Apologies, there was an error with the dates in this morning’s email. The correct dates are below…
Get Risk-Ready and Learn with Me, Live
Before we get into this week's post, I wanted to let you know that I’m running a new two-part live workshop. Designed to help you build a risk-ready private practice.
I created this workshop for therapists who want the confidence that comes from knowing their risk systems are up to date and their practice is fully prepared, with a clear framework to follow when something concerning happens and lots of resources
Part 1: Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 4 pm
Part 2: Tuesday 10th November 2026 at 4 pm
Earlybird tickets available: until Tuesday 20 October 2026
How Much Risk Does Private Practice Really Involve?
In my experience, clients presenting to private practice often have lower levels of acute risk than people I previously worked with in NHS services. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all.
Risk in Private Practice is Much Broader Than Suicide
Assessing risk is a much bigger task than simply asking somebody whether they’re suicidal during an initial assessment. Other areas to consider include:
self-harm
risk of accidental harm/self-neglect
risk to other people
violence/aggression
domestic abuse/coercive control
safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
exploitation or abuse
vulnerability/risk from others
eating disorders
significant deterioration in mental state
severe depression
mania/psychosis or other presentations outside your competence
alcohol/substance use where this increases risk
medication/physical-health concerns where relevant
inability to care safely for oneself
risk associated with abrupt disengagement or deterioration between sessions.
Then there are practical and environmental risks to consider that therapists don’t always think to include in their risk assessment.
For example:
lone working and personal safety
clients becoming aggressive or threatening
fire safety
safe premises
accessibility
adequate insurance
professional indemnity
maintaining mandatory training
data/privacy/confidentiality
emergency procedures
what happens if a client becomes physically unwell in the room
online-session failures during a crisis.
Below the paywall, my expert risk assessment tips (including four things you might be overlooking) PLUS the framework I use to keep me and my clients safe…