Pre-Trial Therapy
Pre-trial therapy is a misunderstood topic in counselling and psychotherapy. The result is inconsistent service provision, anxious practitioners, and victims / survivors being left without support at a vulnerable time.
Therapy clients impacted by sexual abuse and domestic violence are disproportionately affected by the difficulties in applying relevant legal guidelines to therapeutic practice.
‘Pre-trial therapy’ is a term set by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England & Wales.
- How therapy notes may be requested / court ordered to be used as evidence in criminal proceedings.
- How some types of therapies could present difficulties and need specific consideration.
Your Trainer
Erene Hadjiioannou is a psychotherapist, supervisor, trainer, author, and (occasional) activist. Beginning in 2017 her work on pre-trial therapy includes:
- Working with survivors of sexual and domestic abuse within multiple services
- Specialist service creation and management in three clinical settings
- Successfully lobbying within an independent steering group to change the CPS guidelines
- Writing
- Training
- Conference presentations
Erene aims to demystify the topic of pre-trial therapy, empowering practitioners and their clients to navigate the criminal justice process whilst increasing access to confidential therapy. She believes in extending the principles of collaboration, consent, and control wherever possible to survivors / victims of crimes.
Supporting your therapy practice
Apply the CPS Guidelines to your practice
- Understand the impact of the Crown Prosecution Service pre-trial therapy guidelines on victims / survivors of crimes in England & Wales
- Stay up to date with recent changes to pre-trial therapy guidance
First Disclosures & Court Appearances
- What to do when clients disclose abuse or harm for the first time
- Understand your role when called to court as a witness
Stay Compliant & Ethical
- Adhere to GDPR, ICO guidance, and professional ethical frameworks
- Centre your client throughout the whole process
Understand the Criminal Justice System
- Gain clarity on the legal process in England & Wales
Contracting, Note-Taking & Managing Requests / Court Orders
- Best practices for contracting and clinical note-taking
- How to respond to court orders and requests for notes with confidence
*All information, training, and resources available only cover therapeutic support for victims of crimes navigating the criminal justice process in England & Wales.
Live training
- Click here for upcoming training, or contact Erene with your group size and preferred location.
- Training available online (Zoom) or in-person at the location of your choice.
- Groups of up to six attendees can be accommodated in Chapeltown (Leeds, LS7) at no extra charge.
- All training includes resources and a CPD certificate.
Coming soon. Contact Erene if you would like to be notified when available.
Publications
Erene’s book is based on a decade of working experience in supporting adults to manage the trauma of sexual violence, along with activism to effect societal change. Includes a dedicated chapter on pre-trial therapy.
Quotes from survivors enable readers to understand what is needed from psychotherapists wherever we might encounter people and communities affected by sexual abuse’.
Are you a victim / survivor of a crime who is seeking therapeutic support, whilst navigating the criminal justice process?