Counselling Tutor podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Equality and Diversity in Counselling - Counselling Millennial Clients In Episode 220 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations' Rory and Ken look at equality and diversity. Then in 'Focus on Self', we'll be thinking about supervision and being sure you have the right clinical supervisor for you. Lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Amy Launder about counselling millennial clients. Equality and Diversity in Counselling [starts at 2:23 mins] Equality and diversity is an ever-changing subject that can be difficult to keep on top of, but it is vital to be aware of. The key points of this discussion include: The 2010 Equality Act, while important, isn't where your knowledge of equality and diversity should end. Challenges your frame of reference - we are people of our time and will be faced with things we may not have considered before now, or that feel unfamiliar. The importance of CPD - continuing your professional development as the name suggests. Your core training, although important, is just facts that will require developing. Ask questions to help you evolve. Choosing a Clinical Supervisor [starts at 16:07 mins] Clinical supervision is a vital aspect of your career as a counsellor and you want to make sure you're getting as much out of it as you possibly can. The key things to think about are: Choose your own clinical supervisor if you are able to - you're more likely to be honest and not hide clients if you're happy with your supervisor. Consider choosing a supervisor that challenges you - helps you to grow and maybe suggests areas for CPD. See who you find you connect with, have a pre-meeting with multiple supervisors and feel free to choose the one you feel suits you best. Ask questions about how they might supervise you in certain situations. When choosing a clinical supervisor, make sure they understand the modality you work under. Counselling Millennial Clients [starts at 32:55 mins] This week, Rory speaks with Amy Launder on counselling millennials, a term used to refer to people born between 1981-1995 (or some say up until 2000). The important points of this discussion include: Something commonly brought to therapy by millennials is trouble with decision-making - this is usually due to parents making decisions for them. They might have been affected by events that influence how safe they feel (e.g. 9/11) as these events would've been well publicised. Generational distress - lack of distress tolerance, struggle to deal with boredom, want 'quick fixes' for their problems. Be aware that this does include a degree of stereotyping, and millennials do have a wider field than others (some millennials may even have millennial parents for example). Some of the languages they use may be different - 'talking to someone' doesn't necessarily mean face-to-face anymore due to technology. Boundaries may be harder to establish with millennial clients - they may overshare or message you outside of session hours. A way to deal with this would be to show them they've been heard, but make them aware they need to hold onto it until their next session. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

How to Write Counselling Notes - Importance of Networking for Counsellors In Episode 219 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly go through this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations' we'll be looking at note-taking. Then in 'Focus on Self', think about how to develop your network. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Professor Mick Cooper on common factors in counselling. How to Write Counselling Notes [starts at 01:52 mins] When it comes to taking notes, everyone is likely to do it differently. However, there are a few important things to think about when it comes to taking and storing a client's notes: Purely factual information - no assumptions, guesses or interpretations. Take notes of themes more than detailed specifics after the session - you should be present during the session, not trying to copy down every word the client says. Maybe include any housekeeping e.g. the client arrived on time, the client has agreed and signed the contract. Keep notes in a locked cabinet - take extra precautions if you keep notes digitally. Consider keeping notes on a USB and placing that in a locked cabinet. When taking notes, consider that they may be looked at by someone, possibly the client. Importance of Networking for Counsellors [starts at 15:58 mins] When it comes to counselling, having a wide network can be a huge benefit to your practice. Some reasons for this include: Talking to a peer count as CPD. Being online now means you can speak with colleagues from further afield. Allows you to double-check, or ask for a second opinion. Almost like building a digital referral list. Common Factors in Counselling [starts at 26:48 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Professor Mick Cooper on the common factors in counselling. The key points of this discussion include: Common factors - certain 'ingredients' in therapy that are the effective ones. Worrying less about the model used and more about specific 'ingredients' e.g. empathy, congruence, transference, self-disclosure etc. The most important factor in counselling is still the client and their personal motivation and engagement with the therapy - how willing they are to change. Client preferences - tailoring the therapy instead of just following a model. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

