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Counselling Tutor Podcast

Counselling Tutor Podcast

By: Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes
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CPD, supervision and specialist training for counsellors Education
Episodes
  • 376 – AI in Counselling Practice

    376 – AI in Counselling Practice
    May 16 2026
    Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy - Can Your Therapist Be Your Counselling Supervisor? In Episode 376 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 in counselling practice, focusing on understanding informed consent and data use. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Amy Peters about neurodivergent affirming therapy and her new book on working with autistic and ADHD clients. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen discuss whether your therapist can also be your counselling supervisor, exploring the ethical and practical considerations. AI in Counselling Practice [starts at 03:11 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore AI in counselling practice, examining what informed consent really means in the context of AI and data protection. Key points discussed include: Informed consent goes beyond a simple agreement – clients must fully understand how their data is collected, stored, used, and shared. Therapists must be able to explain tools (including AI and apps) in clear, simple language that clients can genuinely understand. Data protection applies from the very first contact (e.g. website forms, emails), not just during therapy sessions. Clients must have control over their data, including the ability to withdraw consent and request deletion. Using third-party tools (e.g. note-taking apps or video platforms) requires explicit informed consent from clients. Consent is an ongoing process that should be revisited throughout the therapeutic relationship, not a one-time event. Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy [starts at 28:35 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Amy Peters about her book Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy: Rethinking Approaches for Autistic and ADHD Clients. Key points from this conversation include: Traditional therapy models are often rooted in neuronormative assumptions, which may not meet the needs of neurodivergent clients. Neurodivergent affirming practice shifts from a deficit-based view to recognising neurodivergence as a valid form of human diversity. Common behaviours (e.g. stimming, lack of eye contact, shutdowns) can be misinterpreted and pathologised in traditional models. Therapists may unintentionally reinforce masking or neurotypical expectations without awareness. There are persistent myths, such as autistic people lacking empathy, which can negatively impact therapeutic relationships. Increased diagnoses reflect historical underdiagnosis, especially among women and marginalised groups, rather than overdiagnosis. Can Your Therapist Be Your Counselling Supervisor? [starts at 50:11 mins] In this section, Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen explore whether it is appropriate for a therapist to also take on the role of supervisor. Key points include: Dual relationships (therapist and supervisor) can create ethical and professional conflicts and are generally discouraged. Therapy and supervision serve different purposes – therapy focuses on the client’s personal process, while supervision focuses on client work and professional practice. Prior therapeutic relationships may influence or complicate the supervisory dynamic. Ethical bodies offer varying guidance, but all highlight the need to carefully consider risks and boundaries. Supervision includes formative, normative, and restorative functions, which differ from therapeutic work. Where possible, it is advisable to seek a separate supervisor to maintain clarity and professional integrity. 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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  • 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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