COVID-19

Risk Assessment

Introduction  

I am undertaking face to face sessions but with some COVID-19 precautions. These precautions aim to reduce the risk of transmission and keep therapist and client safe.

Risk Assessment Overview

It is important that I am transparent about my risk assessment process because you, as a client, have a part of play in the risk process.

The pandemic and risk of infection requires that I consider the risk of infection and, in addition, your mental health as a result of the risks and restrictions that the pandemic brings. It may not be reasonable or appropriate to offer a face to face session to some clients even after all possible precautions have been taken to reduce infection. The therapist reserves the right to make this decision based on the facts at their disposal.

Risk Assessment

1. REDUCING RISK OF CONTAMINATION AND SPREAD BEFORE/DURING/AFTER A SESSION.

ACTION: 

  • All hard surfaces and handles which clients touch in the room will be cleaned and disinfected before appointments.

  • The therapist will undertake a lateral flow where she experiences symptoms or where is aware that she has been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

  • The therapist and client will sit in chairs 1m95cm apart (heads 2m apart), with a window open to ventilate the room. Please dress accordingly as there may be a slight draught. 

  • After each client leaves, windows and doors left open for 10 minutes to air the room.

  • Hand sanitiser and tissues are available throughout the session for clients to use at will.

  • Both therapist and client will not attend a face to face session if they have COVID-19 - we will switch to a Zoom or telephone session. 

Other factors:

To maintain confidentiality, it is not possible to leave the door open during sessions – whilst the risk of a confidentiality breach is a low, many clients are likely to feel vulnerable to being overheard which could inhibit free expression.

2. PPE OF THERAPIST AND CLIENT

ACTION:

  • Hand sanitiser and tissues will be available throughout the session.

  • The therapist will undertake a lateral flow test if she has experienced symptoms or knows she has been exposed to someone with COVID 19.

  • Masks are not obligatory for therapist or client as these are unlikely to be conducive to the therapeutic process; however, both therapist and client can wear a mask at the client’s request.

  • The therapist has received up-to-date COVID vaccinations and boosters.

3. ONGOING REVIEW

ACTION:

Each party holds an obligation to be aware of and report to the other, any factors which may occur which could increase the risk of infection during the time face to face sessions.