Digital Tools in Online Therapy Sessions - Developing an Emotional Vocabulary

In Episode 315 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics:

First up in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', Rory and Ken discuss Neurodivergence-Affirming Psychotherapy.

Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ellie Finch about using digital tools in online therapy sessions.

And lastly in 'Student Services', we look at developing an emotional vocabulary.

Neurodivergence and Autism [starts at 03:19 mins]

All clients deserve to feel seen and understood within the therapy room. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss neurodivergence and autism in session:

It's important to be accepting of people in the therapy room.

The language around neurodivergence and autism is still changing and developing.

There is a need to use the correct language for the time.

We want the client to feel understood.

Divergence is an otherness - this doesn't mean it is bad, it is simply different.

Everyone experiences the world differently.

We need to be able to understand these clients and meet them where they are.

It takes time to adapt and get used to - having training and developing your understanding is crucial.

You can develop or adapt your practice to help the client - be flexible.

Digital Tools in Online Therapy Sessions [starts at 27:09 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ellie Finch about using digital tools in online therapy sessions.

The key points of this discussion include:

Digital tools are a great way to make online sessions engaging.

Using digital tools can be useful to younger clients - bringing therapy into their comfort zone.

There are multiple considerations regarding data protection - making sure you're complying with your local data protection laws.

Where are you storing data?

Make sure you're getting a client's informed consent.

Using digital sand trays and video games can really enhance the client experience.

You can find the one that suits you and become comfortable with it.

You're using counselling skills you already have in a new environment.

Developing an Emotional Vocabulary [starts at 50:22 mins]

It's a skill to be able to put a name to different emotions, and it's a skill that can help a client to better understand their own emotions. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss why developing an emotional vocabulary is important:

Be able to name emotions and understand them.

There are primary and secondary emotions.

Learn how to regulate your emotions.

Be able to go beyond the words happy, sad, angry, etc.

There are different levels to emotions e.g. are you just happy? Or are you ecstatic?

Recognising and seeing a client's emotions can completely change the energy of the session.

As the counsellor, we can maybe put a name to an emotion that the client was struggling to identify.

This can take trust within the therapeutic relationship to the next level.

There is a condition called alexithymia, where someone might have a problem with interpreting or actually feeling emotions.

Certain emotions might be deemed acceptable, while others are unacceptable - has your client been told they should suppress some emotions?

Let the client know they can express their emotions in the room with you - it's acceptable for them to experience these emotions.

Links and Resources

Ellie Finch

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