Counselling Tutor podcast

377 - AI Apps and Depersonalisation in Counselling 30.05.2026 1h 12min

In Episode 377 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 apps and depersonalisation in counselling - looking at how AI tools may risk weakening the therapeutic relationship and the importance of maintaining human connection in therapy. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Jane Godward and Tara Fox about their new book, The Process of Becoming a Counsellor: Navigating the Transformation - discussing the realities of counselling training, personal development, and choosing the right course. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to write a personal statement for a counselling course - including what tutors are really looking for and how to present yourself authentically.

376 - AI in Counselling Practice 16.05.2026 1h 13min

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.

375 - Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI 09.05.2026 1h 33min

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.

374: AI and the Therapeutic Relationship 02.05.2026 1h 15min

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.

373 – Defensible Decision Making 25.04.2026 1h 17min

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 Erene 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.

372 - Understanding AI Categories in Counselling Practice 18.04.2026 1h 19min

In Episode 372 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 understanding AI categories in counselling practice, examining the different types of AI tools counsellors may encounter and why understanding these distinctions is essential for ethical and safe client work. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with therapist and journalist Matt Hussey about the future of therapy in the age of AI and how technology may reshape mental health support. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss agency reports in counselling training - what they are, why they matter, and how they contribute to assessing a trainee counsellor's readiness for professional practice.

371: AI in Counselling – Have Therapists Been Left Behind? 11.04.2026 1h 6min

In Episode 371 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explore three key topics relevant to counsellors and counselling students. Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', they introduce the emerging conversation around AI in counselling, exploring whether therapists are being left behind and how practitioners can engage with AI ethically. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Jessica Wing about preparing to meet your very first client, sharing insights to help students transition from classroom practice to real therapeutic work. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken clarify the difference between humanism and person-centred therapy, a common area of confusion for counselling students studying theoretical models.

370 - Grounding Techniques in Counselling Practice 21.03.2026 1h 28min

In Episode 370 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 grounding techniques in counselling practice, highlighting key techniques every counsellor should know and why these skills are essential for safe, trauma-informed work. · Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – what it is, how it presents, and why it is often misunderstood, particularly in neurodivergent individuals. · And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen discuss how to find your first supervisor – what to look for, what questions to ask, and why the supervisory relationship matters so much in your development.

369 - Working with Shame in the Therapy Room 14.03.2026 1h 16min

In Episode 369 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 working with shame in the therapy room – how shame presents, how it differs from guilt, and how to work with it gently and ethically. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Nadine Pittam about limerence – a powerful and often overwhelming state of obsessive romantic attachment – and how therapists can work safely and effectively with clients experiencing it. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss what to do when you feel out of your depth as a counselling student, offering reassurance, practical guidance, and encouragement.

368 - When Media Coverage Enters the Counselling Room 07.03.2026 1h 12min

In Episode 368 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly guide you through three key areas of counselling practice, learning, and development. In Ethical, Sustainable Practice, Rory and Ken explore when media coverage enters the counselling room, examining how major reporting on trauma and abuse can increase client contact and shape presentations. In Practice Matters, Rory is interviewed by Sarah Henry about his latest CPD lecture on attachment, exploring why attachment theory is central to therapeutic work. And in Student Services, Rory and Ken discuss the role of check-ins and check-outs in counselling training, and why these processes matter far beyond the classroom.

367: Talking to Clients About AI in Therapy 28.02.2026 1h 21min

In Episode 367 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explore three timely and important topics for counsellors, psychotherapists, and students. Firstly, in Ethical, Sustainable Practice, Rory and Ken explore talking to clients about AI in therapy, discussing the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in clients' lives and why therapists need to address the risks, ethics, and boundaries of AI use within the therapeutic contract. Then, in Practice Matters, Rory is joined by Andrew Kidd for the second part of their conversation on EMDR, focusing on the functional model and how EMDR works in practice to help clients reprocess trauma. Finally, in Student Services, Rory and Ken unpack a common source of confusion for trainees: when you actually become "qualified" as a counsellor, and how this differs from accreditation and employability.