Special Edition - New Changes in the National Counselling Society In this week's special edition of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes speaks with Jyles Robillard-Day of the National Counselling Society (NCS) about some new changes within the NCS that you can look forward to: A change in name - from the National Counselling Society (NCS) to the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). The launching of a new website. And finally, a new sub-register. Changing Name: From NCS to NCPS [starts at 01:24 mins] Some members of the NCS identify as psychotherapists but felt they weren't being represented in the name. Through a democratic vote between the members, it was decided that a name change was needed for better representation of all members and better representation to the public. However, this will be a long process full of changes - but members are asked not to do anything yet and await an email with further information. New NCS Website [starts at 07:11 mins] Focused on making the website more accessible and easy to navigate for the general public, members, and potential clients. Work towards making the counselling directory a fantastic resource - being able to find support easily. Making an easier pathway for the public to find the therapist for them. New NCS Sub-Register [starts at 10:00 mins] Launching a new sub-register for counselling children and young people is one of the upcoming changes in the NCS. You'll have to already be a member of the NCS (soon to be NCPS), and provide evidence of additional skills and competencies to work with children and young people. This will help make it easier for children and young people to get the help and support they may need. As a part of SCoPEd since 2020, the NCS took their members concerns into account and the Jan 2022 framework was released. There is now less academic language and more talk of the therapeutic relationship. The release of this year's framework was Phase One. Now working on Phase Two, there are three key elements: An impact assessment of the new framework. Putting names to the three framework columns (currently just A, B and C). And looking at mechanisms to allow people to transition up the columns such as experience, CPD, and other learning - making sure all SCoPEd partners have the same mechanisms. Links and Resources NCS website 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

Why Did You Become a Helper? - Learning from Our Mistakes In Episode 218 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we'll look at the importance of knowing why you want to work in the service of others. Then in 'Focus on Self', Rory and Ken discuss learning from our mistakes. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Marion Elkin-Greener about counselling clients with addiction. Why Did You Become a Helper? [starts at 02:07 mins] Knowing why you've chosen to work in the service of others will help you develop a level of understanding and motivation to do well. The key points of this section include: When you have a strong 'why', the 'how' you do things will fall into place. When it gets hard or lonely, you can look back to your 'why'. Make sure you're in a position to help others - you're putting yourself in emotional harm's way. You will require emotional robustness. Self-evaluation - be honest with, and know yourself fully. Learning from Our Mistakes [starts at 15:33 mins] Everybody makes mistakes; it's owning up to them and deciding how to move forwards that matters. The main factors of this discussion are: Reflexivity - reflect, think over your actions and what you can do better in the future. Own up to mistakes - this allows you to move past them, most mistakes can often be resolved with an apology. Most mistakes are made without malice or intention. We're just human, it's natural to make mistakes. Counselling Clients with Addiction [starts at 30:31 mins] This week, Rory speaks with Marion Elkin-Greener on treating clients suffering from addiction. The key points include: Working with addictions requires extra training, but the core needs don't change (empathy, positive regard etc.) There are differences in how you treat each form of addiction e.g. you will treat an alcohol addiction differently from drug addiction. There is slang you'll have to adapt to and recognise. It's referred to as treatment - goal centered. Family therapy - addiction often affects those around the client. Relapse will be a part of the recovery process - it's important the client is aware of this to help prevent feelings of shame and failure. Educate clients on other websites etc. that they can go to for additional help and support. When counselling clients with addiction, it's vital to have an open mind and be non-judgemental. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

Planning Your CPD as a Counsellor - Bereavement Due to COVID-19 In episode 217 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back discussing three more topics: In this week's 'Counselling Foundations', we'll look at radical empathy. Next in 'Focus on Self', Rory and Ken discuss how to plan your CPD. And lastly, Rory speaks with Dr. John Wilson on bereavement due to COVID-19. Radical Empathy in Counselling [starts at 1:56 mins] Radical empathy is a required skill for counselling clients that don't share your values or that you could find incredibly challenging to empathise with. The key discussions in this section include: To cultivate radical empathy when counselling, make sure you're pushing aside prejudices. This is an advanced form of empathy - it will be difficult. Treat it carefully, make sure you're qualified and have good supervision. Look past who they are and what they've done to recognise them as a fellow human being. Planning Your CPD as a Counsellor [starts at 19:00 mins] CPD is an essential part of your journey as a counsellor; improving yourself and broadening your knowledge will serve as a benefit in your career. The main points of this segment include: You're learning and bettering yourself for your clients. It is the best way you can serve your client. The more you learn about your practice, the more you will learn about yourself. You can talk with your supervisor and ask them about any recommendations they may have for CPD that will help you to improve. Bereavement Due to COVID-19 [starts at 35:43 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. John Wilson on bereavement caused by COVID: COVID bereavement has certain differences from regular bereavement such as greater levels of trauma, feelings of guilt and difficulties in making sense of their loss. Clients will often suffer from rumination - thoughts going round and round as they try to make sense of something. You will help the client to create a new relationship with their deceased loved one. Bereavement counselling takes time and patience. All grief is unique and individual. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

