LETTERS: Senior society

From Dr Richard Lucas Sir: I read with interest Midge Gillies's article on the strains on friends or relatives when someone seeks psychotherapeutic help ("Strangers who know too much", 28 December). I would like to make two points.

First, the UK Council for Psychotherapy, while a large organisation, does not represent senior established analytical psychotherapy organisations such as the British Pyscho-Analytical Society. These are represented by the British Confederation of Psychotherapists. The BCP was formed to ensure that high training standards are maintained for analytical psychotherapy and publish a yearly register available to the public.

Secondly, it is quite possible to receive psychotherapy without paying £40 or more a session. If in doubt, the public could seek guidance from organisations listed in the BCP register, or through referral from their GP to their local NHS consultant psychotherapist.

Yours sincerely, RICHARD LUCAS Chairman of External Relations British Psycho-Analytical Society London, N2