Service Management
At First Step Therapies, we prioritise the well-being, progress, and safety of our clients and practitioners. To maintain the highest standards of care and ensure therapy services are beneficial, safe, and ethical, we have established the following policy regarding therapist discretion for the management of services:
1. Client-Centred Care:
• Our therapists provide client-centred care, tailoring therapy services to meet the unique needs and goals of each client.
2. Ongoing Assessment:
• Therapists continually assess a client's progress, goals, and therapeutic needs throughout the therapeutic journey.
• Assessments may include clinical evaluations, client feedback, and observation of progress.
3. Therapist Discretion:
• Therapists have the discretion to determine the most appropriate course of action for each client based on professional judgement, assessment findings, and the client's individual circumstances.
• Therapists will not provide services that fall outside their scope of practice, are not clinically indicated, or are inconsistent with ethical guidelines.
4. Factors Considered:
• Factors considered for the continuation of services include, but are not limited to:
• Progress toward therapeutic goals.
• Achievement of desired outcomes.
• Client engagement and participation.
• Clinical assessments and evaluations.
• Client's safety and well-being.
• Compliance with ethical and professional standards.
5. Open Communication:
• Therapists maintain open and transparent communication with clients regarding progress and the ongoing course of therapy.
• Clients are encouraged to express concerns, goals, and preferences to support a collaborative approach.
6. Collaborative Decision-Making:
• Decisions regarding the continuation, modification, or conclusion of therapy services are typically made in collaboration with the client.
• Clients will be informed of the therapist’s recommendations and rationale.
7. Client-centred Solutions:
• If modifying or discontinuing therapy is in the client's best interest, alternatives and referrals to appropriate resources will be discussed and explored.
8. Ethical Considerations:
Therapists adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards when exercising discretion for the continuation or discontinuation of services.
All clinical decisions are based on evidence, professional judgement, and regulatory requirements.
9. Review and Evaluation:
Therapist discretion is an ongoing process. Clients' progress and needs will be periodically reviewed to ensure that the therapy plan remains effective and relevant.
10. Exceptional Circumstances:
In exceptional cases, such as emergencies or significant changes in a client's condition, therapists may need to exercise discretion promptly and make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.
11. Practitioner Safety and Professional Boundaries
First Step Therapies maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, intimidation, coercion, or abuse of staff.
If a client or caregiver displays hostile, aggressive, or coercive behaviour towards any staff member, therapists reserve the right to immediately cease services and initiate discharge procedures.
Therapists are not obligated to comply with requests or demands that contradict clinical evidence, ethical standards, or legal requirements.
12. Dispute Resolution and Discharge
If a disagreement arises regarding clinical care or service management, clients may request a review with clinic management.
Persistent disregard for clinical recommendations, repeated non-engagement, or violation of clinic policies may result in discharge from the service.
At First Step Therapies, our primary objective is to support clients in achieving their therapeutic goals and improving their overall well-being. This policy ensures that therapy services remain client-centred, evidence-based, safe, and responsive to individual needs, while protecting the integrity and safety of our clinical team.
If you have any questions or concerns about therapist discretion or the management of services, please discuss them with your therapist or clinic manager.
Policy effective from June 2026