Counselling Tutor podcast
The Counselling Tutor podcast serves student counsellors and psychotherapists in training. Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly examine the theory and practice of counselling and deliver academic content in an easy to understand and fun podcast. Students of Person Centred counselling, Transactional Analysis and behavioural models such as CBT will find something relevant to their studies on the Counselling Tutor Podcast.
379: Accountability and Responsibility in AI Counselling Practice
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...
378 - AI, Bias and Critical Thinking in Counselling
In Episode 378 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, bias and critical thinking in counselling, examining the risks of bias and discrimination and the importance of critical thinking when using AI in counselling practice.
Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Emma Neville about making menopause matter - exploring lived experience, advocacy, education, and the importance of open conversations around menopause.
And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss why counselling skills...
377 - AI Apps and Depersonalisation in Counselling
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.
<...376 - AI in Counselling Practice
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
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...
374: AI and the Therapeutic Relationship
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...
373 – Defensible Decision Making
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 st...
372 - Understanding AI Categories in Counselling Practice
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 i...371: AI in Counselling – Have Therapists Been Left Behind?
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...
370 - Grounding Techniques in Counselling Practice
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.
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369 - Working with Shame in the Therapy Room
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 fe...368 - When Media Coverage Enters the Counselling Room
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...367: Talking to Clients About AI in Therapy
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...366 - New Police Guidance on Accessing Counselling Records
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 fi...365 - When Is It the Right Time to Train as a Supervisor?
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...364 - Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?
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...363: Choosing the Right Online Tech
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 ma...362: Working with Clients Who Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis
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 an...361: Managing Isolation in Counselling Practice
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...360 - Rupture and Repair in Counselling
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...359: Getting Over Cancellation Guilt
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...358: Letting Go of the Outcome in Counselling
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.357: Planning for Alternative Supervision Cover
In Episode 357 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 discuss what to do when your usual supervisor isn't available. In planning for alternative supervision cover, we explore how to ensure you stay ethical and supported during supervisor absences. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Daragh Mac Loughlin from WebHealer about how to maximise your website presence and build a joined-up online identity across web and social platforms. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken address a hot topic...356: Lying in Therapy
In Episode 356 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 sensitive topic of lying in therapy, examining why clients may lie or conceal information through a trauma-informed perspective and how therapists can respond with compassion. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Andrew Kidd about EMDR therapy - what it is, how it works, and why it's considered a cutting-edge 21st-century therapeutic intervention. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the rising concern of AI and plagiarism...355: The Importance of a Clinical Will
In Episode 355 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 discuss the importance of having a clinical will - why it matters, what it should include, and how it upholds your ethical responsibilities. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ona Clark about the cost of caring - highlighting the emotional, financial, and systemic barriers that many face when training to become a counsellor. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore erotic transference - how to recognise it, work...354: Personal Triggers in Counselling Training
In Episode 354 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 draft BACP Ethical Framework for 2025 - highlighting key proposed changes and what they might mean for practitioners. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ruth Hill about REBT – Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy – offering clear definitions and practical insights for working with beliefs and emotional responsibility. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to navigate personal triggers in counselling training - and why these moments offer powerful oppo...Special Edition: CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
In this special edition of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes is joined by Dr Liz Nicholl, Qualifications Development Manager at CPCAB, for an in-depth discussion on the newly relaunched Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
They explore how the qualification aligns with the SCoPEd framework (specifically Column B), what it offers learners beyond Level 4, and how it supports safe, ethical, and inclusive practice in increasingly complex counselling environments.
