The legal process concerning the UWE Bristol training has ended, Valvira's previous decisions remained in force – The Finnish Supervisory Agency has instructed applicants

On 21 April 2026, the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland rejected the applications for leave to appeal concerning the Solution Focused Therapy education carried out in cooperation between the Helsinki Institute of Psychotherapy (HPI) and the University of the West of England Bristol (UWE Bristol). Previous negative decisions by Valvira will remain in force, and the education does not justify the use of the occupational title of psychotherapist in Finland. The Finnish Supervisory Agency has been in contact with those applicants whose case is still pending and has instructed them on how to proceed.

As a result of the decisions, Valvira's previous policy will remain in force: Education organised in cooperation by the Helsinki Institute of Psychotherapy and the University of the West of England does not justify the use of the occupational title of psychotherapist in Finland. 

The education was compared to Finnish psychotherapist education and the skills required for it. The comparison found that, in particular, patient work guidance and educational psychotherapy differed significantly from the Finnish educational model. Therefore, the education was not considered to meet the requirements of Finnish psychotherapist education, and the occupational title of psychotherapist could not be awarded to those who had completed the education. The matter has been dealt with by several courts, and with the decision of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland, the legal process in this regard has ended. 

"The decision brings much-needed clarity and is important for the legal protection of applicants," says the Head of Unit Jussi Holmalahti.

The Finnish Supervisory Agency has been in contact with the applicants 

Some of the applicants have been waiting for the end of the legal process before proceeding. These pending applications can now continue to be processed. The Finnish Supervisory Agency has provided applicants with information on the clarification of the legal situation and the further processing of their applications. 

Inquiries 

Head of Unit Jussi Holmalahti,  
Department of Social and Health Care, social welfare registrations and permits,  
+358 (0)295 525 5151 
Available on 17–18 June and 6–17 July.

Head of Group Kiira Heiskanen-Ojala, +358 (0)295 254 309 
Available from 22 June to 3 July.

[email protected]