9–15 February 2026 marks #HeartUnions Week – a TUC initiative that gives unions across the UK the opportunity to highlight why unions are vital for everyone at work and to encourage those who are not yet members to join.

Across the UK, union organising has secured real improvements for millions of workers – from sick pay from day one and guaranteed-hours contracts to tackling exploitative practices such as fire-and-rehire.

Unions make a difference.

 

Why Unions Matter for Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Therapy can be deeply rewarding work, but it can also be isolating. Many practitioners are self-employed, work across multiple settings, or operate within systems where they have limited influence over pay, contracts or working conditions.

The Psychotherapy and Counselling Union (PCU) was founded in 2016 to stand up for therapists and for therapy itself. We understand the realities of the profession because our members and Executive Committee are practising therapists.

You don’t have to stand alone. We are here to support and advocate for you.

 

Why Join PCU?

Being part of a union brings the solidarity of joining forces with hundreds of others and campaigning together on relevant issues. Our members and our Executive Committee understand therapy and understand the needs of practitioners.

✅ Self-employed? You can still benefit from a union!

✅ Worried about unpaid work? We campaign for fair pay and working conditions.

✅ Need support with complaints? Facing discrimination or unfair treatment? We have a Member Support Team.

By joining PCU, you gain solidarity, support, and a collective voice to push for real change. We’re also proud members of GFTU (General Federation of Trade Unions).

 

Member Support

One benefit of PCU membership is Member Support.

Every week we are contacted by members asking for help with workplace concerns, complaints, discrimination or unfair treatment. (We can only provide direct support to members who have been part of the union for at least 90 days.)

If you are not yet a member, now is the time to join.

If you have already been a member for 90 days and are experiencing difficulties at work, we encourage you to approach Member Support early. You do not need to wait until matters escalate. Contact Member Support – admin@pcunion.org.uk

 

Legal Support

PCU members also receive preferential rates with Truth Legal Solicitors for employment law consultations. Truth Legal additionally offers legal expenses insurance for “no win, no fee” cases.

 

Stronger Together

HeartUnions Week is a reminder that unions are people organising together for fairness, dignity and respect at work.

For therapists, that means challenging unpaid work, insecure contracts, low rates and unsafe workloads. It means advocating for school counsellors, EAP affiliate therapists and practitioners across all settings.

If you are already a PCU member – thank you.

If you are not yet a member, perhaps this is the week to join?