Outdoor Therapy Policy | Two Chairs Therapy

Outdoor One-to-One Counselling Policy

Nature-Based Counselling and Walk and Talk Therapy

Practice Name: Two Chairs Therapy

Client Group: Adults aged 18 and over

Policy Effective Date: 20/10/2026

Review Date: 20/10/2027

Version: 1.0

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy explains how I provide safe, professional and ethical one-to-one counselling in outdoor environments.Outdoor counselling, sometimes called Nature-Based Counselling or Walk and Talk Therapy, offers clients the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences while walking or sitting in natural surroundings.

My aim is to provide a safe, supportive, inclusive and respectful therapeutic environment while recognising the additional considerations involved in working outdoors.This policy outlines the responsibilities of both the counsellor and client and explains how potential risks will be assessed and managed.

My practice is informed by the ethical principles of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), alongside relevant UK legislation.

2. Suitability for Outdoor Counselling

Outdoor counselling is available to adults aged 18 and over.

Before beginning outdoor sessions, we will discuss whether this approach is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.Considerations may include:

•Physical health, mobility and accessibility.

•Emotional and psychological well-being.

•Relevant medical conditions.

•Sensory and communication preferences.

•Personal safety and any identified risks.

•Comfort with outdoor environments.

•The suitability of the proposed location.

Outdoor counselling may not be appropriate for everyone or at every stage of therapy.

I reserve the right to recommend an alternative counselling arrangement if I reasonably believe that outdoor sessions cannot be provided safely or appropriately.

Any decision will be discussed sensitively and in accordance with my professional responsibilities.

3. Informed Consent

Before outdoor counselling begins, I will explain the nature of the sessions, the potential benefits and any foreseeable risks.This will include discussing:

•The outdoor location and proposed route.

•Environmental hazards and physical safety.

•Confidentiality in public spaces.

•Weather conditions.

•Emergency procedures.

•Accessibility and individual needs.

•Personal and professional boundaries.

•The responsibilities of both client and counsellor.

Clients will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing informed consent.

Consent will be documented and reviewed where necessary.

Clients may withdraw consent to outdoor counselling at any time, and alternative arrangements can be discussed.

4. Outdoor Locations and Risk Assessments

Outdoor sessions will take place in suitable locations that have been assessed for potential risks.

Before using a location, I will consider:

•Uneven ground, tree roots and trip hazards.

•Slippery pathways, mud, ice and loose stones.

•Roads, cyclists and other path users.

•Water, steep slopes and other natural hazards.

•Animals and wildlife.

•Weather and seasonal changes.

•Accessibility and walking distances.

•Mobile phone reception.

•Emergency vehicle access.

•Privacy and the presence of other people.

•Safe entry and exit points.

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever conditions change.I will assess the immediate environment before and during each session and make adjustments where reasonably necessary.I reserve the right to change a route, location or session arrangement if I consider it unsafe.I am not automatically responsible for accidents or injuries that occur during outdoor counselling sessions where I have taken reasonable care and have not acted negligently.

5. Client Responsibility for Personal Safety

Although reasonable precautions will be taken to reduce foreseeable risks, outdoor environments naturally involve hazards that cannot always be removed.These may include uneven surfaces, tree roots, mud, loose stones, slippery paths, weather changes and unexpected obstacles.Clients are expected to take reasonable care of their own safety during outdoor sessions.This includes:

•Wearing suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

•Being aware of their surroundings.

•Remaining adequately hydrated.

•Taking reasonable care when walking on uneven ground.

•Following agreed routes and safety arrangements.

•Informing me if they feel unsafe, uncomfortable or unwell.

•Asking to stop, rest or change the route when necessary.

•Avoiding unnecessary risks during sessions.

Clients are not expected to continue walking or participate in an activity that feels physically unsafe or unsuitable.I remain responsible for taking reasonable care in planning and providing outdoor counselling.6. Changes to Health, Mobility and Physical Ability

Clients are responsible for informing me, as soon as reasonably possible, of any relevant changes to their physical health, mobility, balance or ability that may affect their safety during outdoor counselling.This may include:

•New injuries or illnesses.

•Changes in mobility or balance.

•Medical conditions affecting outdoor activity.

•Medication side effects that may affect safety.

•Dizziness, fatigue or physical discomfort.

•Changes in the ability to walk or manage uneven ground.

•Any other relevant health or accessibility concerns.

Clients should inform me of these changes before their next session or as soon as they become aware of them.This allows us to review the suitability of the location and make reasonable adjustments where necessary.Clients do not need to disclose their full medical history, only information relevant to the safe provision of outdoor counselling.While clients have a responsibility to share relevant information, I will continue to exercise professional judgement and take reasonable steps to manage foreseeable risks.

