Safeguarding Policy

My Commitment to Safeguarding

I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, respectful and confidential counselling environment where every client feels valued, listened to and protected.

The safety, wellbeing and dignity of my clients are at the heart of my counselling practice.

I recognise my responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, children and young people who may be at risk of harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation.

I aim to work in accordance with relevant UK safeguarding legislation and the ethical guidance of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

1. Safeguarding Principles

My approach to safeguarding is guided by the following principles:

Safety: Prioritising the physical and emotional safety of clients.
Respect: Treating everyone with dignity, compassion and without judgement.
Confidentiality: Protecting personal information while recognising that confidentiality has necessary legal and ethical limitations.
Empowerment: Supporting clients to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing and safety.
Prevention: Recognising potential risks and taking appropriate action to prevent harm.
Accountability: Maintaining professional boundaries and acting responsibly when safeguarding concerns arise.

I am committed to providing an inclusive counselling environment where all clients are treated fairly, regardless of their background, identity, beliefs or personal circumstances.

2. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns can arise in many different circumstances and may include:

Physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse.
Domestic abuse, coercive control or exploitation.
Neglect or self-neglect.
Financial abuse or manipulation.
Discrimination, harassment or intimidation.
Risk of serious self-harm or suicide.
Concerns relating to the safety or wellbeing of children or vulnerable adults.
Situations where an individual may be at risk of significant harm from themselves or others.

I recognise that safeguarding concerns may not always be immediately apparent and that clients may find it difficult to discuss experiences of abuse, harm or exploitation.

I aim to respond to any concerns with sensitivity, compassion and professionalism.

3. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

Confidentiality is an essential part of the counselling relationship, allowing clients to feel safe when discussing personal and sensitive experiences.

I respect and protect client confidentiality in accordance with professional ethical standards and data protection legislation.

However, confidentiality is not absolute.

There may be exceptional circumstances where I need to share relevant information with appropriate professionals or authorities, including:

Where there is a serious risk of harm to a client or another person.
Where there are safeguarding concerns involving a child or an adult at risk.
Where disclosure is required by law or a valid court order.
Where there is another lawful and ethically justified reason for sharing information to protect someone's safety.

Wherever possible and appropriate, I will discuss any concerns with you before sharing information and seek your consent.

However, there may be circumstances where seeking consent is not possible or appropriate, particularly where doing so could increase the risk of harm.

Only information that is necessary and proportionate to the safeguarding concern will be shared.

4. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises during counselling, I will respond in a calm, sensitive and professional manner.

Where appropriate, I will:

Listen carefully and take the concern seriously.
Consider any immediate risks to the client or others.
Discuss possible safeguarding actions with the client where safe and appropriate.
Seek guidance through professional supervision or relevant safeguarding services where necessary.
Contact appropriate safeguarding authorities or emergency services where justified.
Maintain accurate, factual and confidential records of the concern, decisions made and any actions taken.

I will always aim to involve clients in decisions affecting them wherever possible, while recognising that safeguarding responsibilities may sometimes require action without their consent.

5. Working with Adults at Risk

I recognise that some adults may be at increased risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation due to their circumstances or care and support needs.

My safeguarding approach is informed by the principles of the Care Act 2014, where applicable.

I will respect each adult's rights, independence, choices and capacity to make their own decisions.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, I will consider the person's wishes, the level of risk and any relevant legal or professional responsibilities before deciding on appropriate action.

Where necessary, concerns may be referred to the relevant local authority adult safeguarding team or other appropriate services.

6. Safeguarding Children and Young People

Although my counselling practice may primarily support adults, I recognise that safeguarding concerns involving children and young people may arise during counselling sessions.

If information is disclosed that suggests a child or young person may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or significant harm, I will consider my safeguarding responsibilities and take appropriate action.

This may include seeking advice or making a referral to local authority children's services or the police where necessary.

The safety and welfare of the child will be a primary consideration.

7. Professional Boundaries and Ethical Practice

I am committed to maintaining clear and appropriate professional boundaries throughout the counselling relationship.

I recognise the importance of creating a therapeutic environment free from exploitation, discrimination, inappropriate behaviour or abuse of trust.

I will practise within the limits of my professional competence and seek additional guidance, training or supervision where appropriate.

My professional practice is informed by the ethical standards of BACP and NCPS.

8. Professional Supervision

Professional supervision is an important part of maintaining safe and ethical counselling practice.

I engage in appropriate professional supervision to reflect on my work, maintain professional standards and support responsible decision-making.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, I may discuss relevant information within supervision, taking appropriate steps to protect client confidentiality.

Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, I will not delay necessary safeguarding action while awaiting supervision.

9. Record Keeping and Data Protection

Any safeguarding concerns, decisions or actions will be recorded accurately, securely and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Safeguarding records will be handled sensitively, with access restricted to those who have a legitimate reason to receive the information.

Further information about how personal data is collected, stored and protected can be found in my Privacy Policy.

10. Emergency and Crisis Support

Counselling sessions are not an emergency or crisis intervention service, and I am unable to provide immediate support outside agreed appointment times.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need urgent support, you can contact:

NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option, where available in England.
Samaritans: Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day.
Your GP: Contact your GP for additional support or referral to appropriate mental health services.
Emergency services: Call 999 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.

You do not need to wait until your next counselling appointment to seek urgent help.

