychotherapy Institute in collaboration with the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol). The training was under re-evaluation by Valvira after the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland referred the matter back to Valvira for review. Valvira considers that the training in question does not lead to the profession of psychotherapist, so Valvira will not grant the right to use the professional title of psychotherapist on the basis of the training.

Based on the review, the nature and duration of the Solution Focused Therapy training does not correspond to the Finnish education or to the recommendations issued by the national consortium for psychotherapy education. The coaching of patient work and educational psychotherapy in the training differ significantly from the way the Finnish education is implemented. Valvira’s decision is that the training does not lead to the profession of psychotherapist.

Read more:

• Frequently asked questions about the review of the Solution Focused Therapy training (in Finnish)
• Valvira news item on 19 September 2023: Valvira is about to take a decision regarding the UWE Bristol graduates’ applications for a professional’s right to practise (in Finnish)
• Valvira news item on 16 June 2023: Valvira is processing UWE Bristol graduates’ applications for a professional’s right to practise (in Finnish)

Enquiries: Jussi Holmalahti, Director, +358 295 209 500