In line with UK safeguarding law, BACP guidance, EMDR UK & Ireland and BABCP professional standards, confidentiality may also be broken if information suggests:

• Safeguarding concerns involving children, vulnerable adults, or other protected individuals
• Ongoing or imminent abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Forced marriage
• Serious criminal activity that poses a risk of significant harm, including drug trafficking
• Terrorism or activities linked to national security risks

Where possible and appropriate, your therapist will aim to discuss any concerns with you first and involve you in the process. However, if doing so would increase risk, disclosure may occur without prior discussion.

Any breach of confidentiality will be:
• Proportionate
• Limited to relevant information only
• Shared solely with appropriate safeguarding bodies, statutory services, or authorities

All decisions are made within supervision and in line with professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities.

​

​

International Clinical Practice, Access & Governance Framework

​

Providing Specialist Trauma-Informed, Intersectional and GSRD-Affirmative Psychological Care Across Borders

​

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: March 2026

Review Date: July 2027

Owner: Fighting Fear Ltd

Approved by: Clinical Director

​

Document Status

This document forms part of Fighting Fear's Clinical Governance Framework and should be read alongside:

• Clinical Governance Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

• Data Protection Policy

• Confidentiality Policy

• Risk Management Policy

• Client Therapy Agreement

• Complaints Procedure

 

Contents

1. Purpose

2. About Fighting Fear

3. Our Philosophy

4. Our Clinical Model

5. Why International Practice Matters

6. Commitment to Accessible Care

7. Scope

8. Definitions

 

1. Purpose

This policy explains how Fighting Fear provides psychological services to individuals located outside the United Kingdom.

It outlines the principles that guide our international work, the responsibilities of both Fighting Fear and our clients, and the governance arrangements that support safe, ethical and professionally accountable practice.

 

The purpose of this policy is not to restrict access to care. Rather, it is to ensure that access is provided responsibly, transparently and in accordance with professional standards.

As a specialist organisation,

 

Fighting Fear recognises that many individuals seek psychological support outside their country of residence because appropriate services are unavailable, inaccessible or perceived as unsafe. This policy reflects our commitment to increasing access to specialist psychological care while maintaining high standards of clinical governance.

 

2. About Fighting Fear

Fighting Fear is a UK-based specialist psychotherapy, counselling and wellbeing organisation.

 

We provide evidence-informed psychological support to individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity-related distress, minority stress, shame, burnout and relationship difficulties.

 

Our organisation specialises in working with individuals whose experiences are shaped by intersecting aspects of identity, including sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship diversity, race, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, religion, culture, migration and other lived experiences.

 

Our work combines evidence-based psychological therapies with an understanding of social context, structural inequality and the impact these can have on mental health.

 

Alongside clinical services, Fighting Fear provides professional training, clinical supervision, consultation, research, community education and therapist development.

 

3. Our Philosophy

At Fighting Fear we believe psychological distress does not occur in isolation.

Mental health is influenced not only by thoughts, emotions and behaviour but also by relationships, communities, culture, discrimination, trauma, identity, power and social context.

 

For this reason our work is guided by three interconnected principles.

 

Trauma-Informed

We recognise the widespread impact of trauma and understand how traumatic experiences affect emotional regulation, relationships, identity, physical health and wellbeing.

​

Rather than asking "What is wrong with you?" we seek to understand "What has happened to you?" while also recognising individual strengths, resilience and capacity for growth.

 

Intersectional

Every individual occupies multiple identities simultaneously.

Experiences of race, sexuality, gender identity, disability, class, religion, migration status, age and culture do not exist independently.

​

They interact to shape both psychological wellbeing and access to healthcare.

Understanding these intersections enables more accurate formulation and more compassionate care.

 

GSRD-Affirmative

We recognise Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) as natural aspects of human diversity.

Our clinicians do not seek to change, suppress or pathologise LGBTQIA+ identities or relationship diversity.

 

Instead we work collaboratively with clients to understand how experiences of minority stress, discrimination, shame, rejection, violence and exclusion may affect mental health.

 

Affirmative practice is not the absence of prejudice.

It is the active application of specialist knowledge, reflective practice and evidence-informed interventions that support psychological wellbeing.

 

4. The Fighting Fear Standard

Fighting Fear exists to provide specialist psychological care that integrates clinical excellence with social awareness.

Every practitioner working within Fighting Fear is expected to demonstrate competence in:

• Evidence-based psychological practice.

