Managing Risk in Online Therapy - Contracting in Counselling

In Episode 324 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 managing risk in online therapy and the considerations for safe practice.

Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Meg Moss about the regulation of counselling and psychotherapy.

And lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the importance of contracting in counselling.

Managing Risk in Online Therapy [starts at 04:30 mins]

Managing risk in online therapy is essential to ensure the safety of clients and the effectiveness of sessions. In this section, Rory and Ken outline key considerations and practical strategies:

Risks in remote therapy:

Physical absence makes emergency responses more challenging.

Reduced non-verbal cues when using technology can limit communication.

High-risk client presentations to consider carefully:

Active substance use or addiction.

Domestic violence situations where client safety is at risk.

Serious medical conditions or histories of self-harm.

Risk management strategies:

Use tools like What3Words to locate clients in emergencies.

Regularly update client records, including emergency contacts.

Maintain clear protocols for online and telephone therapy sessions.

Contracting for safety:

Clearly outline emergency procedures in your initial agreements.

Revisit risk management plans as therapy progresses.

Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy [starts at 31:26 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Meg Moss, Head of Policy at the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), about the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of counselling and psychotherapy.

Key discussion points include:

The call for regulation:

Increased public concerns about client safety and therapist accountability.

The effectiveness of the existing Accredited Registers program in maintaining standards.

Challenges with statutory regulation:

Regulation protects professional titles but does not eliminate harmful practices.

Risks of creating defensive practices, which may undermine therapeutic relationships.

Promoting public awareness:

Clients should be encouraged to verify therapists' qualifications and memberships with accredited registers.

Education around ethical standards and informed client choice.

This is the final part of a three-part series on regulation - listen to Episodes 322 and 323 for earlier discussions.

Contracting in Counselling [starts at 54:45 mins]

Contracting is a fundamental part of ethical and effective counselling practice. In this section, Rory and Ken explore why contracts are essential, and what they should include:

Purpose of contracting:

Sets clear boundaries and expectations between client and counsellor.

Protects both parties and ensures transparency.

What to include in a contract:

Session details: duration, fees, cancellation policies, and confidentiality.

Data protection: how records are stored, client access, and GDPR compliance.

Termination process: how and when therapy may end.

Student considerations:

Contracting skills develop as part of your training.

Understanding the importance of defensible decision-making if issues arise.

Contracts are a cornerstone of professional practice, ensuring clarity and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

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