Safeguarding
Creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
At Cite-Therapy, your wellbeing is always my priority. Therapy should be a place where you feel safe, respected and supported as you explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences.
While counselling is based on confidentiality, I also have a professional and legal responsibility to act where there are serious concerns about someone’s safety or welfare. This is known as safeguarding.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the process of protecting children, young people and adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or significant harm.
As a counsellor, I have a duty to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of my clients and others who may be affected by the information shared during therapy.
Safeguarding responsibilities form part of professional counselling practice and are guided by UK legislation and the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
My approach to safeguarding
I believe safeguarding should always be approached with care, compassion and respect.
If a safeguarding concern arises, my first priority is to consider how best to protect the person involved while maintaining honesty and transparency wherever possible.
Whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so, I will discuss any concerns with you before taking further action.
When safeguarding action may be necessary
Although situations requiring safeguarding are uncommon, action may be needed if there are concerns that:
- A child is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect.
- A vulnerable adult is experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- Someone is at immediate risk of serious harm.
- There is information suggesting a significant risk to another person.
- Disclosure is required by law or professional guidance.
Each situation is considered carefully and individually, with the aim of protecting those at risk while respecting everyone’s dignity and rights.
Working together
Therapy works best when there is openness and trust.
If safeguarding concerns arise during our work together, I will aim to involve you in any decisions wherever possible and appropriate.
There may be occasions where I am legally or ethically required to share information without your consent in order to protect someone from serious harm.
These situations are rare, and only the minimum necessary information would be shared with the appropriate services or authorities.
Children and young people
Although Cite-Therapy primarily provides counselling for adults, I have a professional duty to respond appropriately if information is disclosed suggesting that a child or young person may be at risk of significant harm.
In these circumstances, I may need to contact the relevant safeguarding services in accordance with UK safeguarding legislation and professional guidance.
Adults at risk
Safeguarding responsibilities also extend to adults who may be unable to protect themselves because of illness, disability, age or other circumstances.
If I believe an adult is experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation and is unable to protect themselves, appropriate safeguarding procedures may need to be followed.
Professional responsibility
As part of maintaining safe and ethical practice, I regularly engage in:
- Clinical supervision
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Regular safeguarding training
- Ongoing review of professional guidance and legislation
This helps ensure my practice remains safe, ethical and in line with current professional standards.
Confidentiality and safeguarding
Safeguarding and confidentiality work together.
Everything discussed in therapy remains confidential unless there is a legal or ethical responsibility to share information in order to protect someone from serious harm.
Wherever possible, I will always explain the reasons for any action taken and involve you in the process.
You can find more information on the Confidentiality page.