353 - Understanding Autism and Attachment Difficulties
In Episode 353 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 look at where autism meets attachment, understanding autism and attachment difficulties – and how similarities and overlaps in presentation can be misinterpreted and what this means for therapists. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Meg Moss, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NCPS, about relational safeguards in AI mental health tools – a timely discussion for any practitioner using or considering AI in practice. And finally in 'Student Services', our corr...352 - Talking Honestly About Switching Supervisors
In Episode 352 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 nuances of switching supervisors, including when change is necessary and how to manage transitions ethically and professionally. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Suzanne Degges-White about the deeply emotional issue of grandparent alienation – a growing concern with long-term implications for clients and families. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken address how to navigate challenges with tutors, a topic frequently raised by students facing difficulties in tr...351 - Moral Injury in Therapy
In Episode 351 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics:
Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', they explore the concept of moral injury in therapy - how it shows up in the therapy room and how to work with it ethically and compassionately. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with counselling student and writer Nell Ash, whose upcoming book addresses how class and politics influence both therapy and training. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to link theory to practice - bridging what you learn in...350 - Starting as a Counsellor
In episode 350 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 what it means to be starting as a counsellor – how to bridge the gap between qualification and confident, competent practice. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Mel Ciavucco, a specialist in disordered eating, body image, and weight stigma. They explore the psychological impact of weight loss drugs, how these medications may interact with disordered eating behaviours, and how counsellors can support clients ethically and without judgement. And lastly, in 'St...349 - How Supervision Shapes Better Therapists
In Episode 349 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 discuss how supervision shapes better therapists Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Chloe Foster about her specialism in email counselling and the benefits and challenges of working through the written word. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore the role of personal therapy in counsellor training and why it is an essential part of your development.348 - Barriers to Diversity in Supervision
In episode 348 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 look at the barriers to diversity in supervision – exploring the importance of cultural attunement, honesty, and managing bias. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Chris Metcalfe and Kent Riley from iMatta – a practice management platform for therapists looking to streamline their admin and protect client data. And lastly in 'Student Services', we discuss how non-judgement can be more than a counselling condition – it can become a valuable way of living.347 - Why Autism-Informed Therapy Matters
In Episode 347 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 why autism-informed therapy matters and how inclusivity, legal responsibilities, and lived experience come together to strengthen practice. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Aisha Gordon-Hiles about financial resilience for counsellors. They look at the importance of sustainable fees, ethical pricing, and developing a healthy money mindset to support private practice. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken reflect on why counselling trainees often doubt themselves – and how reframing th...346 – Triangulation and Trauma
Domestic Abuse Awareness – Why a Year of Skills Training Matters In Episode 346 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 trauma-informed practice, focusing specifically on triangulation and trauma — how this hidden dynamic shows up in therapy and why recognising it is vital for working safely and effectively with clients. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Mel Ciavucco, a counsellor, trainer, and specialist in domestic abuse, about her new CPD lecture, Domestic Abuse Awareness. They discuss working with both survivors and perpetrators...
346: Triangulation and Trauma
In Episode 346 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 trauma-informed practice, focusing specifically on triangulation and trauma — how this hidden dynamic shows up in therapy and why recognising it is vital for working safely and effectively with clients. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Mel Ciavucco, a counsellor, trainer, and specialist in domestic abuse, about her new CPD lecture, Domestic Abuse Awareness. They discuss working with both survivors and perpetrators, how coercive control operates, and the importance of un...345 - Working with Rehearsed Material
In Episode 345 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 working with rehearsed material with Sarah Henry. How to identify it, what it means for the therapeutic relationship, and ethical ways to respond. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Laura Davies, who shares her personal experience of navigating perimenopause while working as a therapist, offering insights into how it affected her practice and ways she adapted. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken do a deep dive into...345 – Working with Rehearsed Material
Perimenopause and Therapist Identity - Counselling Skills: A Deeper Look at Reflection In Episode 345 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 working with rehearsed material with Sarah Henry. How to identify it, what it means for the therapeutic relationship, and ethical ways to respond. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Laura Davies, who shares her personal experience of navigating perimenopause while working as a therapist, offering insights into how it affected her practice and ways she adapted. And finally, in ‘Studen...
344 - Ethical Use of AI in Therapy
In Episode 344 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's topics:
Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', we look at the ethical use of AI in therapy, highlighting potential risks and ethical responsibilities. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Caroline Evers Endicott about her lecture Introducing Therapy for Addiction - a vital area of practice that's often underrepresented in core training. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how learning never stops in counselling - and why planning your CPD is essential as you qualify and build...344 – Ethical Use of AI in Therapy
Introducing Therapy for Addiction - Learning Never Stops – Planning Your CPD In Episode 344 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we look at the ethical use of AI in therapy, highlighting potential risks and ethical responsibilities. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Caroline Evers Endicott about her lecture Introducing Therapy for Addiction - a vital area of practice that’s often underrepresented in core training. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss how learning never stops in counselling - and why planning your...
