Blog - News

A proposal for new EAP Ethical Principles about AI and technology

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:07:00 GMT

The EAP Ethical Guidelines Committee are developing new ethical principles about technology in clinical psychotherapy context ranging from online therapy to tools such as AI chatbots, insurance provisions and other related matters. This proposal is currently under discussion.

A message from our newly elected EAP President Catalin Zaharia

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:53:17 GMT

This year appears a pivotal moment, not just for our organization and for psychotherapy, but for the very fabric of human experience. We stand at the threshold of a new era defined by unprecedented complexity and change. We live in a turbulent world where the layers of reality—personal, social, digital—intertwine and often clash. The anxieties of our time, the uncertainties, the constant barrage of information, and the rapid shifts in our social landscape all contribute to a profound sense of instability.

In this context, the psychotherapist's role seems more crucial than ever. Our mission is to provide a beacon of stability and a safe harbour for mental and emotional health. Our organization is committed to supporting and promoting this essential work. We strive to create an environment where therapists can thrive, their expertise is valued, and their efforts are amplified. We stand on the 'shoulders of giants', a lineage of great innovators who have shaped our understanding of the human psyche. Our psychotherapeutic schools, rich in history and proven practices, provide a solid foundation for our work. But we are not bound by tradition alone. Our scientific dedication may drive us forward, to remain at the forefront of knowledge and practice. EAP is committed to rigorous research, promote evidence-based approaches, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

We are also asked to navigate a technological world of unprecedented tools and possibilities. While these technologies offer immense potential, we have responsibilities to be vigilant and ensure that our profession remains grounded in the human experience and that we do not reduce the richness and complexity of the psyche to mere algorithms or data points. Psychotherapists are the guardians of human connection and advocates for empathy and understanding. We will adapt and utilize new tools, but never at the expense of our core values.

In recent years, we have observed a growing interest in our standards, a testament to the integrity and quality of our work. We will honour this trust by ensuring that the EAP remains a strong and inclusive umbrella, providing a home for all types of psychotherapy education. We will foster collaboration, promote diversity, and ensure our standards reflect professional excellence. Ultimately, our work is about hope. It is about humanity. We are not merely treating symptoms but nurturing resilience, fostering growth, and empowering individuals to live more fulfilling lives. We are advancing knowledge about the human experience, deepening our understanding of the subjective world, and illuminating the paths to healing and well-being.

As I assume this Presidency, I pledge to serve with dedication, integrity, and vision. I will work tirelessly to support our members, advance our profession, and ensure we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can navigate the challenges of our time to build a brighter future, one were mental and emotional health are prioritized and celebrated.

Catalin Zaharia

EAP President

A brief summary from the EAP Board, AGM and Committee meetings on 13 – 15 March 2025 in Vienna

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:31:27 GMT

First of all, this seemed the liveliest meetings we have had since the pandemic and I was not the only one thrilled to see so many new faces in Vienna. Not that we got tired of the familiar ones (we don't!) but because it is exciting to meet new participants and delegates and we welcome their engagement with EAP. It has also been a delightful to witness EAP awarding an Honorary Presidency to Ivana Slavkovic in recognition of her countless achievements during 14 years as EAP Registrar. The Governing Board also awarded a Honorary Membership for Alexander Rieder as a 'thank you' for his 14 years as EAP treasurer

As you will have seen from Catalin's welcome, the EAP elected Catalin Zaharia as our new President. He will be supported by our new Vice-President Jose Castilho. As it is customary, our previous President Irena Bezic will continue in supportive Vice-President role. Tatjana Prokic took on the Registrar responsibilities as Ivana's successor. In recognition of the much increased Registrar workload, the Board also accepted Ivana's recommendation of Mirjana Mitic as assistant to the Registrar. Alexander Rieder stepped down after 14 years as EAP Treasurer and is succeeded by Dieter Welbich, whom many of you know as one of EAP's auditors of many years. Following a change in EAP Statutes to allow up to five lay members to join the Board, Dieter Welbich was appointed 'Acting Treasurer' until EAP can hold an election. EAP also has a new Assistant General Secretary, Paula Maria Prior, from Portugal. And last not least, Lynne Rigaud succeeded Catalin Zaharia as SARC chair person.

