Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to protect people, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. As a counsellor, I have a professional and ethical responsibility to take safeguarding seriously, both within and outside of the counselling relationship.

Counselling is a confidential space. What you share with me stays between us, and I take that seriously. However, there are circumstances in which I may need to act outside that confidentiality, and I believe you have a right to know what those are before we begin working together.

Confidentiality may be broken, without your consent if necessary, in the following situations:

• —If I believe there is a serious and immediate risk that you may harm yourself or take your own life
• —If I believe there is a risk of serious harm to another person
• —If I receive information that a child or vulnerable adult is being, or is at risk of being, abused or neglected
• —If I am required to disclose information by law, for example, under the Terrorism Act or Proceeds of Crime Act

Wherever possible, I will discuss any such concerns with you before taking action. My intention is always to work with you, not around you.

Alder & Ash Counselling currently works with adults aged 18 and over. If during our work together I receive information that suggests a child is at risk of harm, I am legally and professionally obligated to refer that concern to the appropriate authority, regardless of confidentiality.

As part of responsible counselling practice, I attend regular clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor. Safeguarding concerns are among the matters that may be discussed in supervision. Your name and identifying details are not shared unless disclosure is required by law or professional duty.

If you are worried about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, whether or not it relates to our counselling work, the following organisations can help:

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also contact the Samaritans at any time on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

If you have any questions about this safeguarding statement, or if you want to discuss anything in it before we begin working together, please get in touch: