Safeguarding

My Responsibility

As a BACP registered psychotherapist (member number 416139), I have a professional and ethical duty to safeguard the welfare of clients and others. This means I take reasonable steps to protect anyone who may be at risk of harm, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

I hold an enhanced DBS check and am registered on the DBS Update Service, which is renewed annually.

What Safeguarding Means in Practice

Safeguarding considerations may arise during the course of therapy. If you disclose something that suggests a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at risk of serious harm, I may be required to act on that information. This could involve sharing information with relevant authorities.

Where possible, I will discuss this with you before taking any action. Breaking confidentiality is always treated as a last resort and is handled with care.

When I May Need to Act

I may need to break confidentiality if:

• A child or young person is at risk of harm or abuse
• A vulnerable adult is at risk of harm or abuse
• There is an immediate risk to your life or the life of another person
• Disclosure is required by law or court order

These situations are rare in practice, but it is important that you understand the limits of confidentiality before we begin working together. For full details, see Confidentiality.

Working With Risk

Many clients I work with are navigating situations involving risk – including those affected by coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse, and institutional harm. I am experienced in working with these issues and take a careful, client-centred approach to risk. I will never take action without considering the potential impact on your safety.

If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services on 999 or see Crisis and Emergency Guidance.

Professional Standards

My safeguarding practice is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and relevant UK legislation including the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. I attend regular clinical supervision where safeguarding considerations are discussed as needed.