2.2 Create a safe space

Prevent incidents and respond effectively

RSWs in private practice must walk a fine line between protecting themselves and protecting the confidentiality of their clients. 

The risk of being attacked by a client and the reality that some therapists are stalked, threatened or attacked makes safety practices a critical aspect of minimizing risk.

There are two types of safety practices: prevention and response

Prevention is based on the assessment of potential risk factors related to a person, environment or particular situation. In a private practice setting, there are a number of preventative steps an RSW can take:

• Carefully screen patients
• Always lock the front door
• Provide a locker for client's personal belongings
• Have a direct and unobstructed path to an exit
• Install and display a panic button
• Install  a panic room
• Partner with a fellow RSW for challenging field visits

Responding to, and deescalating, incidences requires carefully planned practices. In a private practice setting without colleagues close by, your options include:

• Excuse yourself from the office to “check on something”

• Use a panic button or room

• Employ self-defence techniques