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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
  • 381 – Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice

    381 – Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice
    Jun 25 2026
    Lost for Words and Open Access Therapy - Managing Loss and Transitions in Counselling Studies In Episode 381 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 Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice, considering how counsellors can use AI ethically to enhance their professional voice and practice without compromising their values. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Meg Moss from the NCPS about the Lost for Words campaign and the Open Access Therapy Framework - a proposal to improve access to counselling through greater choice in NHS therapy provision. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss managing loss and transitions in counselling studies, reflecting on the endings that come with completing training and moving into the next stage of professional development. Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice [starts at 02:46 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice, considering how AI can enhance professional practice by supporting—not replacing—the counsellor's intention, judgement, and authentic voice. Key points discussed include: AI should be viewed as an ethical partner or co-pilot, not a replacement for professional judgement. Counsellors can use AI intentionally for writing, planning, research, administration, and professional reflection. Client information should never be entered into AI systems, even if anonymised, due to confidentiality and data security concerns. Professional judgement remains essential - all AI-generated content should be reviewed, edited, and verified by the practitioner. Creating a professional voice profile can help counsellors communicate authentically in websites, directory listings, and professional communications. Transparency is important whenever AI has been used to assist with professional outputs. Lost for Words and Open Access Therapy [starts at 32:00 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Meg Moss, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy at the NCPS, about the Society’s Lost for Words campaign and its proposal for greater choice within NHS talking therapies. Key points from this conversation include: The Lost for Words campaign highlights how a one-size-fits-all approach to NHS talking therapies does not work for everyone. The Open Access Therapy Framework proposes direct GP referral pathways to accredited counsellors listed on PSA-accredited registers. Research suggests that different therapeutic modalities often achieve broadly equivalent outcomes in real-world practice. The therapeutic relationship remains one of the strongest predictors of positive therapy outcomes across all modalities. The framework aims to provide greater continuity of care by reducing the disruption caused by stepped-care models. Private practitioners could potentially receive funded referrals through a new pathway while continuing to work within their own modality and practice setting. Managing Loss and Transitions in Counselling Studies [starts at 57:04 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken reflect on the experience of finishing counselling training and the feelings of loss, transition, and growth that can accompany the end of a training group. Key points include: The ending of a counselling training group can feel significant due to the depth of connection and shared experience developed during training. Training groups often provide a unique environment for personal growth, support, and professional formation. Building professional networks after qualification can help maintain connections and support ongoing development. Endings in training mirror many of the experiences clients encounter at the end of therapy. It is valuable to acknowledge and lean into the emotions associated with endings rather than avoiding them. The relationships and experiences formed during training often continue to influence professional practice long after qualification. The image above is Ken's final Personal Development (PD) group as a student counsellor, with Rory as the group tutor. A special moment marking the end of an important chapter in Ken's training journey—featured alongside this week's Student Services discussion. 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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  • 380 – AI and Regulation in Counselling Practice

