As a dramatherapist it is important to support my clients well being; as part of this I would never knowingly put my clients at risk of harm but it is important to have professional insurance so that even if I make a mistake (therapists are still human) or if an unforeseen accident happens, my clients will be supported.
Maintaining adequate insurance is also one of the requirements of my registration with HCPC where I am required to declare”I understand that I must have in place a professional indemnity arrangement which provides appropriate cover and I confirm that I will have this in place when I practise.” No one may practice as a dramatherapist in the UK unless they meet this professional standard.
As my current insurance was up for renewal, I have been looking into a number of different insurance providers and I am pleased to share that I am now insured for both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance by Towergate.
- Public liability insurance covers compensations claims which arise if a client is injured or their property is damaged during a therapy session.
- Professional indemnity insurance covers claims which arise if any harm is caused to my clients by following any professional advice that I have given.
This will cover me to deliver therapy at locations across the UK and for phone therapy sessions. It also covers me, for a limited number of sessions, abroad each year.
I sincerely hope that I continue to have no cause to make a claim against this, or any future insurance policy, I believe in the counselling and psychotherapy principle of Non-maleficence: a commitment to avoiding harm to the client, and the medical professional’s Hippocratic Oath which says ‘not to do harm to anyone’ AKA “first: do no harm”. However, it is not always possible to avoid the unforeseen risks and consequences which may arise, and should my clients need it, my insurance is there as a safety net.
