1. Purpose of This PolicyThis policy outlines how Jill Neilson identifies, manages, and responds to risk within the counselling context. It is designed to protect the wellbeing and safety of clients, the therapist, and others, in line with UK legislation, professional codes of ethics, and good practice.
This policy aligns with the ethical guidelines of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA). 2. ScopeThis policy applies to all counselling sessions, whether delivered in person, online, or by phone, and to all clients, including individuals, children and young people, couples, groups and families engaging with the service. 3. Types of Risk Considered- Risk to self – e.g. suicidal thoughts, self-harm - Risk to others – e.g. threats or acts of violence - Safeguarding concerns – e.g. abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults - Mental health deterioration – e.g. psychosis, trauma responses - Environmental risks – e.g. lone working, online safety - Legal/ethical risks – e.g. disclosures of criminal activity - Relational risk – e.g. domestic abuse, coercive control in couples work 4. Risk Assessment ProcessClients are asked about risk during the initial assessment and review points. Risk is also monitored on an ongoing basis during therapy.
Where appropriate, a formal risk assessment may be conducted and documented (e.g. where there is active suicidal ideation).
For online therapy, risk is assessed with additional consideration of location, privacy, access to support, and technological issues.
For work with children and young people, risk may be assessed in relation to developmental stage, home environment, and third-party involvement (e.g. parents, carers).
In couples counselling, relational risk such as emotional abuse or control is assessed at the outset and monitored throughout. 4. Responding to RiskWhere risk is identified, we may take the following steps: - Discussion with the client to explore the nature and level of risk. - Developing a safety plan collaboratively with the client. - Consultation with supervisor if unsure of appropriate action. - Contacting GP, school staff, social work, or other relevant services with or without client consent (depending on consent urgency, context and legal obligations). - Calling emergency services if there is immediate danger.
In online therapy, location must be confirmed in case emergency services need to be contacted. 5. Confidentiality and ExceptionsAll client information is confidential except in situations where: - There is risk of serious harm to the client or others - There is a safeguarding concern (e.g. child or adult protection) - Disclosure is required by law (e.g. terrorism, money laundering) - The client gives explicit written consent
Clients, including children where appropriate, are informed of these limits to confidentiality at the start of therapy. For children, this is discussed in an age-appropriate way and with parent/carer involvement as required. 6. Lone Working and Therapist SafetyAs a therapist, I take the following steps to ensure safety: - Working in secure environments (e.g. private therapy space or encrypted online platforms) - For lone working: notifying a designated contact before/after sessions - Keeping emergency contact details for clients and myself easily accessible - Being aware of signs of escalating risk in remote work.
7. Record KeepingRisk discussions and actions taken are recorded in the client’s notes in a clear, factual, and non-judgmental way. Records are kept securely and in line with GDPR regulations.
For children and couples, records are maintained with consideration of confidentiality and access rights (e.g. parental responsibility or requests for joint notes). 8. Key Contacts and Emergency Resources Emergency Services (UK): 999 (immediate danger) NHS 24 (non-emergency help): 111 Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
9. Review and UpdatesThis policy will be reviewed annually or after any serious incident, and updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation, clinical practice, or service provision.
It will continue to be guided by the ethical frameworks of UKCP, BACP, and COSCA.
This policy was last reviewed on 10th January 2025.