Spain

IAC Member Associations & Organizations

Asociación de Counselling Humanista Española (ACHE) 

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IAC Education Institute Members

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Additional Education Institutes

IAC Member Centres/Group Practices

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In Spain, the field of counselling is not an independent field. Psychology, on the other hand, has a long history. It was taught at universities in Spain as a branch of philosophy until the 20th century. The cities of Madrid and Barcelona played a major role. Here, psychology was studied both inside and outside the universities and established itself as an applied science. The two cities differed in their psychological focus. While Madrid was primarily concerned with the influence of pedagogy and philosophy, Barcelona was more experimental in terms of natural science. (cf. Erb 2005, p.63ff.). In 1918, the Institute for Vocational Guidance was founded in Barcelona. Here, young people were examined psychologically, socially and medically and assigned to an occupational group accordingly. (cf. ibid. p.103).

Over time, psychotherapy was shaped by many influences. In the 1920s by psychoanalysis, phenomenological psychology and psychiatry in the 1950s, the person-centered approach in the 1970s, and Gestalt therapy in the 1980s and cognitive therapy in the 2000s. (cf. Marín-Martín/Prieto 2015, p.211) Many different directions of psychology, chairs, institutes, journals, professional associations, and societies developed. (cf. Erb 2005, p.255)

In 1991 psychotherapy was recognized as a service in clinics and psychiatric institutions. (cf. Cohen 2002, p.19).

In Spain there is no psychotherapist law, so psychotherapy is not regulated by law. (cf. ibid., p.18) However, the title of psychologist and clinical psychologist is protected by law. The title and the authorization to practice the profession are granted by a council in the Ministry of Health. The official councils of psychologists and physicians are responsible for accrediting training programs and organizing certified examinations for psychologists who specialize in clinical psychology. Furthermore, the councils take care of the accreditation of hospitals and centers that accept trainees. (cf. Van Broeck /Lietaer 2008 p. 57f.) Recognition as a psychologist is granted after successful completion of studies and four years of clinical work under supervision. (Cohen) Psychologists who are registered in the professional association can continue their education in private seminars, workshops or summer schools. (cf. Marín-Martín/Prieto 2015, p.211)

Psychotherapy can only be billed to private health insurance companies in rare cases. Statutory health insurers generally do not pay for psychotherapy. (cf. Cohen 2002, p.19).

• Psychological and Psychopedagogical counselling (Universidad de Alicante)
• Sex and Couple therapy and Advice (Universidad de Alicante)
• Psychological counselling service ((Universitat Pompeu Fabra Carcelona)
• Counselling for Students 
• Systemic Family Therapy (FEATF)
• Addiction Therapy (FEATF)
• Psychosocial Work with Families and Underaged Persons (FEATF)
• Behavioural Disturbances (FEATF)
• Psychic Illness and Depression – Therapy
• The „Universidad de Jaén“ offers the members of the university community counselling for parents and persons with chronic diseases 
• The „Universidad de la Laguna“ offers a unit for mediation and counselling 

In Spain, there is no numerus clausus for psychology studies and the chances to enter the labor market are rather low. The rate of unemployed psychologists is therefore very high. There are comparatively many self-employed psychologists in Spain, since citizens usually pay for psychotherapy themselves. (cf. ibid. 18f.)

After thorough research and review of the literature, no indications of further challenges or trends could be found.

For a deeper exploration of the counselling profession in the country, interested readers are recommended to read the following journal & website articles:

• Erb, A. (2005). On the history of psychology in and between Spain and Germany from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century: aspects of German-Spanish scientific relations. 
• Marín-Martín, C. & Prieto, J.M. (2015) Counseling and Psychotherapy in Spain: Andres’s Story. In: R. Moodley; M. Lengyell; R. Wu & U.P. Gielen. International Counseling. Case Studies Handbook. (S. 211-218) Alexandria: American Counseling Association
• Van Broeck, N. & Lietaer, G. (2008). Psychology and Psychotherapy in Health Care: A Review of Legal Regulations in 17 European Countries. European Psychologist, Vol.13 (1), S.53-63