11. Reviewing This Policy

I am committed to reviewing my safeguarding knowledge, procedures and professional responsibilities regularly.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, safeguarding guidance or professional requirements.

Last reviewed: 20th October 2026

Next review: 20th June 2026

Practice name: Two Chairs Therapy

Contact email: two_chairs_therapy@outlook.com

Safeguarding Policy

My Commitment to Safeguarding

I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, respectful and confidential counselling environment where every client feels valued, listened to and protected.

The safety, wellbeing and dignity of my clients are at the heart of my counselling practice.

I recognise my responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, children and young people who may be at risk of harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation.

I aim to work in accordance with relevant UK safeguarding legislation and the ethical guidance of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

1. Safeguarding Principles

My approach to safeguarding is guided by the following principles:

Safety: Prioritising the physical and emotional safety of clients.

Respect: Treating everyone with dignity, compassion and without judgement.

Confidentiality: Protecting personal information while recognising that confidentiality has necessary legal and ethical limitations.

Empowerment: Supporting clients to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing and safety.

Prevention: Recognising potential risks and taking appropriate action to prevent harm.

Accountability: Maintaining professional boundaries and acting responsibly when safeguarding concerns arise.

I am committed to providing an inclusive counselling environment where all clients are treated fairly, regardless of their background, identity, beliefs or personal circumstances.

2. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns can arise in many different circumstances and may include:

Physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse.

Domestic abuse, coercive control or exploitation.

Neglect or self-neglect.

Financial abuse or manipulation.

Discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

Risk of serious self-harm or suicide.

Concerns relating to the safety or wellbeing of children or vulnerable adults.

Situations where an individual may be at risk of significant harm from themselves or others.

I recognise that safeguarding concerns may not always be immediately apparent and that clients may find it difficult to discuss experiences of abuse, harm or exploitation.

I aim to respond to any concerns with sensitivity, compassion and professionalism.

3. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

Confidentiality is an essential part of the counselling relationship, allowing clients to feel safe when discussing personal and sensitive experiences.

I respect and protect client confidentiality in accordance with professional ethical standards and data protection legislation.

However, confidentiality is not absolute.

There may be exceptional circumstances where I need to share relevant information with appropriate professionals or authorities, including:

Where there is a serious risk of harm to a client or another person.

Where there are safeguarding concerns involving a child or an adult at risk.

Where disclosure is required by law or a valid court order.

Where there is another lawful and ethically justified reason for sharing information to protect someone's safety.

Wherever possible and appropriate, I will discuss any concerns with you before sharing information and seek your consent.

However, there may be circumstances where seeking consent is not possible or appropriate, particularly where doing so could increase the risk of harm.

Only information that is necessary and proportionate to the safeguarding concern will be shared.

4. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises during counselling, I will respond in a calm, sensitive and professional manner.

Where appropriate, I will:

Listen carefully and take the concern seriously.

Consider any immediate risks to the client or others.

Discuss possible safeguarding actions with the client where safe and appropriate.

Seek guidance through professional supervision or relevant safeguarding services where necessary.

Contact appropriate safeguarding authorities or emergency services where justified.

Maintain accurate, factual and confidential records of the concern, decisions made and any actions taken.

I will always aim to involve clients in decisions affecting them wherever possible, while recognising that safeguarding responsibilities may sometimes require action without their consent.

5. Working with Adults at Risk

I recognise that some adults may be at increased risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation due to their circumstances or care and support needs.

My safeguarding approach is informed by the principles of the Care Act 2014, where applicable.

I will respect each adult's rights, independence, choices and capacity to make their own decisions.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, I will consider the person's wishes, the level of risk and any relevant legal or professional responsibilities before deciding on appropriate action.

Where necessary, concerns may be referred to the relevant local authority adult safeguarding team or other appropriate services.

6. Safeguarding Children and Young People

Although my counselling practice may primarily support adults, I recognise that safeguarding concerns involving children and young people may arise during counselling sessions.

If information is disclosed that suggests a child or young person may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or significant harm, I will consider my safeguarding responsibilities and take appropriate action.

This may include seeking advice or making a referral to local authority children's services or the police where necessary.

The safety and welfare of the child will be a primary consideration.

7. Professional Boundaries and Ethical Practice

I am committed to maintaining clear and appropriate professional boundaries throughout the counselling relationship.

I recognise the importance of creating a therapeutic environment free from exploitation, discrimination, inappropriate behaviour or abuse of trust.

I will practise within the limits of my professional competence and seek additional guidance, training or supervision where appropriate.

My professional practice is informed by the ethical standards of BACP and NCPS.

8. Professional Supervision

Professional supervision is an important part of maintaining safe and ethical counselling practice.

I engage in appropriate professional supervision to reflect on my work, maintain professional standards and support responsible decision-making.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, I may discuss relevant information within supervision, taking appropriate steps to protect client confidentiality.

Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, I will not delay necessary safeguarding action while awaiting supervision.

9. Record Keeping and Data Protection

Any safeguarding concerns, decisions or actions will be recorded accurately, securely and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Safeguarding records will be handled sensitively, with access restricted to those who have a legitimate reason to receive the information.

Further information about how personal data is collected, stored and protected can be found in my Privacy Policy.

10. Emergency and Crisis Support

Counselling sessions are not an emergency or crisis intervention service, and I am unable to provide immediate support outside agreed appointment times.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need urgent support, you can contact:

NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option, where available in England.

Samaritans: Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day.