The Bowen Forum (UK)

[FAQs from Therapists]

Frequently Asked Questions

From therapists:

1 . What is The Bowen Forum?

2. How can I become a member of The Bowen Forum?

3. What is the benefit of regulation, and how can it be achieved?

4. I practice several therapies – will I have to be on a register for all of them?

5. What is PFIH and who funds them?

6. How can I find out more?

7. How can I help?

Q. What is The Bowen Forum?

The Bowen Forum is the umbrella organisation that was established jointly by the professional associations representing Bowen therapists in the UK. The members of the Bowen Forum are the Bowen Association UK (BAUK), and the Bowen Therapists’ European Register (BTER). The aims of the Forum are:

to set up a system of voluntary self-regulation of Bowen therapists in the UK, for the better protection of the public;
to enable the main Practitioner Associations in the UK to work together;
to work to produce common standards in practice and education;
to provide a forum for open communication links to develop the practice of Bowen in the future.

[Back to list of questions]

Q. How can I become a member of The Bowen Forum?

Individual therapists cannot become members of The Bowen Forum. The only Full Members are the two membership organisations for Bowen Therapists, BA(UK), and BTER. However, any individual therapist is welcome to attend and participate in the general meetings of The Bowen Forum, and can participate in any consultations.

[Back to list of questions]

Q. What is the benefit of regulation, and how can it be achieved.

Please refer to the Regulation section of the website.

[Back to list of questions]

Q. I practice several therapies – will I have to be on a register for all of them?

This is a voluntary system of regulation, and so it is not necessary to be on the register. However, members of the public will be encouraged to used a registered therapist, and so being on the register will represent best practice. One of the reasons that the Bowen Forum supports a federal structure is that it is more efficient to register for all therapies under the same regulatory body. However, please note that registering as a Bowen practitioner is not sufficient to cover all other therapies practised, and it will be necessary to register separately for each (though at a reduced fee for additional therapies).

[Back to list of questions]

Q. What is PFIH and who funds them?

The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was formed in 1997 at the personal initiative of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The Foundation aims to facilitate the development of safe, effective and efficient forms of healthcare to patients and their families by supporting the development and delivery of integrated healthcare. This means encouraging conventional and complementary practitioners to work together to integrate their approaches. The Foundation acts as a forum to promote and support discussion and as a centre for driving forward the integrated healthcare agenda. Following the House of Lords’ Select Committee report in 2000 it has taken the lead in assisting complementary therapies to find their way through all the requirements of the report. The Foundation’s Regulation Programme is currently funded by the Department of Health.

[Back to list of questions]

Q. How can I find out more?

Please refer to our links page.

[Back to list of questions]

Q. How can I help?

If you wish to help the Bowen Forum, or if you have any questions which you think should be included in this section, please e-mail them to info@bowenforum.org.uk

[Back to list of questions]