The Skill of Challenge - When Friends Ask for Counselling In Episode 216 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations' we'll look at the skill of challenging. Then in 'Focus on Self', we move on to how to deal with friends and acquaintances once they discover your career. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Jo Mountain about insurance for counsellors and psychotherapists. The Skill of Challenge [starts at 1:25 mins] Sometimes challenging the client during your practice becomes necessary and in this section, Rory and Ken discuss the situations this may come into play: If a client is clearly under the influence and not in a suitable state to undergo the session or late to a session without notice, it may be necessary to challenge them on this. Not doing things that would benefit them such as homework you've set will hamper progress and open the opportunity for challenge. When it comes to person-centred therapy, you could challenge incongruence within the client. In recovery counselling, there can be a high level of challenge necessary as a part of the process. Challenging is something that needs to be practised. When Friends Ask for Counselling [starts at 19:37 mins] Dealing with those closest to you can sometimes become difficult when they are made aware of your career as a counsellor. It's important that you know how to deal with this when faced with it. The key points of this discussion include: Start as you mean to go on within the relationship. Explain why you are unable to be a counsellor for your friends and that counselling is a managed activity. Be careful that you don't unconsciously slip into the process. Ethically you can't counsel a friend or family member. Practice with peers, not at home. Be aware that when speaking with friends you naturally have an unavoidable bias. Importance of Insurance for Counsellors [starts at 30:51 mins] This week, Rory speaks with Jo Mountain from Howden Insurance on the importance of having insurance as a counsellor and psychotherapist. Having insurance is primarily optional. There are two essentials when it comes to insurance within your counselling practice: Complaints defense - if you receive a complaint that results in a poor outcome, it could seriously effect and reduce your career. Civil action - puts your personal wealth at risk. Insurance provides support - helping to respond to complaints and attend hearings if a complaint manages to get that far. Can cover working from home. Reduced rates for students and premiums for members of ethical bodies, (specific to Howden). Helpful third-party partners. Howden won't insure deliberate actions, or if there was prior knowledge of a situation e.g. complaint. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course Howden Insurance for Therapists and Counsellors

Preparing for Endings in Counselling - Planning Your Career as a Therapist In Episode 215 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly return with this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we talk about endings. Next in 'Focus on Self', we look at your career as a therapist. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Erene Hadjiioannou on pre-trial therapy. Preparing for Endings in Counselling [starts at 2:57 mins] Counselling is full of endings, and knowing how to best prepare both your clients and yourself for them is an important part of the process. Key points discussed in this section include: Endings start at the beginning - ensure your client is aware that they have a set amount of time with you. It's important to find the balance between an abrupt ending and dragging things on too long. How you go about ending things links to your attachment style - be aware of your own attachment style. You're looking to create independence within your client as you work with them, not dependence. Remind the client how many sessions they have left, this will allow them to make the best of the time they have with you. The three stages of ending: Assessing a client's readiness to end. Acknowledging that for the client, this is the end of a relationship. Empowering the client. Remember that endings welcome a new beginning. Planning Your Career as a Therapist [starts at 21:38 mins] Within the career of therapy, it is important to know your options. By exploring their own experiences, Rory and Ken discuss the wide range of experiences available: Counselling can be a portfolio career -doesn't have to just be being in private practice. Branch out and build experience, this will 'season' you as a therapist. Seize as many opportunities as you can - they will all build up your own experience and make you more employable. Pre-Trial Therapy [starts at 36:58 mins] *The guidance on pre-trial therapy has changed since this episode was broadcast. For the latest guidance, please listen to the upcoming episode 242. In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Erene Hadjiioannou about pre-trial therapy - specific to the UK. The main points of this discussion include: Guidance is set by the Crown Prosecution Service that we are ethically required to stick to when working with the victim of any crime. The client can't discuss details of the ongoing case due to evidence. They can however, discuss the impact of what they're going through. Therapy notes may be asked for in order to check evidence aligns. Use umbrella terms when taking notes in order to protect privacy e.g. 'sexual violence' instead of 'rape'. Don't speculate within your notes. Requests for therapy notes can be turned down. Instead of sending notes, there is an option to write a summary instead - it's a good idea to give a copy of this to your client, as it is information very personal to them. It's rare that a therapist will be asked to go into court. Don't be shy to ask what your responsibilities are. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course Pre-Trial Therapy Resources Draft Guidance on Pre-Trial Therapy When Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse Report to the Police: A Professional's Perspective Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse: Challenging Pre-Trial Therapy Guidelines Pre-Trial Therapy: A Crucial Moment Psychotherapy with Survivors of Sexual Violence: Inside and Outside the Room (book by Erene Hadjiioannou)