• Trauma-informed care.

• Intersectional formulation.

• GSRD-affirmative practice.

• Neuro-affirming principles.

• Anti-oppressive practice.

• Cultural humility.

• Collaborative decision-making.

• Ethical reflection.

• Understanding minority stress.

• Understanding shame.

• Working within professional competence.

• Continuous professional development.

 

These standards apply to qualified clinicians, trainees and supervisors alike.

 

5. Why International Practice Matters

Access to psychologically safe healthcare is not equally available across the world.

Many people seek therapy outside their own country because:

• specialist trauma services are unavailable;

• affirmative LGBTQIA+ care cannot be accessed;

• culturally responsive therapy is unavailable;

• mental healthcare is financially inaccessible;

• discrimination within healthcare creates fear of disclosure;

• political or legal environments reduce trust in local services;

• conflict, displacement or migration have disrupted access to care;

• waiting lists make timely support impossible.

 

Some clients choose Fighting Fear because they wish to work with clinicians whose expertise reflects their lived experience rather than requiring them to educate their therapist about identity, trauma or discrimination.

Others seek support because they value our integrated approach to trauma-informed, intersectional and GSRD-affirmative care.

 

We believe these are legitimate reasons for seeking specialist psychological support across national borders.

 

6. Our Commitment to Accessible Care

Fighting Fear believes access to competent psychological support should not be determined solely by geography.

 

Where it is professionally, ethically and legally appropriate to do so, we seek to provide psychological support to individuals who may otherwise have limited access to specialist care.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• LGBTQIA+ individuals.

• Transgender and non-binary people.

• Refugees and asylum seekers.

• Migrants.

• People living in countries with limited access to affirmative care.

• Individuals affected by trauma and persecution.

• Religious minorities.

• People experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination.

• Individuals seeking specialist expertise unavailable locally.

 

Our commitment to inclusion does not remove our responsibility to practise safely.

 

Each referral is considered individually to ensure therapy can be delivered responsibly and within the limits of professional competence, clinical governance and applicable legal and insurance requirements.

 

7. Fighting Fear as a Centre of Excellence

Fighting Fear is more than a therapy provider.

We are a specialist clinical, educational and community organisation committed to advancing inclusive psychological practice.

Our work extends beyond direct therapy to include:

• Professional education and training.

• Clinical supervision.

• Development of future therapists.

• Research and publication.

• Community engagement.

• Public education.

• Advocacy for equitable access to psychological care.

 

Through our Inclusive Therapy Programme, clinicians in training receive structured supervision and specialist education in trauma-informed, intersectional and GSRD-affirmative practice.

This programme not only increases access to affordable therapy but also contributes to the development of a future workforce equipped to deliver psychologically safe and inclusive care.

 

We believe improving mental healthcare requires investment not only in today's clients but also in tomorrow's clinicians.

​

​

Clinical Risk Management & Safeguarding Policy

Version: 1.0

Document Owner: Clinical Lead

Approved By: Fighting Fear Ltd

Review Date: July 2027

Applies To:

• Qualified Therapists

• Trainee Therapists

• Supervisors

• Clinical Lead

 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish Fighting Fear's framework for identifying, assessing, managing and reviewing clinical risk.

The policy aims to ensure that clients receive safe, ethical and effective psychological care whilst supporting clinicians to make informed, proportionate and professionally accountable decisions.

This policy applies to all psychological therapy, counselling, coaching and clinical services delivered through Fighting Fear, whether clients are located within or outside the United Kingdom.

Risk management forms part of Fighting Fear's wider Clinical Governance Framework and should be read alongside the organisation's policies relating to safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, supervision, international practice and complaints.

​

2. Our Philosophy

At Fighting Fear, we believe:

Therapy should remain accessible even where risk exists, provided that risk can be understood, collaboratively managed and reviewed within a safe, ethical and professionally governed framework.

Psychological distress and suicidal thoughts exist across a wide range of mental health presentations. Excluding people solely because they experience risk may increase isolation and reduce access to appropriate psychological care.

Equally, psychotherapy is not a substitute for crisis intervention.

When a person's immediate safety cannot reasonably be maintained within outpatient psychological therapy, our priority becomes stabilisation, crisis intervention and appropriate referral before therapeutic work continues.

Our approach therefore seeks to balance:

• client autonomy;

• therapeutic access;

• safeguarding responsibilities;

• professional accountability; and

• the safety of clients, clinicians and the wider public.