In the last Newsletter, we highlighted the challenges posed by 'AI virtual therapy'. This matter was discussed on the Board and we are awaiting a proposal from the Ethical Guidelines Committee. We are also delighted that the Chamber of Individual Members and the Chamber of EAPTIs both held lively meetings in Vienna. Both Chambers will have meeting times reserved at the next Board and Committee meetings.

Tom Warnecke

EAP General Secretary

SARC letter to EAP members April 2025

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:34:56 GMT

Dear Colleagues,

I thank those of you who voted for me for your confidence. As the new chair of SARC of the EAP, I am writing to outline my initial thoughts, open dialogue and create a SARC that has a dynamic energy that can take-on the task of bringing research to our members in various forms.

I would like to create a SARC made up of “task teams” that, whilst participating in the overall SARC management, also have a particular mission which they design, implement, evaluate and report back on to the SARC and the EAP.

The SARC is composed of voluntary members who have busy lives. Therefore, to create wellbeing and perennity in our group, no one person should feel overwhelmed. What I want to avoid is an attrition in the task groups because people may have taken on too much or feel overwhelmed at a point in time.

The work needs to be distributed in a manner that everybody feels that they are comfortable and that they contribute easily. This approach will guarantee that each mission is really achieved. If an individual or a group feel overwhelmed, I ask them to come to the wider group and we will find solutions and resources.

After discussion with some of the core members of SARC, several “missions” have been identified, and your comments or suggestions are welcome. This said, we must choose and prioritise according to our available resources in order achieve those missions well.

The missions outlined so far:

1. This mission concerns everyone:

Facilitating Collaboration: The SARC has already established valuable relationships with organizations like the Society for Psychotherapy Research and international researchers. We have actively contributed to research conferences, shared our vision of psychotherapy and training, collaborated on research projects (e.g., SPRISTAD), and supported conference interventions with researchers. All members are encouraged to go to research conferences online or in person in their countries or elsewhere. Networking is essential and if links are made these are precious too for future collaboration between the EAP and researchers.

2. Reporting back on participation or observations as to what is happening in those conferences is a rich source of cutting-edge information for all of us. These brief informative reports would feature on the EAP web site in the “news” or the “research” part. (To be decided). o For info we already have participants organised for the UKCP research conference in June and the Society for Psychotherapy research in June. These participants will make their reports to the SARC and for the website afterwards.

3. Building Research Capacity: We are dedicated to empowering practitioners to engage in research, even if they do not have a traditional research background.

Case studies are a form of research that is possible for our practitioners and our students. It is proposed that a task team is established that will investigate the potential for case studies as a real form of research that can complement other methods effectively. Which journals? For what aim? Writing publishable case studies that contribute to the literature usefully is quite “coded” and it is necessary to establish a guiding format for authors. A dedicated team could aim to generate a “case study toolbox” that EAP members, organisations and students can use with the aim of generating publishable standard work.

After talking to Courtenay (Chair of IJP), perhaps the International Journal of Psychotherapy could publish selected case studies written by final year students. (To be discussed with the IJP team). This would be a “display window” of EAP trained psychotherapists and encourage students to master this form of academic writing. o Another initiative under consideration is a collaboration to create high-level case studies as part of an international research project, which is planned for 2025/26. This project will provide practitioners with the opportunity to contribute to impactful research. Catalin will be leading this.

Participating in other forms of research: All SARC members need to be keeping aware of collaboration opportunities for EAP members (national or European or global). By bringing these opportunities to the attention of the SARC we can create partnerships with researchers looking for collaboration on projects. (Like the SPRISTAD project that is still going).

Staying Up to Date: With the rapidly expanding body of psychotherapy research, it’s essential for EAP members to stay informed. I propose creating a dedicated team to ensure that the latest and most relevant research findings are disseminated to our members through the website, keeping everyone updated on where research is headed and how it can impact practice.

Shaping Policy: Having recently participated in the UK government consultation on health policy for the next decade, I realized how important the EAP’s voice is in shaping national and European mental health policy. Public and stakeholder consultations are issued in individual countries and at a European level. Each NWUO should be aware of the mental health consultations that are going on in their country and decide if it would be appropriate to respond to the consultation. A task team in the SARC could ensure that any replies to consultations put forward are backed by solid scientific evidence, enabling the EAP to influence policy that supports effective, evidence-based psychotherapy across Europe.

It was requested by several EAP delegates in March that the SARC generate a document for use by EAP organisations or members when negotiating with governments and policy makers. The document would summarise an evidence-based statement on the efficacity of psychotherapy with the latest research incorporated. This would be available to all on the website.