    380 – AI and Regulation in Counselling Practice
    Jun 20 2026
    Teaching Counselling – A New Career Path? - The Reality of Self-Employment in Counselling In Episode 380 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 regulation in counselling practice - looking at the current regulatory landscape, ethical responsibilities, and what practitioners need to consider when using AI tools. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Sarah Henry about teaching counselling as a potential career path - exploring the transition from practitioner to educator and the skills required to support future counsellors. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss the reality of self-employment in counselling - examining what it takes to build and sustain a private practice as a business. AI and Regulation in Counselling Practice [starts at 03:13 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore AI and regulation in counselling practice, examining the developing regulatory landscape surrounding AI in counselling and psychotherapy, and what ethical practitioners need to consider before integrating AI tools into their work. Key points discussed include: AI tools sit within a practitioner’s professional responsibility - counsellors remain accountable for how these tools are used in practice. The UK regulatory landscape includes medical device regulation, UK GDPR, data protection legislation, professional ethics, and evidential standards. Practitioners should carefully review what data an AI tool collects, where it is stored, how it is used, and whether clients have provided informed consent. The Shared AI Charter for counselling and psychotherapy organisations emphasises client-centred ethics, transparency, human connection, equality, and ongoing evaluation. NICE is increasingly evaluating digital health technologies, encouraging practitioners to look for independent evidence supporting any AI tool they use. Key considerations include purpose, evidence, data protection, consent, bias, impact on the therapeutic relationship, and accountability if something goes wrong. Teaching Counselling – A New Career Path? [starts at 33:41 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Sarah Henry about what counsellors should consider if they are thinking about moving into teaching and counselling education. Key points from this conversation include: Becoming a counselling tutor requires a shift from the role of practitioner to educator, with teaching skills being just as important as counselling knowledge. Formal teaching qualifications and experience of educational practice provide an important foundation for effective counselling education. Counselling tutors carry significant emotional labour as they support learners through personal and professional development. Maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential, balancing relational teaching with the responsibility to assess students against required standards. Tutors bring counselling theory to life by integrating real-world clinical experience and helping students connect learning with practice. Effective educators model professionalism, authenticity, and ethical practice while encouraging students to develop their own therapeutic identity. The Reality of Self-Employment in Counselling [starts at 01:01:26 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss what counsellors need to understand about running a private practice and why counselling skills alone are not enough to sustain a successful business. Key points include: Private practice is fundamentally self-employment and requires business knowledge alongside counselling competence. Counselling fees must cover much more than client sessions, including supervision, CPD, insurance, administration, room hire, taxes, holidays, and other business costs. Developing business skills such as marketing, networking, budgeting, and client acquisition is crucial for long-term sustainability. Many practitioners benefit from a portfolio career, combining counselling with teaching, supervision, consultancy, or related work. Building a successful practice takes time, patience, and consistent effort, with referrals and professional networks often becoming important sources of clients. Surrounding yourself with positive, experienced practitioners rather than pessimistic voices can help build confidence and support professional growth. 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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  • 379 – Accountability and Responsibility in AI Counselling Practice

    379 – Accountability and Responsibility in AI Counselling Practice
    Jun 13 2026
    Ethical AI Practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the UK - Recognising Poor Supervision in Counselling Training In Episode 379 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 professional accountability and responsibility in AI in counselling practice - including who holds responsibility if something goes wrong. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Ken Kelly about his new book, Ethical AI Practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the UK, and the growing role of AI in counselling and psychotherapy. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss recognising poor supervision in counselling training - including red flags to look out for and what good supervision should provide. Accountability and Responsibility in AI Counselling Practice [starts at 03:10 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore accountability and responsibility in AI counselling practice, examining the ethical and legal responsibilities counsellors hold when using AI tools in their work. Key points discussed include: The responsibility for clinical decisions always remains with the practitioner, even when using AI-supported tools. Counsellors need to critically evaluate any digital tools they use, including understanding how client data is stored, protected, and accessed. It’s important to consider what happens if a tool provider closes down or experiences a data breach. Practitioners should check whether their insurance covers the use of AI-supported systems in clinical work. Ethical decision-making includes documenting why a tool was accepted, rejected, or adopted with conditions. Using anonymised or non-identifiable client information can add an extra layer of protection when working digitally. Ethical AI Practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the UK [starts at 26:58 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Ken Kelly about his new book, Ethical AI Practice, exploring the ethical use of AI in counselling and psychotherapy. Key points from this conversation include: Ken describes the moment he realised AI would significantly impact every profession, including counselling and psychotherapy. The book was written to help practitioners navigate AI ethically while formal guidance from professional bodies continues to develop. The AI Expert Reference Group brings together representatives from counselling organisations, training providers, and ethical bodies to discuss developments in AI. The book focuses on applying existing counselling skills and ethical thinking to AI rather than teaching technical knowledge. AI is already appearing in counselling practice through tools, apps, and client use - often without practitioners realising it. Companion resources include ethical evaluation tools, AI policy templates, therapeutic contract examples, and downloadable workbooks. Recognising Poor Supervision in Counselling Training [starts at 01:07:52 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss how counselling students can recognise poor supervision and what healthy supervision should look like. Key points include: Students are paying for a professional service and should expect clear contracting, appropriate support, and professional boundaries. A good supervisor should understand the needs of counselling students and ideally have experience supervising trainees. Supervision should feel supportive and safe while still offering appropriate challenge and professional development. Supervisors should understand the modality and context in which the student is working, including online or telephone practice where relevant. Warning signs may include feeling unable to bring mistakes into supervision, blurred boundaries, or supervision sessions that lack depth and challenge. Good supervision helps students grow in confidence, reflect critically on their practice, and develop professionally in service of their clients. 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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