 

3. Guiding Principles

Principle One — Safety Before Therapy

Meaningful psychological therapy requires a reasonable level of safety.

Where sufficient safety cannot be established, clinicians should prioritise stabilisation, safety planning and appropriate crisis intervention before undertaking therapeutic work.

Principle Two — Risk is Dynamic

Risk is not viewed as a fixed characteristic.

Risk is assessed:

• before therapy begins;

• throughout therapy;

• whenever circumstances change;

• following significant life events;

• whenever concerns arise.

Clinical judgement should always consider changes in:

• protective factors;

• current stressors;

• suicidal ideation;

• access to means;

• support networks;

• engagement with therapy.

Principle Three — Therapy Should Remain Accessible

Fighting Fear recognises that many clients seeking support have experienced trauma, discrimination, marginalisation, minority stress or complex life circumstances.

These experiences may increase psychological risk.

The presence of risk alone does not automatically exclude someone from therapy.

Where risk can be safely managed through ongoing assessment, supervision and collaborative safety planning, therapy may continue.

Principle Four — Shared Responsibility

Safety is promoted through collaboration between:

• clients;

• therapists;

• supervisors;

• the Clinical Lead;

• emergency contacts;

• external agencies where appropriate.

Clients are encouraged to participate actively in developing and reviewing their Safety Management Plan.

Principle Five — Least Restrictive Practice

Fighting Fear seeks to use the least restrictive intervention necessary to reduce serious harm whilst respecting client dignity, autonomy and human rights.

 

4. Scope

This policy applies to all clinical work undertaken by Fighting Fear, including:

• Individual psychotherapy.

• Counselling.

• Coaching (where psychological risk is identified).

• Trainee placements.

• Online therapy.

• International clients.

 

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Therapists

All therapists are responsible for:

• conducting ongoing dynamic risk assessment;

• recording risk within the clinical record;

• implementing the Safety Management Plan where indicated;

• seeking supervision where required;

• escalating concerns appropriately;

• contacting emergency services where immediate action is required.

Therapists do not require prior authorisation to contact emergency services where delaying action would increase the risk of serious harm.

Trainee Therapists

In addition to the above:

Trainees must:

• complete Fighting Fear's mandatory induction before seeing clients;

• work within their level of competence;

• seek supervision where uncertainty exists;

• attend mandatory supervision;

• request ad hoc supervision whenever concerns arise.

 

Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for:

• supporting clinical decision making;

• reviewing medium and high-risk cases;

• assisting with formulation;

• advising on continuation or suspension of therapy;

• escalating significant concerns to the Clinical Lead where appropriate.

 

Clinical Lead

The Clinical Lead has overall responsibility for:

• oversight of high-risk cases;

• safeguarding advice;

• major clinical decisions;

• serious incidents;

• governance;

• policy review;

• supporting supervisors.

 

6. Initial Screening

Before therapy begins, Fighting Fear undertakes a structured screening process.

The purpose is to determine:

• whether Fighting Fear is clinically appropriate;

• whether the client can safely engage in therapy;

• whether additional information is required;

• whether referral elsewhere would better meet the client's needs.

Screening includes consideration of:

• presenting difficulties;

• previous diagnoses;

• risk to self;

• risk to others;

• risk from others;

• trauma history;

• previous therapy;

• current support;

• PHQ-9, GAD-7 and other outcome measures where applicable;

• safeguarding concerns.

Clients are informed where Fighting Fear believes another service may better meet their needs.

 

7. Eligibility and Exclusion

Fighting Fear seeks to increase access to specialist psychological care wherever it can be delivered safely.

However, therapy may not be appropriate where:

• the individual is experiencing active suicidal intent requiring crisis intervention;

• immediate emergency mental healthcare is required;

• active addiction is the primary presenting problem;

• there is no reasonably safe environment from which to engage in online therapy;

• essential emergency information cannot be obtained;

• risk cannot reasonably be managed within outpatient psychological therapy.

The presence of suicidal thoughts, previous suicide attempts or historical self-harm does not automatically exclude a client from therapy.

Each referral is considered individually based on current presentation, protective factors, engagement and overall clinical formulation.

​

8. Risk Assessment

8.1 Dynamic Risk Assessment

Fighting Fear recognises that psychological risk is dynamic and may fluctuate throughout therapy.

Risk assessment is therefore regarded as an ongoing clinical process rather than a single assessment completed before therapy begins.