Continuation of the project to support the EAP competencies framework with current research. The task team is currently reviewing its progress and will keep the SARC informed of the next phase which may be open to new members.

As you may have noticed, I talk a lot about communication. Indeed, one of the EAP’s objectives for 2025 and the future is to build a website that is informative and participative. A place where people can go for “news”, topics of interest and tools for psychotherapists. It will relay our work and open a far wider access to our members. The members need to be encouraged to see this site as a point of interest and to visit it regularly. Idem for stakeholders, partners and our patients/clients.

These are the missions that have been evoked. If we create these task teams and sustain our activity, we will be a dynamic commission.

People are welcome to propose other research missions. I would just remind you that proposals need to be pertinent for the EAP, in line with EAP principles, sustainable and that you can clearly identify what the aim is and the resources necessary to achieve the project.

I have addressed this letter to a wide range of people, some already present in the SARC and others that may be interested to participate in a team. I invite you to contact me if you are interested at gascous@gmail.com.

A meeting will be organised shortly.

Best regards,

Lynne Rigaud, Chair of Science and Research Commission (SARC) European Association of Psychotherapy

In memory of Daniela Heinzl

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:04:00 GMT

Dear members of EAP, dear colleagues,

We are deeply saddened to inform you that our dear colleague and long-time member of the EAP Head-office team, Daniela Heinzl, passed away on 11th of July 2023.

It is hard to find proper words to express the sadness of losing such a colleague and friend, and such a deeply loving, wise, capable, compassionate person ...

A message from the newly elected EAP President Irena Bezic, PhD

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:49:00 GMT

Dear EAP Members, dear Visitors,

Psychotherapy is a growing profession of our time. There are crisis all around the world, people are moving from old safety to new uncertainty, old values are changing and orientation in this endangered world is scarce. Psychotherapy is offering support for mental issues arising from existential fear, distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other very common mental states. European psychotherapists are also a part of these developments and events

“Ukrainians are standing up for the highest principles of humanity.” An interview with EAP President Patricia Hunt FRSA

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:37:00 GMT

On the eve of the joint USP and EAP Symposium on Ethics on Friday February 24th 2023,

EAP President Patricia Hunt met with Ukrainian journalists for an interview.

‘Ethical Challenges for Psychotherapists in our Changing World’ – A UUP and EAP Online Symposium on 24 February 2023

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:16:00 GMT

UUP and EAP are pleased to announce a Symposium on Ethics on Friday February 24th 2023, which is the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The Symposium is the inspiration and initiative of senior Ukrainian psychotherapists, and EAP is delighted to accept their invitation to be partners in this important and formative event. The World we live in today is facing huge changes. Major events, such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine, a global pandemic, and climate breakdown are leading to social devastation, displacement and a refugee crisis. The existential challenges manifested by today's social realities present us with dilemmas challenging our established basic principles and ethical norms. This event aims to consider potential implications to the ethical principles we cherish. As psychotherapy communities helping individuals to live in new and rapidly changing conditions, ethical issues are of particular importance to us. It is important for us to consider in depth the challenges to n

EAP Statement to Russian Government

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:08:00 GMT

This is an EAP Statement to the Russian Government,

which was adopted by the EAP Board in March 2022.

STATEMENT FROM THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY February 2022

To Ukrainian colleagues

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:29:00 GMT

Dear Alexander, dear Ukrainian Colleagues,

I am writing this important message to you in reply to your Statement to EAP. Please Alexander share this message with your colleagues. As EAP President I apologise most sincerely to all Ukrainian Psychotherapists and to UUAP. As EAP President I support all Ukrainian Psychotherapists and I have responded to your reactions.

I have acted decisively and the situation has now been corrected.

No free tickets are possible for Russian Psychotherapists. The only free tickets are for Ukrainian Psychotherapists.

EAP 30th Anniversary Congress - March 12-13, 2022

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 20:25:00 GMT

New Post summary

STATEMENT FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY TO THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 07:48:00 GMT

The World Council for Psychotherapy calls upon the Russian Government to immediately cease the invasion of Ukraine; stop the war; respect the law of nations; and bring back all Russian troops and weapons to their home country. It is our view as Psychotherapists that a military invasion never solves problems, and never achieves its intended aims. Instead it creates immense damage, and causes destruction on many levels which can reverberate through the generations.