366 - New Police Guidance on Accessing Counselling Records 14.02.2026 1h 7min

In Episode 366 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', we examine the new police guidance on accessing counselling records – essential listening if you work with trauma or abuse. Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Lisa Williams on integrating genograms and social graces to enhance self-awareness and deepen the therapeutic relationship. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore fitness to practise - what it means, how to get signed off, and what to do if you're struggling with that final hurdle.

365 - When Is It the Right Time to Train as a Supervisor? 07.02.2026 1h 23min

In Episode 365 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', we ask: when is it the right time to train as a supervisor? Rory and Ken, joined by Paul Cullen, explore motivations, timing, and expectations for moving into this advanced professional role. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sally-Anne Armitage, who returns to share creative supervision techniques that can enrich both supervisory and client practice. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken respond to a common concern from placement practitioners - how to talk to clients about being a trainee counsellor while maintaining confidence and clarity.

364 - Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists? 31.01.2026 1h 15min

In Episode 364 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', we explore the question 'Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?', examining how AI is currently used in mental health care and what this might mean for the future of the profession. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Mahmoud Ahmed about his newly published book A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy, which calls for embedding diversity, equity, and context at the heart of practice. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore what happens when your counselling course ends but your placement hours are incomplete – offering guidance on how to stay motivated and complete the journey.

363: Choosing the Right Online Tech 24.01.2026 1h 20min

In Episode 363 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', we explore choosing the right online tech for counselling, highlighting how equipment and setup affect professionalism and therapeutic presence. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Caroline Evers-Endacott about working with alcohol, problem drinking, and recovery pathways – emphasising how therapists can work ethically and effectively with clients navigating addiction. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken offer guidance on how to manage long breaks between counselling training levels, including tips for maintaining motivation, skills, and learning during study gaps.

362: Working with Clients Who Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis 17.01.2026 1h 25min

In Episode 362 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', we explore working with clients who have a psychiatric diagnosis, considering how to approach this work ethically, including navigating risk, understanding medication, and maintaining person-centred care. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory catches up with Alex Gulland, a year after she qualified, to hear what the transition from student to practitioner has really been like – from building a client base to discovering a passion for equine-assisted therapy. And finally in 'Student Services', Ken and Rory explore how to protect client confidentiality when writing case studies – including anonymisation techniques and data protection guidance. Sarah Henry joins to share her frontline insights into balancing academic and ethical responsibilities.

361: Managing Isolation in Counselling Practice 10.01.2026 1h 6min

In Episode 361 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explore three vital topics for students and practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy: Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', Rory and Ken examine managing isolation in counselling practice, highlighting why counsellors may experience isolation, the impact of emotional labour, and the importance of maintaining professional connections. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with psychotherapist Claire Ratcliffe about the subtle but essential distinction between feeling safe and being safe in therapy, and what this means for clients and therapeutic practice. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken offer practical guidance on how to reference non-academic resources in academic assignments.

360 - Rupture and Repair in Counselling 03.01.2026 1h 5min

In Episode 360 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 the inevitable ruptures that can occur in the therapeutic relationship - and how recognising and repairing these moments builds resilience and strengthens the alliance. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ian Long, illustrator and co-creator of the iconic Blob Tree, about the origins, evolution, and global impact of these powerful visual tools in therapy and education. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken rethink transference in person-centred therapy, offering insight into how these dynamics show up during training and why they matter - even outside of client work.

359: Getting Over Cancellation Guilt 13.12.2025 1h 2min

In Episode 359 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 getting over cancellation guilt, looking at what therapist cancellation guilt means, why it arises, and how to approach it with compassion and professionalism. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ruth Hill about supporting therapists and clients through perimenopause and post menopause - challenging outdated views and reframing this life stage as one of growth, not decline. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the phenomenon of doorknobbing - those last-minute disclosures from clients - and how to respond ethically and sensitively in practice.

358: Letting Go of the Outcome in Counselling 06.12.2025 1h 22min

In Episode 358 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explore this week's three topics: Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', we discuss letting go of the outcome in counselling - why embracing client autonomy matters. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Paula Jones about the Horn Effect and autism - how unconscious bias can shape perceptions of neurodivergent individuals. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore not losing yourself in counselling training - staying authentic while growing through your studies.