We are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of individual competency and professional integrity throughout the applied psychology-based helping professions.
For far too long, the profound insights of psychology and the timeless wisdom of the ages have been locked within the walls of academic institutions. These ideas have trickled into society only through the narrow lenses of authority figures, bestselling authors, and self-appointed mental health institutions.
At SoMAP, we are here to ensure that psychological wisdom is accessible and comprehensible to all who seek to understand it. We define suitable accreditation criteria for applied psychology professionals and training organizations dedicated to teaching their communities how to apply psychological knowledge.
Since 2023, the Society of Modern Applied Psychology has been working hard to define new standards of competence and professional integrity across the psychological disciplines. We are committed to cultivating a society where our accredited members both meet and exceed the highest standards in the field.
An unwavering devotion to excellent personal and professional conduct is at the epicentre of our mission to directly improve learning outcomes for the learning communities we serve. By defining new benchmarks of professional integrity and competency, we have redefined what accreditation must stand for in the field
SoMAP distinguishes itself from the typical ‘tick box’ accreditation processes used by many traditional institutions. We believe that applied psychology is about improving lives, not just meeting arbitrary benchmarks. With a focus on professional integrity and experiential competency, we deliver authentic accreditation that reflects true expertise.
Our process is grounded in real-world applicability and pragmatism. By prioritizing hands-on experience, we ensure our members are equipped to embody the disciplines of applied psychology in diverse settings. Every step of our process is designed to cultivate technical skills, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and an empathetic approach to human behavior.
This dynamic and adaptive framework equips our members to excel in their careers while consistently meeting and exceeding the demands of today’s complex social environments. This commitment to collective growth empowers our members to stay ahead of emerging trends, ensuring they maintain relevance and deliver impactful results in their practice.
Founded in 2023, SoMAP brings together centuries of collective expertise in applying psychology to help people live more effective lives. As an advocate for the power of harnessing psychological wisdom, we represent applied psychology, Achology practitioners, and the broader psychological community. We are united by a passion for psychology’s ability to enrich lives and positively shape society.
Explore our list of members and discover who has earned SoMAP accreditation in our official SoMAP member register:
Why not check out our code of ethics training course – it’s possible the most engaging of its nature in the world!
Discover the current members of the SoMAP advisory board, all of whom volunteer their time and expertise to serve in these roles.
To clarify, psychology was originally founded to explore the complexities of the human mind and uncover the factors that shape human behavior. In recent decades, other self-proclaimed authority groups, and other psychological societies, have allocated significant resources towards medical research, physical illnesses (Covid-19), brain disorders, and even sociological trends.
Any society that fails to recognize the distinction between the human brain, a tangible organ, and the human mind, the intangible source of thoughts and emotions, is unqualified to align itself with the field of psychology. Understanding this difference is essential to the study of human behavior and mental processes, and ignoring it undermines the very foundation of psychological practice.
Furthermore, trends like cuddle, breathing and art therapy blur the lines of focus within psychology, leading to public misconceptions about the core mission of SoMAP. Unlike other society groups, SoMAP maintains its dedication to sensible, pragmatic applications of psychology, emphasizing the betterment of individual well-being through actionable psychological wisdom.
Our intention is not to discredit other groups within the field of psychological practice but to clarify where we stand on this matter. Psychology, at its very core, should enlighten its learners in matters of the mind, and foster self-awareness within individuals. It is neither medicinal nor sociological; rather, it is purely ideological. By its very nature, psychology cannot ever be an empirical science.
The true power of psychology lies not in its fascinating theories, but in its ability to modify people’s outlooks upon life. Knowledge without application holds little value. That’s why we focus on transforming psychological insights into actionable steps that leave a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Every month, new members join the Achology Applied Psychology Academy and embark on their journey toward accreditation. Our community thrives on a shared commitment to personal growth and excellence. Interested in learning more about our accreditation process? Take a closer look and discover it for yourself.
The Society of Modern Applied Psychology partners with the directory of certified and accredited Achologists (WiserPeople.com). This directory highlights individuals who exemplify competence, integrity, and dedication throughout their CPD member journey with The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology.
SOMAP is committed to ensuring that partners within our network not only uphold the highest standards of practice and ethical conduct but also actively contribute to the advancement of applied psychology. Our priority is to strengthen the quality of services provided and promote trust within the broader community we serve.
Psychology has faced criticism for its replication crisis, where many studies fail to produce consistent results, undermining reliability. It often focuses heavily on Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) populations, limiting its global applicability. The field has also struggled with integrating subjective human experiences into measurable frameworks, sometimes overly reducing complex behaviors to simplistic diagnostic models.
Ethical concerns have arisen from historical experiments that caused harm, damaging trust. Additionally, traditional psychology has historically lacked interdisciplinary collaboration, which could otherwise offer richer insights into human behavior. These limitations underscore the need for a more inclusive, replicable, and ethically grounded approach to psychological research.