Failure to disclose information does not remove my professional duty of care.

7. Slips, Trips, Falls and Accidental Injuries

Outdoor counselling involves walking or spending time in natural environments where accidental injuries may occur.

These may include slips, trips, falls, insect bites, plant contact or other unexpected incidents.

I will take reasonable steps to identify and reduce foreseeable risks through appropriate route selection, risk assessments and ongoing awareness of the environment.

However, it is not possible to guarantee that all accidents can be prevented.

Clients acknowledge that outdoor environments involve natural hazards and agree to take reasonable care of their own safety.If an accident or injury occurs, I will assess the immediate situation, take appropriate action within my competence and contact emergency services where necessary.

Significant incidents will be documented and reviewed.

8. Confidentiality and Privacy Outdoors

Confidentiality remains an essential part of the therapeutic relationship.However, outdoor counselling takes place in public or shared spaces where complete privacy cannot be guaranteed.

Other people may occasionally pass nearby, overhear parts of a conversation or recognise either the client or counsellor.To protect confidentiality:

•Quieter locations will be chosen wherever reasonably possible.

•Conversations may be paused when other people approach.

•We may move to a more private location if appropriate.

•I will not identify you as a client if we encounter someone I know.

•We will discuss how you would prefer to manage encounters with people you know.

•Sensitive conversations may be paused if privacy becomes compromised.

Clients are encouraged to raise concerns about privacy at any time.The usual limits of confidentiality continue to apply, including safeguarding concerns, serious risks of harm and legal obligations.These limits will also be explained in the main counselling agreement.

9. Neurodiversity, Accessibility and Sensory Needs

I aim to provide a neurodiversity-affirming and inclusive counselling environment.I recognise that neurodivergent adults, including autistic people and adults with ADHD, may experience outdoor environments differently.

Some clients may benefit from movement, fresh air and reduced expectations around eye contact. Others may find certain outdoor environments overstimulating.

Sessions can be adapted to consider:

•Sensory sensitivities.

•Noise, light, smells and weather.

•Movement and walking preferences.

•Communication styles.

•Processing time.

•Emotional and sensory regulation.

•Predictability and changes to routes.

•Accessibility and mobility requirements.There is no expectation to maintain eye contact, sit still, mask neurodivergent traits or communicate in a particular way.

Adjustments will be discussed collaboratively and reviewed as needed.

Carers, Personal Assistants and Support WorkersNature-Based Counselling is provided on a one-to-one basis for adults aged 18 and over.I recognise that some clients may require additional support to access outdoor counselling safely and comfortably. This may include assistance from a carer, personal assistant or support worker.I am committed to making reasonable adjustments to support accessibility and inclusion, including for disabled and neurodivergent adults.Attendance During SessionsWhere a client requires additional support, a carer, personal assistant or support worker may be permitted to attend by prior agreement.

This will be considered individually, taking into account:

•The client's wishes, needs and preferences.

•Physical health, mobility and accessibility requirements.

•Communication and sensory needs.

•Emotional well-being and independence.

•Confidentiality and privacy.

•The suitability and safety of the outdoor location.

•The impact of another person's presence on the therapeutic relationship.

The attendance of a support person must be agreed before the session wherever possible.Confidentiality and ConsentThe client remains the focus of the counselling relationship.A carer or support worker will not automatically have access to information discussed during counselling.Before a support person attends, we will agree on their role, whether they will remain present throughout the session and what information, if any, may be shared with them.Where appropriate, the support person will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.I cannot guarantee that a third party will maintain confidentiality, but clear expectations will be established before their attendance.The carer, support worker or personal assistant is responsible for their own safety and health however will be expected to share if they become unwell or unable to continue with a session.

Professional Boundaries

Carers and support workers are expected to respect the client's privacy, independence and therapeutic space.They must not speak on behalf of the client unless this has been agreed as part of their communication support needs.

They must not interfere with the counselling process or attempt to influence what the client chooses to discuss.Where appropriate, a support person may accompany the client to the meeting point, remain nearby or provide practical assistance without participating directly in counselling.

Safety and ResponsibilitiesWhere a carer or support worker attends to provide personal care, mobility assistance or other agreed support, they remain responsible for carrying out those support duties within their role and competence.The counsellor does not provide personal care, lifting, moving and handling, or medical assistance beyond their training and professional responsibilities.

All attendees are expected to follow agreed outdoor safety arrangements.The presence of a carer or support worker does not remove the counsellor's responsibility to take reasonable care.

