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Counselling Tutor Podcast

Counselling Tutor Podcast

De : Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes
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 CPD, supervision and specialist training for counsellors
Épisodes
  • 375 – Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI

    375 – Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI
    May 9 2026
    Secrets of a Successful Counselling Website - Handling Disagreements with Colleagues In Episode 375 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, they explore confidentiality and data privacy in the age of AI, focusing on how counsellors can safely manage client data when using digital tools. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Daragh MacLoughlin about the secrets of a successful website, including how to attract clients ethically and effectively online. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss how counsellors handle disagreements with colleagues, with insights on navigating conflict professionally during training and beyond. Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI [starts at 03:27 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore confidentiality and data privacy in the age of AI, examining how counsellors can uphold confidentiality and meet legal responsibilities when using AI and digital tools in practice. Key points discussed include: Confidentiality remains the cornerstone of counselling, and this responsibility extends to any digital tools used to store or process client data. Counsellors must ask: Where does my client’s data go? — including storage location, access, and retention policies. UK GDPR classifies counselling data as special category data, meaning it requires the highest level of protection. Practitioners are legally responsible as data controllers, even when using third-party apps or platforms. Checking privacy policies, GDPR compliance, and data processing agreements (DPAs) is essential for defensible decision-making. Data stored outside the UK may be subject to different laws, so safeguards must be clearly understood before use. Secrets of a Successful Counselling Website [starts at 35:14 mins] In this section, Rory is joined by Daragh MacLoughlin to uncover what makes a counselling website effective, visible, and ethically sound. Key points discussed include: Focusing on a local presence improves visibility in search engines, even when offering online therapy. Competing nationally (or internationally) can reduce visibility, making a hybrid local/online approach more effective. Ethical representation is crucial — clearly state qualifications, experience, and areas of competence without exaggeration. Websites should build trust through photos, clear messaging, and realistic expectations of the therapeutic journey. Contact forms must comply with data protection standards, including transparency about how client data is used and stored. Ongoing website maintenance and security updates are essential to protect client confidentiality and prevent breaches. Handling Disagreements with Colleagues [starts at 01:04:33 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore how counsellors can manage disagreements professionally, with contributions from Sarah Henry. Key points discussed include: Disagreements are a natural part of professional life and can occur during training and throughout a counselling career. Start with self-reflection — consider what is being activated internally before addressing the issue with others. Writing concerns down can help clarify whether the issue needs to be addressed and how best to approach it. Respectful, well-timed conversations are key to maintaining professional relationships and resolving conflict. Training groups provide a safe space to practise rupture and repair skills that are essential in client work. Not all differences are ethical issues — sometimes they reflect differing perspectives rather than wrongdoing. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course
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  • 374 – AI and the Therapeutic Relationship