Psychology has succeeded as a field by offering insights into human motivation and behavior, helping people to better understand themselves. It has uncovered the factors that drive decision-making, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics. For example, concepts like cognitive biases and emotional IQ provide clarity on why we act or feel a certain way in specific situations. This self-awareness equips people to make informed choices, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Additionally, psychology has translated these insights into tools for personal growth and discovery. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness stem from psychological research, equipping individuals with strategies to address challenges and achieve goals. By bridging science and application, psychology not only advances understanding of the human mind but also offers tangible benefits, guiding people toward greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Applied psychology emphasizes practical applications of psychological knowledge to foster personal growth and empowerment. Instead of focusing solely on diagnosing individuals, applied psychology leverages insights to develop strategies that help people overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals. By addressing real-world problems and promoting actionable outcomes, it empowers individuals to take charge of their own development and well-being.
In contrast, traditional psychology often prioritizes diagnosing mental health conditions and placing individuals into defined categories. While this approach can aid in understanding and treatment, it has historically risked stigmatizing individuals and fostering dependence on external interventions. Applied psychology shifts the focus toward enlightenment and self-improvement, providing tools that encourage independence and growth rather than reliance on labels or clinical frameworks.
SoMAP)exclusively accredits applied psychology trainings because it aligns with their core belief that all individuals have the capacity to drive their own personal growth and self-improvement. SoMAP recognizes that self-development comes from self-knowledge and insight, not theoretical knowledge. Applied psychology focuses on translating knowledge into real-world application, empowering people to proactively improve their lives through practice, reflection, and action.
By accrediting only applied psychology trainings, SoMAP ensures that its programs prioritize tools that foster self-awareness and growth. The presupposition that people are inherently capable of bettering themselves is central to our philosophy. We know that true transformation occurs through the process of applying knowledge to one’s experiences, rather than simply memorizing concepts. This approach emphasizes actionable learning, helping individuals to achieve self-improvement.
Becoming accredited by SoMAP offers more than just a certification on paper—it’s a recognition of the real-world expertise you’ve developed through dedicated effort and learning. This accreditation signifies that you’ve invested time, energy, and resources into mastering applied psychological practices that make a tangible difference in your field. It’s not just about meeting a standard; it’s about showcasing your commitment to meaningful, hands-on experience and professional growth.
That’s why SoMAP remains in partnership with the Academy of Applied Psychology, ensuring our accreditation aligns with practical, real-world application. Through this collaboration, we emphasize the importance of blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills that have been honed over time. SoMAP accreditation isn’t just a credential—it’s proof of your ability to apply your expertise effectively in real-life scenarios, setting you apart as a trusted professional in applied psychology.
The SoMAP accreditation process is designed to ensure that individuals meet the high standards set by the Academy of Applied Psychology. To be eligible for accreditation, you must be a current student actively enrolled in a relevant program and a registered member of the Academy. This membership demonstrates your commitment to the field of applied psychology and connects you with a professional network dedicated to best practices and ongoing development.
In addition to having a current Achology membership, engaging in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation process is a key requirement. This involves participating in activities that enhance your skills, knowledge, and practical application within the field. By meeting these criteria, you not only gain SoMAP accreditation but also demonstrate your dedication to maintaining high professional standards and advancing your career in applied psychology.
There isn’t a formal process to apply or be appointed to the SoMAP advisory board. Instead, the board is composed of individuals identified and selected by long-serving Master Achologists and current board members. These leaders continually seek out individuals who demonstrate deep knowledge, wisdom, a passion for advancing applied psychology, and a strong commitment to contributing meaningful insights and guidance to the field's growth and development.
If you are interested in contributing to the Society of Modern Applied Psychology in an advisory capacity, the best way to engage is by actively supporting the academy learning community and connecting with board members through your practice and networking events. By showcasing your expertise, passion, and dedication to advancing the field, you may attract the attention of those seeking to refine SoMAP’s processes and further its mission in advancing applied psychology.
Certification and accreditation both relate to standards, but serve different purposes. Certification is the process by which an individual, product, or organization is evaluated and recognized as meeting specific standards or qualifications. This is typically conducted by a third-party body to confirm that certain criteria have been met, such as skills, knowledge, or understanding. For example, a learner might receive certification to demonstrate their expertise in a specific psychology-based discipline.
Accreditation, on the other hand, focuses on the evaluation of organizations, or programs to ensure they meet competence benchmarks. It is a recognition granted by an authoritative body, ensuring that the entity has the processes in place to achieve consistent quality. For instance, certification bodies may undergo accreditation to validate their ability to provide credible certifications. In simple terms, certification applies to people, while accreditation is for the organizations that support them.
SoMAP is a dedicated group of voluntary applied psychologists focused on elevating competency and driving impact across the professional helping industry.
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