The Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists in Manitoba
OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC
FACT-MB is working towards the regulation of
Counselling Therapists/Psychotherapists in Manitoba
Breaking News!
On Friday, September 12, 2025, we received notification from Neil Duboff, Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Council (HPAC), that HPAC has completed their review of our application for regulation (submitted in May 2021). HPAC has now submitted its report with recommendations to the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care. That report is now ‘under active consideration” by the Minister’s Office.
Why Regulation?
There is currently no process to regulate the educational/continuing competency standards and requirements for practitioners in counselling therapy. This poses a significant risk of emotional, psychological and spiritual harm to Manitobans. If a person practicing in this field is not a voluntary member of an association, there are no means to investigate formal complaints, or administer correction or discipline for those who engage in incompetent, unethical, or impaired practice, placing the public and consumers at considerable risk. Further, since membership in a professional association is voluntary and not a legislated requirement to practice counselling therapy in Manitoba, a practitioner may avoid ethical accountability by simply surrendering their voluntary membership and continuing to practice. Due to the complex knowledge and competencies required by this profession, it is recommended that counselling therapists become regulated to protect the clients and public from harm.
FACT-Manitoba is a collective of counselling professionals working together to support the well-being of all communities across Manitoba. We are committed to creating a regulatory body that upholds safe, ethical, and accountable counselling practices. In partnership with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, BIPOC, and other underrepresented groups, we strive to ensure that counselling services are inclusive, culturally safe, and accessible, rooted in respect, understanding, and the diverse strengths of the people we serve.
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that we are in Treaty 1 and 2 territory and that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, the Birthplace of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Nation Homeland. Our drinking water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Questions? Contact us.
For more information about our efforts to regulate Counselling Therapy in Manitoba or how to get involved, please contact factmbchair@gmail.com