Condolences for the loss of David Sassoli

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 08:50:00 GMT

It is with sadness and deep regret that we have heard of the death of David Sassoli, President of the European Commission.

In a correspondence with David Sassoli in 2020 he wrote: “Thank you for your letter . . .and for the vital role that EAP Psychotherapists play in mental health care, especially in times of crisis, based on the high standards of training, ethical and professional conduct and professional competence.”

We honour the support that David Sassoli gave to our profession, and we extend our condolences and sympathy to his family and colleagues.

President Patricia Hunt European Association for Psychotherapy January 11^th 2022

Euronews article with interview with EAP President Patricia Hunt

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:08:00 GMT

EAP President Patricia Hunt was interviewed by Euronews concerning the mental health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the results of an EAP survey into the work of European Psychotherapists during lockdown.

Here is the interesting article: Euronews-article-for-EAP

Survey on psychotherapy in Europe during the COVID-19 lockdown 2020

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:33:00 GMT

In Autumn 2020 the European Association for Psychotherapy conducted a survey asking Psychotherapists all over Europe how they had responded to the pandemic. Please click here for a very interesting summary of the results which shows how Psychotherapists have successfully adapted to work with online methods, and have continued to offer Psychotherapy to those who need it across Europe in an effective and sustained way.

In Memoriam Mony Elkaim

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:02:00 GMT

Dear friends, dear colleagues,

A very sad news has arrived - our dear friend and colleague, teacher, founding member and former President and a Honorary President of EAP, Professor Mony Elkaim has died in Brussels on 20th of November.

He made enormous contributions to EAP with his energy, wisdom, political talent and humor in calm and turbulent times of our existence. He was approaching all members very -personally, with an open heart, inviting the EAP Board members to his home in Brussels while we have had EAP meetings in his town. His talent to find a peaceful and balanced solution in most difficult situations was legendary, indeed.

Situation of Refugees in times of Corona-crisis

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:05:00 GMT

In this uncertainty situation with a lot stress, worry, anxiety where a lot of plans of important activities has been changed, the human being is strongly suffering in this pandemic time. When in one part of world, people are stuck in their homes, in other parts still we have people who are trying to defend themselves escaping from different kind of war conflicts. They want to stay alive by trying to find safety place because of being forced to escape from their homeland places. EAP Working Group for Refugees(WGRf) are very much involved in monitoring of refugees’ mental health wellbeing being who are living in camps. Checking the information from different international agencies, we are interesting to know refugees’ mental health and wellbeing statement while they are receiving different kind of psychosocial treatments. With members of WGRf, we have regular contacts about refugees situation and especially for care givers who are offering psychological aid in the camps. The result fr

Special information on Covid-19 | special programs & guidelines

Wed, 13 May 2020 11:20:00 GMT

The following article is taken from the second EAP special newsletter on Covid-19. Please click here for details. Dear Colleagues, We wanted to give you an update on current developments in the psychotherapy field relating to the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. While situations and the extend of “lock-down”, travel restrictions, or “social distancing” vary geographically across Europe, these will remain fluid (and subject to change at short notice) and can be expected to continue for the immediate foreseeable future. EAP has received a number of concerns regarding aspects of psychotherapy during the pandemic, ranging for example from advertising concerns to the safety of online group psychotherapy. In this unprecedented situation, psychotherapists can be reasonably expected to seek a good balance betwe

Update recommendions for psychotherapy to work during Covid-19 Crisis

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:10:00 GMT

For those of you who work with children in their practice, this information published by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) might be useful. >> UKCP Guidance for moving to remote working with existing child clients during the Covid-19 crisis Patricia Hunt President of the European Association for Psychotherapy International Officer of the UK Council for Psychotherapy

Special information on Covid-19 | Online Therapy

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 21:00:00 GMT

The following article is taken from the EAP special newsletter on Covid-19. Please click here for details. Dear Colleagues, The populations of Europe and European psychotherapists are facing an unprecedented situation with the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (or Covid-19) across Europe. We are increasingly asked to “self-isolate” if infected but also to avoid direct contact with others as well as avoiding “unnecessary” travel. This is the first time in history that psychotherapy practice is being restricted in such profound ways and we therefore find ourselves in uncharted waters. As Psychotherapists, we work with many vulnerable clients or patients whom we should not easily abandon with their problems of living, problems that may become further exacerbated by challenges arising from the Coronavirus situatio