Back in 2025, I first became aware of Lou Mason and the fantastic training and support she provides to counsellors, psychotherapists and therapists who are either establishing or already working in private practice. Her commitment to supporting practitioners to build ethical, sustainable practices immediately stood out to me, as did the regular safeguarding training she delivered.

So, when Lou asked whether I would consider working alongside her to develop and deliver safeguarding training specifically for professionals in private practice, I felt both honoured and excited. It was a partnership that felt like a natural fit.

Now, halfway through 2026, we’ve already delivered two successful training days, bringing together practitioners from a range of therapeutic backgrounds who share the same commitment to keeping clients safe.

Why this training is different

Safeguarding training is often viewed as something we have to complete to meet professional requirements. While maintaining knowledge is essential, safeguarding deserves far more than a tick-box approach.

As therapists, counsellors and psychotherapists, we work in a unique context. The relationships we build with clients are different from many other professional settings, and the safeguarding decisions we make are often nuanced, complex and emotionally demanding. Generic safeguarding training doesn’t always reflect these realities.

That’s why we’ve designed this training specifically for professionals working in private practice.

Rather than focusing solely on legislation and referral pathways, we explore what safeguarding actually looks like within the therapeutic relationship.

Because safeguarding doesn’t begin when a safeguarding information is shared.

It starts from the very first contact with a client.

It begins with our contracting process, the questions we ask during assessment and history taking, and the way we communicate our responsibilities around confidentiality and safeguarding from the outset. These foundations create clarity, trust and safety for both client and therapist.

We then explore what happens when concerns arise. Together we consider how to recognise risk, make informed decisions, record concerns accurately, and make appropriate safeguarding referrals. Just as importantly, we look beyond the referral itself.

How do we maintain the therapeutic relationship when we’ve needed to breach confidentiality?

How do we continue to support a client who may feel frightened, angry or uncertain following a safeguarding intervention?

What does it mean to be an effective member of the wider professional network supporting that individual?

These are the conversations that matter.

Bringing safeguarding to life

One of the things I’m most passionate about is making training engaging, practical and relevant. Learning is most powerful when people leave feeling more confident, not simply with a certificate, but with a deeper understanding of how safeguarding applies to their everyday practice.

Throughout the training, we use discussion, real-life scenarios and reflective exercises to encourage practitioners to think critically about the decisions they may face in private practice. We create space for curiosity, questions and professional reflection, recognising that safeguarding is rarely black and white.

Ultimately, safeguarding is about people.

It’s about recognising vulnerability, responding with confidence and compassion, and understanding that our role extends beyond making a referral. As therapists in private practice, we have a responsibility not only to identify concerns but to remain alongside our clients, working collaboratively with other professionals while maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.

I’m incredibly proud of what Lou and I have created together and of the practitioners who’ve joined us so far. The conversations have been thoughtful, the learning has been rich, and the feedback has reinforced just how valuable specialist safeguarding training is for those working in private practice.

I look forward to welcoming many more therapists, counsellors and psychotherapists to future training sessions as we continue to strengthen safeguarding practice across our profession.