The Skill of Questioning in Counselling - Leaving Client Material Behind In Episode 214 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, listen as Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics: In this episode's 'Counselling Foundations', Rory and Ken look at the skill of appropriate questioning. Next in 'Focus on Self', we think about leaving client material behind. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with James Taylor on social media considerations for therapists, with a focus on online etiquette. The Skill of Questioning in Counselling [starts at 02:03 mins] Your approach to asking questions will differ depending on the modality of your practice, and understanding the type of question necessary is an important skill. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the difference between these questions and the key points include: When it comes to person-centred therapy, you ask questions in order to clarify your own understanding and align your frame of reference with the client. Don't ask to satisfy your own curiosity - think about who you're asking the question for. In CBT, the questions will be more directive and probing. You will need to ask difficult questions in order to assess risk. Socratic questioning - introduces a level of discomfort. Be mindful that a question can move a client out of feeling and into thought. Leaving Client Material Behind [starts at 17:53 mins] An important step in developing your practice is finding a way of leaving client material behind. Through sharing personal experiences, Rory and Ken discuss this topic. The main points of this section include: If a client's material is sticking with you for over 48 hours, you should discuss it with your supervisor. Be aware of transference. Develop a process of setting aside this client material - maybe through journaling or process notes. Counselling requires a level of emotional robustness, but sometimes things can break through. Highlights the importance of undergoing your own personal therapy. Social Media Considerations for Therapists [starts at 31:11 mins] This week, Rory speaks with James Taylor on social media considerations and online etiquette for therapists. » Watch our FREE lecture on Social Media Etiquette for Counsellors and Counsellors in Training here. « The key points discussed are as follows: Be mindful that it won't just affect you, but also your practice. Have a quick reread before you post anything on social media. When using social media, consider that you're representing the counselling profession as a whole. Think about how you appear to others from an outside perspective. Consider having your account visible to just your friends. Remember that online, things can very easily be misunderstood. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

Relational Depth in Counselling - Dealing with Failure In Episode 213 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three new topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', Rory and Ken explore the relational depth. Then in 'Focus on Self', we think about failure. And finally in this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Daniel Hand on introducing role-playing games (RPGs) in therapy. Relational Depth in Counselling [starts at 02:54 mins] Relational depth is connecting with each other in a meaningful way, not necessarily just in therapy. In this section, Rory and Ken look further into this idea of relational depth, and the key points include: It's a moment of deep relation and connection. It isn't a goal to strive towards; it's something you and your client may shift in and out of. Requires them to be the centre of your attention, fully tuning into them. Really seeing and trying to understand another human being. It can be hampered by agenda - trying to 'fix' the client and only focusing on exercising theory and skills will hinder this relational depth. Dealing with Failure [starts at 17:22 mins] Through sharing their personal experiences with the word failure, Rory and Ken discuss ways to overcome this mindset and reinforce the importance of not giving up. The key points mentioned in this section include: Thinking about your own relationship with the word failure and possibly changing what it means to you. Failure doesn't have to be viewed as something you've done wrong. Failure is simply the process of finding the right way - you will always learn from it. Don't give up, you never know how close you are to the end. Using Role-Playing Games in Therapy [starts at 28:54 mins] This week, Rory speaks with Daniel Hand about how he has introduced using role-playing games or RPGs to his counselling practice. The main points of this discussion include: Role-playing games provide an escape from the real world for the client. RPGs enable them to put things at arm's length. Allows the client to make mistakes without real-life consequences. Can help the client to practice decision making. The client can learn from their character. Utilises projection and empathy. Simply put - it's fun. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

The Skill of Summarising - Managing Personal Relationships during Counselling Training In Episode 212 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: In this episode's 'Counselling Foundations', Rory and Ken discuss the skill of summarising. Next, in 'Focus on Self' we'll look at managing our personal relationships. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Michelle Harrison-Lee on psychosexual therapy. The Skill of Summarising [starts at 2:07 mins] Listen as Rory and Ken discuss the benefits and applications of the skill of summarising: It can be used at the end of sessions to collate information and tie things together. It is a wide skill - different from the skill of paraphrasing. Shows the client that they've been heard and paid attention to. Gives both you and the client a map of where you've been during sessions and shows an emotional journey. It is helpful to have things like this written down so your client can look back on it. Gives an opportunity for the client to say if anything has been misinterpreted. It is a skill that goes beyond simply noting the narrative - you have to be able to capture the emotions too. Managing Personal Relationships during Counselling Training [starts at 20:35 mins] As you go through your training, and life in general, you will change and adapt. This can impact the relationships you have with those around you and in this section, Rory and Ken share some of their personal experiences with this. The main points of this discussion include: You will experience personal growth, bringing with it new perspectives and realisations. These changes will require courage and can be painful. You may find yourself no longer trying to fit in with the crowd you were once a part of. Accepting that this is your true self, even if it means you now feel out of place. You don't have to form yourself to fit into people's impressions or expectations of you. Psychosexual Therapy [starts at 35:52 mins] In today's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Michelle Harrison-Lee on psychosexual therapy. Some of the key points from this section include: It is a positive psychology. There is a long assessment period for clients. The internet and social media provide unrealistic and misinforming views of sex. You're creating an environment in order to help the client build an erotic environment. Psychosexual therapy requires you to be more directive and curious, asking your client about their experiences. You provide homework tasks that the client should be prepared to fail and try again. Links and Resources 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course