The Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP) have today officially raised their objections and called for an official meeting with the Prime Minister, with regards to grave concerns they have in relation to the drafting of a new Bill being tabled in Parliament - backed by the Psychotherapists' Association (MAP)- in view of regularising their profession.

The MCP have ascertained that whilst being in favour of the regularisation of any profession, this Bill not only attempts to regularise the title of the psychotherapist, but is also attempting to regularise the practice of psychotherapy, undeniably threatening to encroach and impede psychologists from practicing psychotherapy freely and without impediment.

The MCP argues that psychologists are also trained practitioners of psychotherapy, as well as other psychological interventions, and should in no way be conditioned on how, when or with whom they practice their specialisation. 

They also feel that this Bill attempts to create a monopoly on roles in the public sector, with the possibility of role descriptions being advertised for the exclusive recruitment of psychotherapists, which would preclude psychologists from applying for these posts - whom are perfectly within their realm and competence to do so. The MCP has already met with Minister Farrugia and subsequently with Minister Falzon post-election, but both meetings proved futile since suggestions were ignored. The Chamber will have no option but to adamantly consider industrial action if their concerns continue to fall on deaf ears.