Risk should be considered:

• during screening;

• during assessment;

• throughout therapy;

• following significant life events;

• where there is a change in presentation;

• where concerns are raised by the client or therapist;

• whenever clinically indicated.

Therapists should remain alert to changes in:

• suicidal ideation;

• self-harm;

• harm to others;

• safeguarding concerns;

• abuse or exploitation;

• protective factors;

• support networks;

• substance use;

• significant life stressors.

8.2 Risk Categories

Fighting Fear uses three clinical risk categories.

Low Risk

Examples may include:

• no current thoughts of suicide or self-harm;

• passive thoughts without intent;

• good engagement;

• strong protective factors;

• no immediate safeguarding concerns.

Action:

• Continue therapy.

• Continue monitoring.

• Record rationale.

Medium Risk

Examples may include:

• increased suicidal thoughts;

• reduced protective factors;

• increased emotional instability;

• safeguarding concerns requiring monitoring;

• emerging concerns regarding abuse.

Action:

• Complete or review the Safety Management Plan.

• Record clinical rationale.

• Automatic supervision triggered.

• Discuss at supervision.

• Continue dynamic review.

High Risk

Examples may include:

• imminent suicide risk;

• immediate risk to another person;

• serious safeguarding concerns;

• inability to maintain safety;

• immediate crisis requiring emergency intervention.

Action:

• Prioritise safety.

• Implement Safety Management Plan.

• Contact supervisor where possible.

• Contact emergency services if required.

• Contact emergency contacts where appropriate.

• Escalate to Clinical Lead.

• Therapy may be paused while crisis intervention is accessed.

9. Safety Management Plan

The Safety Management Plan is Fighting Fear's primary clinical intervention for managing identified risk.

It is completed collaboratively with clients where medium or high levels of risk are identified or where the clinician believes additional safety planning would be beneficial.

The plan aims to:

• identify warning signs;

• strengthen protective factors;

• identify coping strategies;

• identify sources of support;

• clarify emergency procedures;

• reduce immediate risk.

The completed Safety Management Plan is shared with the client.

The plan should be reviewed whenever:

• risk changes;

• significant events occur;

• emergency contacts change;

• clinically indicated.

9.1 Safety Management Plan Components

The Safety Management Plan should include:

• personal warning signs;

• coping strategies;

• grounding techniques;

• reasons for living and protective factors;

• trusted individuals;

• emergency contacts;

• local crisis services;

• emergency services;

• actions to reduce immediate risk;

• clinician actions where required.

9.2 Emergency "Grab Bag"

Where clients may need to leave an unsafe environment quickly, therapists should consider discussing preparation of an emergency grab bag.

Depending on individual circumstances this may include:

• identification documents;

• passport where appropriate;

• essential medication;

• mobile phone;

• charger;

• cash or payment method;

• house keys;

• important telephone numbers;

• clothing;

• essential items for children or dependants.

The contents should always be determined collaboratively and based upon individual need.

10. Fighting Fear SAFE Check™

The SAFE Check supports clinicians in determining whether therapy can proceed safely.

It should be completed:

• during the first session;

• where there has been an increase in risk;

• after significant life events;

• where safeguarding concerns exist;

• where clinically indicated.

 

S – Safety

Confirm:

□ Are you safe enough to participate today?

□ Has your risk changed?

□ Has anything happened that affects your safety?

□ Does your Safety Management Plan need reviewing?

 

A – Address

Confirm:

□ Which country are you in today?

□ What address are you attending today's session from?

□ Have you changed location?

□ Are emergency contact details still correct?

 

F – Functioning

Explore:

□ Mood.

□ Sleep.

□ Significant life changes.

□ Current ability to engage in therapy.

□ Significant changes in mental health.

 

E – Environment

Confirm:

□ Privacy.

□ Safety.

□ Confidentiality.

□ Battery.

□ Internet.

□ Telephone number if disconnected.

Where concerns arise, clinicians should consider whether therapeutic work should continue or whether the session should instead focus upon stabilisation and safety.

​

11. Emergency Contacts

Before therapy begins every client must provide:

• two emergency contacts;

• one emergency contact located within the same city is essential.

Emergency contacts must:

• know they have been nominated;

• consent to acting in that role;

• understand Fighting Fear may contact them where there are serious concerns regarding safety.

Where clients refuse to provide emergency contacts, Fighting Fear will determine that therapy cannot safely proceed.

