Professional accreditation
Become an Accredited Partner
College of Identity Partnership and Substance Use Practitioners (CIPSUP)
Identity Partnership is a practice‑embedded, relational, identity‑centred approach that works at the intersection of identity, lifestyle, and substance use. It treats identity formation, identity rupture, and identity recalibration as the primary site of change, rather than seeing substance use in isolation.
The closest equivalents in the marketplace are parts‑based work (e.g. IFS), pluralistic counselling, recovery coaching, and humanistic therapy. However, none of these combine identity partnership with structured lifestyle evaluation and alignment, nor with a dedicated pathway like ILEAP. In that sense, the Identity & Lifestyle Evaluation & Alignment Pathway is a unique flagship offering.
Accreditation through CIPSUP recognises practitioners who can work competently within Identity Partnership and substance use practice, with reflective depth and ethical clarity. Accreditation is available at four levels.
Member of the College
This is the core accreditation level. Members are recognised Identity Partners who have completed ILEAP (Identity & Lifestyle Evaluation & Alignment Pathway), demonstrated reflective and ethical competence, and met the agreed practice, observation, and supervision requirements.
MCIPSUP imports Identity Partner accreditation without the need for additional post‑nominals. Practitioners who already hold a recognised coaching or therapy accreditation (for example ICF, AC, EMCC, BACP, NMCN, ACPPH or equivalent) may be eligible for fast‑track entry to MCIPSUP. Fast‑track applicants must still complete ILEAP and meet the observation and supervision requirements.
Student of the College
For individuals beginning their Identity Partnership journey. Students are engaged in learning, observation, and introductory practice, often as part of or alongside ILEAP. This category suits those exploring the modality or preparing for formal accreditation.
Fellow of the College
Fellowship is awarded to experienced practitioners who demonstrate advanced practice, contribution to the development of Identity Partnership, and sustained engagement with supervision and CPD. Fellows may support training, supervision, and reflective practice within the College.
Associate of the College
Associates are recognised specialists with external expertise in a specific domain such as trauma, substance use, neurodivergence, bereavement, postpartum, menopause, or related areas. Associates may continue to work through their own practice while being available to Identity Partners as specialist contributors.
Accreditation pathway
Accreditation normally requires:
- Completion of ILEAP – Identity & Lifestyle, Evaluation & Alignment Pathway
- Observation of a defined number of hours of a Member or Fellow's practice
- Supervised hours of the applicant's own practice
CIPSUP recognises prior learning and external accreditation. Practitioners with existing coaching or therapy credentials may be eligible for accelerated entry, subject to meeting the ILEAP, observation, and supervision requirements.
Full assessment criteria, competency framework, training pathway, supervision requirements, and CPD structure are available on request.