Right to Review Arrangements

The involvement of a carer or support worker will be reviewed as necessary.If their presence affects confidentiality, safety, professional boundaries or the therapeutic process, we will discuss whether adjustments are needed.I may decline or discontinue a particular attendance arrangement where there are legitimate safety or therapeutic concerns, while considering reasonable adjustments and alternative ways to support the client's access to counselling.

10. Weather Conditions

Outdoor counselling is dependent on suitable weather and environmental conditions.Sessions may be postponed, rearranged or moved to an agreed alternative format if conditions present a safety concern.

This may include:

•Heavy rain or thunderstorms.

•Strong winds.

•Ice, snow or slippery conditions.

•Extreme heat or cold.

•Poor visibility.

•Flooding or unsafe pathways.

•Other environmental hazards.

I will check relevant weather conditions before sessions and make a professional judgement about whether it is safe to proceed.I reserve the right to cancel or change an outdoor session if I consider the conditions unsafe.Where possible, clients will be informed in advance.Any fees or cancellation arrangements will follow the terms of the main counselling agreement.

11. Counsellor Safety and Personal Boundaries

The safety and well-being of the counsellor are equally important during outdoor sessions.All clients are expected to behave respectfully and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

The following behaviours are not acceptable:

•Physical violence or threats.

•Aggressive or intimidating behaviour.

•Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual contact.

•Abusive or threatening language.

•Discriminatory harassment.

•Stalking or persistent unwanted contact.

•Deliberately disregarding agreed safety arrangements.

•Bringing weapons or dangerous items to sessions.I reserve the right to pause, end or discontinue outdoor counselling if I reasonably believe that my safety or the safety of another person is at risk. I share my location with one professional contact when conducting outdoor sessions but do not include details of the client.

Where there is an immediate threat, I may leave the location and contact emergency services.

Any decision to discontinue ongoing counselling will be managed in accordance with professional and ethical responsibilities, as far as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

12. Lone Working and Counsellor Safety Procedures

As outdoor counselling involves working independently, I will follow appropriate lone-working safety procedures.

These may include:

•Using assessed and suitable locations.

•Avoiding unnecessarily isolated areas.

•Carrying a charged mobile phone.

•Checking mobile phone reception.

•Identifying safe exit routes.

•Maintaining access to emergency assistance.

•Providing live location.

•Using a confidential check-in system with a designated trusted person.

•Having an agreed procedure if I do not check in or return at the expected time.

Where a trusted person is involved in lone-working arrangements, only the minimum necessary information will be shared.Clients will be informed of any arrangements that may involve their personal information.

13. Alcohol and Substance Use

Clients are asked not to attend outdoor counselling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.If I reasonably believe that intoxication creates a safety concern, I may decide that the session cannot proceed.I

will consider any immediate welfare or safeguarding concerns before ending the session.

Any cancellation fees will be managed in accordance with the agreed counselling contract.

13. Smoking and Vaping Policy

I recognise that some clients may wish to smoke or vape during outdoor counselling sessions.Smoking and vaping are permitted during sessions where legally allowed, provided they do not compromise safety, the therapeutic relationship or the comfort of others.

The following conditions apply:

•Smoking and vaping must comply with current UK legislation and any local restrictions.

•Clients must respect any no-smoking or no-vaping signs and the rules of the outdoor location.

•Smoking and vaping must not take place where there is a fire risk, including areas of dry vegetation or woodland where restrictions apply.

•Cigarette ends, matches and other smoking-related waste must be disposed of safely and responsibly. Littering is not permitted.

•Clients must be mindful of other people using the outdoor space.

•Smoking and vaping must not expose the counsellor or others to unwanted smoke or vapour.

•If smoking or vaping creates a safety concern or affects the counselling session, I may ask the client to stop, move to a suitable location or take a break.

14. Agreed Routes and Session Boundaries

Outdoor sessions will take place at pre-agreed locations and along suitable routes.

Clients are asked to respect agreed routes and safety arrangements.

Any proposed changes will be discussed before proceeding.

I am not required to enter areas or follow routes that I consider unsafe.

If a client wishes to stop walking, take a break or end the session early, this can be discussed and accommodated safely wherever possible.If a client chooses to leave a session unexpectedly, I will consider any immediate safety or safeguarding concerns and respond appropriately.

15. Unexpected Events, Animals and Members of the Public

Outdoor environments are shared spaces, and unexpected events may occur.

These may include encounters (not limited to) with:

•Dogs or other animals.

•Cyclists or vehicles.

•Members of the public.

•People known to the client or counsellor.