 

12. Crisis Response

Fighting Fear is not a crisis service.

Clients are informed of this before therapy begins.

Clients are encouraged to become familiar with crisis services available within their own locality.

Where appropriate, therapists may assist clients in identifying relevant services.

 

12.1 Immediate Risk During Therapy

Where a client presents with immediate and credible risk of serious harm during a therapy session:

The therapist should:

1. Remain connected where safe and possible.

2. Attempt de-escalation using the Safety Management Plan.

3. Contact their clinical lead/supervisor by text or voice not stating it is an 'emergency'.

4. Contact emergency services where immediate intervention is required.

5. Contact emergency contacts.

6. Remain with the client until:

• emergency services assume responsibility;

• emergency contacts assume responsibility;

• connection is lost despite reasonable attempts;

• remaining connected is no longer safe.

Following the incident:

• document fully;

• notify supervisor;

• notify Clinical Lead where appropriate.

 

12.2 Active Suicidal Intent

Where active suicidal intent is identified:

Psychotherapy is not considered an appropriate intervention until crisis services have stabilised the individual.

Therapeutic work may therefore be paused whilst:

• emergency services;

• crisis teams;

• emergency contacts;

• local services

provide immediate support.

Fighting Fear will seek to facilitate a safe transition where appropriate.

 

13. International Clients

Fighting Fear welcomes international clients where therapy can be delivered safely and responsibly.

Clients are expected to:

• inform Fighting Fear of the country from which they attend sessions;

• notify therapists if this changes;

• identify local crisis services;

• provide emergency contacts.

Where serious risk is identified Fighting Fear may:

• encourage contact with local emergency services;

• assist clients in identifying appropriate services where practicable;

• contact nominated emergency contacts where appropriate;

• provide information to facilitate local crisis intervention.

Because emergency systems differ internationally, Fighting Fear cannot guarantee direct access to emergency services outside the United Kingdom.

 

14. Safeguarding

Fighting Fear has a duty to take reasonable steps to safeguard children, vulnerable adults and individuals at immediate risk of serious harm.

Safeguarding concerns should be managed proportionately, ethically and in accordance with applicable legal obligations.

Confidentiality may be breached where necessary to reduce or prevent serious harm.

Where possible and safe to do so, clients should be informed of the reasons for disclosure.

 

14.1 UK

Where safeguarding concerns arise within the United Kingdom:

• supervisor consulted where practicable;

• Clinical Lead informed where appropriate;

• relevant safeguarding authority contacted;

• emergency services contacted if required.

 

14.2 International

Where safeguarding concerns arise internationally:

Fighting Fear will take reasonable steps based upon available information.

This may include:

• supporting clients to contact local authorities;

• contacting emergency contacts;

• assisting emergency contacts with relevant information;

• documenting all actions.

​

15. Clinical Documentation

Accurate, timely and secure record keeping is an essential component of safe clinical practice.

All therapists working within Fighting Fear are responsible for maintaining clear, factual and contemporaneous clinical records.

Clinical documentation supports:

• continuity of care;

• safe decision-making;

• clinical supervision;

• safeguarding;

• quality assurance;

• legal and professional accountability.

 

15.1 Session Records

A clinical record should be completed following every session.

Session notes should include, where relevant:

• date and duration of session;

• presenting issues;

• interventions used;

• client response;

• agreed actions;

• risk rating;

• any changes in risk;

• safeguarding concerns;

• updates to the Safety Management Plan.

 

15.2 Risk Documentation

Risk is recorded at every therapy session.

Therapists record whether risk is:

• Low

• Medium

• High

Where Medium or High risk is identified:

• completion or review of the Safety Management Plan is required;

• supervision is automatically indicated through Fighting Fear's clinical documentation system;

• the therapist should provide a brief clinical rationale for the assigned risk level;

• actions taken should be documented clearly.

This process ensures that identified risk is actively managed and subject to appropriate clinical oversight.

 

15.3 Confidentiality and Record Security

Clinical records are maintained using Fighting Fear's secure, password-protected online documentation system.

Access is restricted to authorised Fighting Fear personnel who require access as part of their clinical role, including:

• the treating therapist;

• the assigned supervisor;

• the Clinical Lead;

• authorised Fighting Fear administrative staff where necessary for service delivery.

 

All records are managed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and Fighting Fear's Data Protection and Confidentiality Policies.

 

16. Supervision and Clinical Escalation

Clinical supervision is a core component of Fighting Fear's risk management framework.

