Practitioner: Paul Blunt
Date of Issue: March 2026
1. Professional Boundaries & Integrity
Role Clarity: I will maintain a professional relationship at all times. My role is that of a Hypnotherapist/Mindfulness Coach, not a friend or parental figure.
Touch Policy: My practice is "hands-off." Any grounding techniques or physical anchors will be self-administered by the child under my verbal guidance.
Language: I will use age-appropriate, positive, and encouraging language that respects the child’s dignity and stage of development.
2. Safeguarding & Welfare
DBS Status: I maintain an up-to-date DBS certificate, which is available for inspection by any parent or guardian upon request.
Reporting: My primary duty is the safety of the child. If a disclosure is made that suggests a child is at risk of harm, I am legally and ethically bound to follow UK safeguarding procedures and notify the relevant authorities.
Environment: Sessions will take place in a safe, transparent environment. Doors will remain unlocked, and parents/guardians are required to remain on site or in a waiting area close by for the duration of the session.
3. Consent & Autonomy
Dual Consent: I require the written consent of a legal guardian and the verbal assent of the child. A child has the right to withdraw from a session at any time without explanation.
Empowerment: Techniques such as the breathing or visualization will be taught as tools the child owns, ensuring they feel in control of their own mental well-being.
4. Confidentiality & Privacy
The "Privacy Bubble": What a child discusses in a session is confidential unless a safeguarding risk is identified.
Parental Updates: I will provide parents with general progress updates (e.g., "We worked on anxiety tools today") without betraying the child’s specific private reflections, fostering a space of trust.
Digital Privacy: No photos, videos, or recordings of sessions will be taken without express, separate written consent for a specific therapeutic or educational purpose.
5. Communication
Direct Contact: All scheduling and communication will go through the parent or legal guardian. I will not engage in private messaging or social media interaction with clients under the age of 18.
Transparency: All intake forms and session outlines are available for parental review at any time via my Google Forms portal.
6. Professional Presentation & Dress Code:
To ensure a consistent, safe, and respectful therapeutic environment, I adhere to the following standards of presentation for all youth sessions:
Core Principles
The "Relatability" Balance: My attire will be professional yet accessible—avoiding overly formal business suits that can create a power imbalance, or overly casual clothing that may diminish professional trust.
Modesty & Neutrality: Clothing will be modest, non-revealing, and free of distracting slogans, large logos, or imagery that could be misinterpreted or cause sensory distraction for neurodivergent clients.
Identification: For in-home visits, I will always carry my photo ID and be prepared to present my DBS certificate upon arrival.
In-Home Sessions (Bedfordshire Region)
Footwear: I will carry clean indoor shoes or use shoe covers where appropriate to respect the client's home environment.
Practicality: Attire will be comfortable enough to allow for "grounding exercises" which may involve sitting on floor cushions or moving through mindful walking exercises.
Personal Safety: I will avoid dangling jewelry or scarves that could be a safety hazard during interactive sessions.
Online Sessions (Virtual Hub)
Background: My digital "space" will be tidy, well-lit, and neutral to ensure the child’s focus remains on the mindfulness techniques.
Framing: I will ensure I am framed clearly from the chest up, allowing the child to see my facial expressions and hand gestures clearly (essential for building rapport and demonstrating breathing techniques).
Visual Consistency: I will dress exactly as I would for an in-person session to maintain the "sanctity" of the therapeutic space, even through a screen.
With over two decades of experience in the UK education system, I am committed to the highest standards of child centered-care and safety.