•Individuals behaving inappropriately.

•Unexpected environmental hazards.

If an unexpected event affects safety, confidentiality or the counselling session, we may pause, move to another location or end the session.

Clients should inform me of relevant fears, allergies or sensory concerns relating to animals or outdoor environments.

Clients should not bring pets or other accompanying persons to sessions unless this has been discussed and agreed in advance, with any relevant safety and accessibility considerations addressed.

16. Emotional Distress and Psychological Safety

Outdoor counselling may involve discussing difficult or sensitive experiences.Clients may occasionally experience emotional distress, anxiety, panic, overwhelm or other challenging feelings.

I will respond within my professional competence and consider the client's immediate needs and safety.

Where appropriate, we may:

•Pause the conversation.

•Find somewhere suitable to sit.

•Use agreed grounding or regulation strategies.

•Adjust the session.

•Arrange additional support if necessary.If a serious risk to the client or another person becomes apparent, I will follow appropriate safeguarding and emergency procedures.

Outdoor counselling is not an emergency or crisis service and if there is a risk to safety services may be called.

17. Emergency Procedures

I will maintain appropriate emergency arrangements for outdoor counselling.

These will include:

•Knowing the session location and access points.

•Having a charged mobile phone.

•Knowing how to contact emergency services.

•Identifying suitable access routes for assistance.

•Having relevant emergency contact arrangements where appropriate.

•Maintaining a procedure for responding to accidents, illness or safety incidents.In an emergency, I may contact the police, ambulance or other emergency services by calling 999.

If immediate safety requires it, relevant information may be shared without prior consent where there is a lawful and justified basis.I will share only information that is necessary and proportionate to the situation.Any significant incident will be recorded and reviewed.

18. Right to Pause, Change or End Sessions

I reserve the right to pause, adapt, postpone or end an outdoor session if I reasonably believe that continuing would be unsafe or therapeutically inappropriate.

Reasons may include:

•Unsafe weather or environmental conditions.

•Concerns about physical health.•Significant emotional distress.

•Threatening or inappropriate behaviour.

•Intoxication affecting safety.

•Unexpected third-party incidents.

•Loss of privacy.

•Other significant safety concerns.

Where safe and appropriate, I will explain the decision and discuss alternative arrangements.If an immediate threat arises, I may take necessary action without prior discussion.Any ongoing therapeutic arrangements will be reviewed in accordance with professional responsibilities.

19. Mobile Phones, Photography and Recordings

Mobile phones may be carried during outdoor sessions for safety and emergency purposes.

Counselling conversations must not be audio- or video-recorded by either party without prior discussion and explicit agreement.

Clients are asked not to photograph, film or share images of the counsellor during sessions without permission. However clients are permitted to photograph scenery only. I will not photograph, film or record clients without appropriate informed consent and a clear professional purpose.

Any agreed recordings will be managed in accordance with confidentiality and data protection requirements.

20. Professional Boundaries Outside Sessions

The counselling relationship remains professional during and outside sessions.

If we meet unexpectedly in a public place, I will not approach you or acknowledge you as a client unless you choose to initiate contact.

Any interaction will be managed with consideration for your privacy and confidentiality.

Clients are asked to respect agreed communication arrangements and professional boundaries outside scheduled sessions.

21. Session Arrangements and Cancellations

Sessions will take place at agreed times and locations.

Clients will be informed of the meeting point and any relevant practical arrangements before the session.Sessions will begin and end at the agreed times.

Late arrival will not normally extend the scheduled session.If an outdoor session cannot proceed because of weather, safety concerns or other circumstances, an alternative may be offered where available and appropriate.

Fees, cancellations, rescheduling and missed appointments will be governed by the main counselling agreement.

22. Insurance and Professional Responsibilities

I will maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance and ensure that my insurance arrangements cover the outdoor counselling services I provide.

I will also check that suitable public liability cover is in place for the nature of my outdoor work.I will work within my professional competence and seek appropriate supervision, training and advice when necessary.

Outdoor counselling will only be offered where appropriate safety arrangements and insurance requirements have been considered.

23. Record Keeping and Data Protection

Client records will be maintained securely and confidentially in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation.

Relevant information may include:

•Counselling agreements and informed consent.

•Relevant health and accessibility information.

•Risk assessments.

•Significant changes to session arrangements.

•Safety concerns or incidents.

•Decisions about suitability for outdoor counselling.

Only information necessary for professional, therapeutic, safety or legal purposes will be recorded.Records will be stored and retained in accordance with the practice Privacy Notice and relevant legal and professional requirements.

24. Environmental Responsibility

Outdoor counselling takes place in natural and shared environments.