Supervision is intended to support:

• client safety;

• therapist wellbeing;

• reflective practice;

• ethical decision-making;

• professional development.

 

16.1 Mandatory Supervision

All trainees receive regular clinical supervision.

Medium and High risk cases must be discussed in supervision unless immediate action is required beforehand.

Therapists may request additional supervision at any time where concerns arise.

 

16.2 Escalation Pathway

Fighting Fear operates the following clinical escalation pathway:

Therapist

↓

Supervisor

↓

Clinical Lead

 

This structure provides clinicians with clear lines of accountability while supporting safe and timely decision-making.

Immediate life-threatening situations should never be delayed whilst awaiting supervision.

 

17. Therapist Safety

Fighting Fear recognises that effective client care depends upon maintaining the psychological safety and wellbeing of therapists.

 

17.1 Professional Boundaries

Therapists are encouraged to:

• maintain separate professional telephone numbers where practicable;

• use dedicated professional email accounts;

• avoid sharing unnecessary personal information;

• maintain appropriate professional boundaries throughout therapy.

 

17.2 Abuse Towards Staff

Fighting Fear operates a zero-tolerance approach towards abuse directed at therapists, supervisors, volunteers or administrative staff.

This includes:

• threatening behaviour;

• harassment;

• discriminatory language;

• sexual harassment;

• persistent boundary violations.

Where such behaviour occurs, Fighting Fear may:

• review ongoing suitability for therapy;

• implement additional boundaries;

• suspend therapy;

• terminate therapy where appropriate.

Any such incidents should be documented and discussed in supervision.

 

18. Training and Competency

Safe clinical practice depends upon maintaining appropriate knowledge and skills.

 

18.1 Mandatory Induction

Before seeing clients, all Fighting Fear trainees complete a mandatory induction programme.

The induction includes:

• working with Fighting Fear's client population;

• trauma-informed practice;

• intersectional and GSRD-affirmative practice;

• risk to self;

• risk to others;

• risk from others;

• safeguarding;

• online safety;

• use of the Safety Management Plan;

• record keeping;

• clinical documentation;

• supervision procedures;

• clinical governance.

This induction complements trainees' professional training and prepares them to work safely within Fighting Fear's clinical systems and governance framework.

 

18.2 Continuing Development

Therapists are expected to engage in:

• ongoing supervision;

• reflective practice;

• continuing professional development;

• mandatory organisational training where required.

 

19. Serious Incidents

A Serious Incident is any event involving actual or potential serious harm to a client, therapist or member of the public.

Examples include:

• suicide;

• serious suicide attempt;

• safeguarding incidents;

• significant confidentiality breaches;

• serious violence;

• significant clinical governance concerns.

Following a Serious Incident Fighting Fear will:

• ensure immediate safety;

• document the incident;

• notify the Clinical Lead;

• review the circumstances;

• identify learning;

• implement improvements where appropriate.

The purpose of incident review is organisational learning rather than individual blame.

 

20. Quality Assurance

Fighting Fear is committed to continuous improvement.

Quality assurance activities may include:

• supervision reviews;

• documentation audits;

• placement reviews;

• client feedback;

• policy review;

• training evaluation;

• governance review;

• reflective learning following incidents.

 

21. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Risk should never be understood outside of the wider context of a person's lived experience.

Clinicians should consider how factors such as trauma, discrimination, racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, poverty, migration, faith, culture and other intersecting experiences may influence both risk and resilience.

Risk formulation should therefore remain person-centred, trauma-informed and intersectional.

 

22. Policy Review

This policy will normally be reviewed annually.

Earlier review may occur where:

• legislation changes;

• professional guidance changes;

• significant incidents occur;

• organisational changes require policy revision.

​

Appendix A – Fighting Fear Risk Management Pathway

Click here

​

Appendix B – Clinical Philosophy

"Therapy should remain accessible even where risk exists, provided that risk can be understood, collaboratively managed and reviewed within a safe, ethical and professionally governed framework."

​

Appendix C – The Fighting Fear Clinical Standards

Every clinician working within Fighting Fear is expected to practise in accordance with the following standards:

• Evidence-informed psychological practice.

• Trauma-informed care.

• Intersectional formulation.

• GSRD-affirmative practice.

• Respect for diversity and human rights.

• Ethical and reflective practice.

• Appropriate use of supervision.

• Safe management of clinical risk.

• Accurate documentation.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.