Complaints & Professional Standards Policy
My commitment to safe, ethical, and accountable clinical practice.
I aim to provide the highest standard of care in individual psychotherapy, EMDR, couples therapy, and clinical supervision. However, if there is an aspect of our work together that you feel unhappy with, feel uncomfortable about, or wish to complain about, I encourage you to voice it.
I take all feedback and complaints seriously. Below is the structured procedure for how concerns are handled within my practice.
Stage 1: Informal Discussion
In many cases, misunderstandings, boundary friction, or difficulties within the therapeutic relationship can be safely and constructively addressed together.
If you feel able to do so, I invite you to bring your concerns directly into our next scheduled session, or request a brief telephone call. This allows us a collaborative space to openly discuss your experience and work together toward a resolution.
Stage 2: Independent Clinical Mediation
If we are unable to resolve the issue together, or if you feel completely uncomfortable discussing the matter with me directly, the next step involves my independent supervisor.
To comply with professional UK standards, my clinical practice is strictly monitored by a qualified external supervisor. If requested, I will provide you with the direct contact details of my supervisor. They can act as an objective, confidential third party to review your concerns and facilitate a mediation process.
Stage 3: Formal Complaint to Professional Regulatory Bodies
If the matter is serious, or if informal resolution and clinical mediation have not successfully resolved your grievance, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the professional registers that regulate my practice.
Because I am an accredited member of UKCP and a standard member of EMDR Assoc. UK , they possess rigorous, independent complaints procedures to investigate any potential breaches of their ethical codes:
1. UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
If your complaint concerns individual psychotherapy, relationship therapy, clinical boundaries, or general professional misconduct, you can contact the UKCP directly.
Website: www.psychotherapy.org.uk
Section: Complaints and Conduct
2. EMDR Association UK
If your concern relates specifically to the delivery, application, or safety of your EMDR trauma processing sessions, you can contact the EMDR Association.
Website: www.emdrassociation.org.uk
3. Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
If your complaint specifically relates to a breach of your data protection, confidential notes, or UK GDPR privacy rights, you have the right to report your concern directly to the UK data regulator.
Website: www.ico.org.uk