I will respect wildlife, plants, paths and public spaces and follow applicable access rules.

Clients must respect the environment and avoid actions that may damage natural surroundings or create unnecessary risks.

25. Complaints and Concerns

Clients are encouraged to raise any concerns about outdoor counselling, safety, confidentiality or professional conduct.

Concerns will be taken seriously and responded to in accordance with the practice complaints procedure.Clients will be provided with information about the appropriate professional complaints process where applicable.Raising a concern or complaint will not affect a client's right to fair and respectful treatment.

26. Review of Outdoor Counselling

The suitability of outdoor counselling will be reviewed throughout the therapeutic relationship.

Clients are encouraged to discuss any changes in their needs, preferences, health, accessibility or comfort with outdoor sessions.This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner where necessary because of changes to legislation, professional guidance, insurance requirements or practice arrangements.

27. Toilet Facilities and Personal Needs

As outdoor counselling takes place in natural environments, toilet facilities may not always be available.

Clients are encouraged to use toilet facilities before attending their session where possible.

For reasons of privacy, personal safety, hygiene and respect for the environment, clients are asked not to urinate or defecate in public or natural spaces during sessions.If you need to use the toilet during a session, please let me know. Where possible, we can pause the session so you can access suitable facilities.I understand that some clients may have medical conditions, disabilities or other needs that require more frequent or urgent access to toilet facilities.Please feel comfortable discussing any relevant accessibility needs with me before your session so that we can consider suitable locations and make reasonable adjustments.

28. Client Consent and Acknowledgement of Outdoor Counselling Risks

I confirm that I have read and understood the Outdoor One-to-One Counselling Policy.I understand that outdoor counselling takes place in natural or public environments where certain risks may be present.

I acknowledge and agree that:

•I understand that outdoor environments may include uneven ground, tree roots, slippery surfaces, weather changes and other natural hazards.

•I will take reasonable care of my own safety and well-being during sessions.

•I will wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

•I will inform my counsellor of relevant health, mobility, balance or physical ability concerns.

•I will inform my counsellor of any relevant changes to these circumstances as soon as reasonably possible.

•I will ensure I remain hydrated.

•I will ensure I am ready for the session, including using facilities on site prior to beginning the session if need be.

•I understand that complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in public outdoor spaces.

•I will respect agreed routes, safety arrangements and professional boundaries.

•I understand that sessions may be adapted, postponed or ended if safety concerns arise.

•I understand that my counsellor has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to assess and manage foreseeable risks.

•I understand that accidents may occur despite reasonable precautions.

•I have had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.•I understand that I may withdraw consent to outdoor counselling and discuss alternative arrangements.I understand that signing this acknowledgement does not remove or limit my legal rights, including any rights relating to negligence.I voluntarily agree to participate in outdoor one-to-one counselling under the arrangements described in this policy.

29.

Carers, Personal Assistants and Support Workers

I understand that some clients may need additional support to access outdoor counselling safely and comfortably. This may include support from a carer, personal assistant or support worker.

As my counselling sessions are designed for adults on a one-to-one basis, the attendance of a carer or support worker must be discussed and agreed before the session.

I am happy to consider reasonable adjustments to meet individual needs, including physical disabilities, mobility difficulties, neurodivergence, communication differences and other support requirements.

Where a carer or support worker is present, the following arrangements apply:

Prior agreement: Their attendance and role must be discussed and agreed in advance.
Confidentiality: The client's privacy and confidentiality must be respected. Any information shared with a carer or support worker will require the client's consent or another appropriate lawful basis.
Professional boundaries: Carers and support workers must respect the therapeutic relationship and avoid unnecessary interruptions or involvement in counselling conversations.
Personal care: Carers and support workers remain responsible for providing any agreed personal care, mobility assistance or other support within their role. I do not provide personal care, lifting or moving and handling assistance.
Outdoor safety: Carers and support workers must follow the agreed safety arrangements and take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of the person they support.
Respectful behaviour: All individuals attending sessions are expected to behave respectfully and appropriately.
Reviewing arrangements: If the presence of a carer or support worker affects safety, confidentiality or the counselling process, we may need to review the arrangements.

Where appropriate, a carer or support worker may accompany the client to the meeting point, remain nearby or attend the session to provide necessary support.

I reserve the right to review or decline a particular arrangement where there are reasonable safety, confidentiality or therapeutic concerns. Any decision will take account of my responsibilities to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

My priority is to ensure that clients can access counselling in a way that respects their independence, dignity, individual needs and personal choices, while maintaining a safe and professional therapeutic environment.