As I write the first snow of this winter is falling outside reminding me of the approach of midwinter. A time when the world tends to slow down for many of us and we have the opportunity to reflect and relax.

How the last twelve months have flown by and what a busy year this has been for all involved with the European Association for Counselling.

2011 has been a good year for EAC and I want to thank all of my colleagues who make up the Executive committee for their support,help and friendship. This year we have welcomed Sweden, Russia and the UKCP as full National Associations, which is a reflection of the hard work that Lysanne, Tanya & Katy have done in their own countries as we strive to get the recognition throughout Europe that Counselling deserves. Already they bring their valuable experience to contribute to the EAC and we can learn much from each other.

I would like to thank each member for the valuable service you bring to people in your own country who are experiencing distress. Counselling is more than a profession, it is usually a vocation too and through the communications we receive from our members I know that counsellors go on developing to improve awareness, skills and knowledge in order to provide an even greater service.

Through the EAC you can now demonstrate your professional competencies by qualifying for the EAC European Certificate of Counsellor Accreditation ECC (acc) certificate, which is available to all counsellors accredited by their National Association to show their level of achievement in the profession.

We have just launched our European Association Register of Accredited Counsellors and this will be further developed throughout the year. This register will promote EAC accredited counsellors across the world and it is very good method of promoting your services and inclusion on the register is free of charge as part of your membership.

If you hold the ECC(acc) Certificate and would like to appear in the register please send an e-mail to the admin department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for full details.

This next year is a particularly exciting year; we celebrate our 20^th Anniversary through a Conference, COMING OF AGE, to be held at Webster University in Geneva. This is an event that you will not want to miss. There will be excellent Keynote speakers and workshops. Not only will you enhance your knowledge of Counselling but also it will be a great opportunity to network with your colleagues from all around Europe. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our conference in Geneva watch the website throughout the year as details are announced.  The date of the conference is 26^th – 28^th October 2012 make sure you put that date in your new diary as soon as you open it.Places are limited to 100 so if you want a place you will need to book very early.

I look forward to working with you throughout 2012 and know that with your support EAC will grow in its goal of enhancing the career of counselling throughout Europe.

My thoughts are with all of you in this time of crisis in Europe. I know that many of you are adjusting your services and sometimes your fees to aid your clients and to reach out in time of need. May your generosity of spirit bring in its wake love and peacefulness.

. Take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.