Responding to this unprecedented change with a commitment not only to supporting one another, but to protecting and strengthening ethical, accessible pathways into the counselling profession for future generations of counsellors.

At SAECT, we are committed to approaching this situation with professionalism, compassion and ethical responsibility.

As counselling trainees, many of us are already working within placement settings, supporting clients and engaging in supervised clinical practice.

We therefore recognise the importance of responding thoughtfully, collaboratively and with integrity during a period of significant uncertainty and disruption.

We are also deeply aware of the wider impact this moment may have on counselling training across the South West, particularly in areas such as Exeter and Poole where accessible training pathways have supported the development of future practitioners for many years. Preserving opportunities for students to complete their training is not only vital for those directly affected, but for the future availability of qualified counsellors within the communities and services that will continue to need them most.

Ethical Practice

We are committed to upholding ethical standards in both our training and our collective response to the current situation.

Collaboration

We believe the strongest outcomes will come through open dialogue, partnership and collaborative problem-solving across the profession.

Client Welfare

Many affected students are actively working with clients in placement settings. Protecting continuity, safety and ethical care remains deeply important to us.

Continuity

We recognise the importance of preserving learning relationships, supervision structures, placements and cohort support wherever professionally possible.

Compassion

We acknowledge the emotional, financial and professional impact this situation has had on students, tutors, clients and the wider counselling community.

Accountability

We believe situations such as this highlight the importance of clear communication, contingency planning and responsible structures to protect trainees and clients in the future.

SAECT exists not in opposition to the profession, but as a shared commitment to ethical continuity, trainee support and constructive dialogue during an unprecedented situation.