    374 – AI and the Therapeutic Relationship
    May 2 2026
    The Autism Dialogue Approach - Managing Anxiety About Counselling Training In Episode 374 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, they explore AI and the therapeutic relationship - looking at how clients are using AI, the risks involved, and how therapists can respond ethically. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Jonathan Drury about the Autism Dialogue Approach - examining neurodiversity, communication, and how therapists can work more collaboratively and equitably. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss managing anxiety about counselling training - normalising the experience and offering strategies to navigate it. AI and the Therapeutic Relationship [starts at 02:59 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore AI and the therapeutic relationship, examining how the rise of AI is influencing therapeutic work and what this means for ethical practice. Key points discussed include: The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, empathy, and human connection - elements that AI cannot genuinely replicate. Clients may disclose more quickly to AI due to its 24/7 availability and perceived anonymity, potentially leading to over-disclosure. AI can provide inaccurate, biased, or harmful guidance, sometimes leading clients to self-diagnose incorrectly. Confidentiality is not guaranteed with AI tools, raising serious ethical and data protection concerns. Therapists should acknowledge AI use in their practice - consider including it in contracts and discussing it openly with clients. Offering clients informed choice (rather than prohibition) supports autonomy while maintaining ethical responsibility. The Autism Dialogue Approach [starts at 33:13 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Jonathan Drury about his Autism Dialogue Approach and how it supports neurodivergent communication. Key points from this conversation include: The Autism Dialogue Approach emphasises co-creation, where therapist and client work together on equal footing. It challenges traditional power dynamics in therapy, promoting equity and shared meaning-making. Moving away from a deficit-based view of autism towards recognising difference and autistic culture is essential. Dialogue involves key practices such as listening, respect, suspension of judgment, and authentic voice. Creating neurodivergence-affirming spaces includes adapting environments, communication styles, and expectations. Societal structures often disadvantage autistic individuals, and dialogue can help challenge and reshape these systems. Managing Anxiety About Counselling Training [starts at 59:03 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the common experience of anxiety in counselling training and how to manage it effectively. Key points include: Feeling anxious about starting or continuing a counselling course is completely normal and widely experienced. Anxiety can arise at multiple stages: starting training, assessments, skills practice, or placement work. Personal development groups offer a safe space to share and normalise these feelings with peers. Journaling helps externalise anxiety, making it easier to understand and process. Personal therapy and supervision provide additional support to explore anxiety in depth. Holding onto your “why” for training can help you move through anxiety and stay motivated. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course
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  • 373 – Defensible Decision-Making

    373 – Defensible Decision-Making
    Apr 25 2026
    New Rules on Police Requests for Counselling Notes – Balancing Time and Training In Episode 373 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, they explore defensible decision-making in relation to using technology and AI in counselling practice. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Irene Hadjiioannou about new 2026 guidance on police requests for counselling notes and what this means for client confidentiality and therapeutic work. And finally in ‘Student Services’, Rory, Ken, and Sarah Henry discuss balancing time and training — the realities, expectations, and challenges of being a counselling student. Defensible Decision-Making in Technology and AI [starts at 03:03 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore defensible decision-making, considering how counsellors can use technology and AI in practice while ensuring accountability and client protection. Key points discussed include: Defensible decision-making means being able to clearly explain and justify why you chose a particular tool or approach. Decisions must move beyond instinct - they should be grounded in evidence, reflection, and professional reasoning. Common examples include referrals, breaking confidentiality, and now increasingly, choosing digital tools like email or video platforms. Key questions to ask include: why you chose the tool, what you considered, what checks you carried out, and what concerns you identified. Ethical decision-making must always link back to client welfare, confidentiality, fairness, and good practice. Documenting your decision-making process is essential in case you are ever required to justify your actions in a complaint or review. New Rules on Police Requests for Counselling Notes [starts at 26:19 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Irene Hadjiioannou about new legal guidance introduced in January 2026 regarding police requests for therapy notes. Key points from this conversation include: Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapeutic work, especially for survivors of abuse, where trust and privacy are essential. Previous routine requests for therapy notes could feel intrusive and risk re-traumatising clients. New guidance states that counselling notes should not be requested as a matter of course and must be justified and proportionate. Requests now require authorisation from a senior police officer, adding an extra layer of protection. Therapists should write notes for clinical purposes only - not for legal proceedings - and follow data minimisation principles. Increased awareness and communication of these changes are needed to reassure clients and support access to therapy alongside legal processes. Balancing Time and Training [starts at 48:50 mins] In this section, Rory, Ken, and Sarah Henry discuss the realities of managing time while training to become a counsellor. Key points include: Counselling training is highly demanding, involving study, placement hours, supervision, and significant personal development. Students often juggle training alongside work, family responsibilities, and other life commitments. Consistent attendance is vital - missing sessions impacts both learning and group cohesion. Training requires sacrifice, whether that’s time, social activities, or personal routines. Planning ahead and taking a step-by-step approach can help manage overwhelm and maintain progress. Open communication with family and support networks is essential to navigate the demands of training successfully. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course
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