Counselling Tutor podcast

Regulation in Counselling and Psychotherapy - Power Up your Counselling Skills through Observation

In Episode 323 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 engaging with clinical supervision and how to get the most from it.

Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Susie Jamerson in the second part of a three-part series exploring regulation in counselling and psychotherapy.

And lastly in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss powering up your counselling skills through observation.

Engaging with Clinical Supervision [starts at 03:54 mins]

When it comes to clinical supervision, it's essential to ensure you and your clients are getting the most out of the process. Rory and Ken explore the purpose of engaging with clinical supervision and how to evaluate its effectiveness:

Proctor's Model of Supervision has three key areas:

Normative: Professional standards and ethical issues.

Restorative: Support, well-being, and stress reduction.

Formative: Skills and knowledge development.

Re-evaluate your supervision annually- does your supervisor still meet your evolving needs?

Consider the needs of your client group and any specialist training you've undertaken.

Recognise barriers to supervision, such as:

Lack of choice.

Modality mismatch.

Fear of judgement.

Supervision should challenge you and help you grow, not simply be a comfortable space.

Tips to discuss with your supervisor:

What works and what doesn't work?

How can you refine the process together?

Regulation in Counselling and Psychotherapy [starts at 27:40 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Susie Jamerson about statutory regulation of counselling and psychotherapy.

The key points of this discussion include:

Regulation aims to protect the public, but implementation must be fair and carefully considered.

Concerns about regulation:

Will it exclude competent practitioners who don't meet arbitrary criteria?

Could it replicate issues seen in the SCoPEd framework?

Protecting counselling and psychotherapy as professional titles could be a step forward.

Training standards are crucial - licensing training providers may provide a foundation for regulation.

Recognising that even in regulated professions, unethical behaviour can still occur.

Focus regulation on eradicating charlatans and unqualified practitioners.

Power Up your Counselling Skills through Observation [starts at 49:14 mins]

In this week's 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore how you can power up your counselling skills through the power of observation.

Social Learning Theory: We learn through observing and reflecting on others' practice.

The observer role can be the most powerful learning experience.

Watch for key counselling skills (e.g. silence, reflection, summarising).

Learn to observe:

The use of skills by the listener.

The client's (speaker's) reactions to interventions.

Feedback Tips:

Start with feedback from the speaker to avoid influencing their reflections.

Highlight the listener's effective use of skills and areas for improvement.

Counselling skills are the engine of your practice - honing them ensures the best outcomes for your 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 Shop

Facebook group

Website

Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide

Online and Telephone Counselling Course

In Episode 323 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 engaging with clinical supervision and how to get the most from it.
• Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Susie Jamerson in the second part of a three-part series exploring regulation in counselling and psychotherapy.
• And lastly in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss powering up your counselling skills through observation.

Statutory Regulation in Counselling and Psychotherapy - Dual Relationships in Counselling

In Episode 322 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 the theory of mind and its implications in neurodivergence.

Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Anne Guy about the pros and cons of statutory regulation in counselling and psychotherapy.

And lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore managing dual relationships in counselling.

Theory of Mind [starts at 04:38 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken discuss Theory of Mind, a developmental psychology concept that has drawn controversy in its application to neurodivergence and autism.

Key points include:

Theory of Mind (ToM): Understanding mental states such as beliefs, intentions, and emotions, in yourself and others.

ToM is crucial for social interaction but has been criticized for portraying autistic individuals as lacking empathy-a view disputed by the community.

Double Empathy Problem: A concept by Dr. Damian Milton emphasising that communication challenges in autism involve both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Neurotypical privilege may lead to biases in understanding neurodivergence.

Ken uses the analogy of operating systems (e.g., Mac and Windows) to illustrate differences in neurotypical and neurodivergent processing.

Takeaway: Therapists must approach neurodivergent clients with sensitivity, recognising diversity in communication styles and avoiding deficit-focused perspectives.

Statutory Regulation in Counselling and Psychotherapy [starts at 28:47 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Anne Guy about the implications of statutory regulation in counselling and psychotherapy.

Main points include:

Pros and Cons of Regulation: Regulation may create barriers for diverse practitioners and overly bureaucratise therapy. While it aims to protect clients, it might unintentionally diminish flexibility and creativity in therapeutic relationships.

The recent Ella Jenner case reignited debates on client safety and regulatory oversight.

Informed Consent: Clients should be empowered with knowledge about therapists' qualifications and ethical standards.

The importance of balancing safety with open, authentic therapeutic relationships.

Dr. Guy advocates for broader conversations within the profession about potential alternatives to statutory regulation.

Dual Relationships in Counselling [starts at 57:17 mins]

Managing dual relationships is a critical yet nuanced aspect of ethical counselling practice.

Key points:

Definition: Dual relationships occur when a therapist has another type of relationship with their client, such as being a friend, family member, or colleague.

Case Examples:

Counselling a neighbour or acquaintance may compromise confidentiality and boundaries.

Handling accidental interactions, such as meeting a client in a public setting, requires discretion and professionalism.

Hidden Dual Relationships: Examples include situations where a therapist and supervisor are unknowingly connected through client networks.

While generally avoided, dual relationships may sometimes be manageable if carefully considered and supervised.

Students should avoid dual relationships entirely to maintain clear boundaries during early practice.

Takeaway: Maintain professional boundaries and consult with supervisors or peers for guidance when dual relationships arise.

Links and Resources

Dr. Anne Guy

The Guardian article: Woman who Sued therapist for Sexual Assault

Counselling Skills Academy

Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision

Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide

Counsellor CPD

Counselling Study Resource

In Episode 322 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 the theory of mind and its implications in neurodivergence.
• Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Anne Guy about the pros and cons of statutory regulation in counselling and psychotherapy.
• And lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore managing dual relationships in counselling.

Counselling Boys and Men Part 2 - Managing Boundaries in Counselling

In Episode 321 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly guide us through this week's three topics:

Firstly in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice' we look at effective online counselling for neurodivergent clients.

Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory interviews Phil Mitchell about part two of his lecture on counselling boys and men.

And lastly in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss managing boundaries in counselling.

Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Clients [starts at 03:41 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken explore the unique considerations of offering online counselling for neurodivergent clients.

Key points include:

The rapid growth of online and telephone counselling since COVID-19 has made it mainstream in therapeutic practice.

Specific needs of neurodivergent clients in online settings, including difficulties with phone-based sessions and sensory preferences.

The importance of reasonable adjustments such as offering asynchronous communication (e.g. email) or allowing sessions without video.

Risk management considerations, especially with clients at higher risk of mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation.

The necessity of formal training for online and telephone counselling.

Practical tips:

Adapt language, session formats, and response times to suit neurodivergent clients.

Include reasonable adjustments in client contracts.

Obtain clear emergency contact details for safety.

Counselling Boys and Men Part 2 [starts at 29:05 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory interviews Phil Mitchell about counselling boys and men, focusing on Phil's two-part CPD lecture series.

Phil shares insights into:

The importance of using male-centred, action-oriented language to improve engagement.

Why traditional therapeutic approaches may not resonate with many male clients.

Research supporting a solution-focused, practical counselling style for men.

Marketing practices that effectively attract male clients to therapy.

Examples of language adjustments include reframing vulnerability as strength and emphasising problem-solving over emotional exploration.

Managing Boundaries in Counselling [starts at 55:33 mins]

In 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss managing boundaries in counselling:

Boundaries protect both the client and the therapist, providing a safe and structured environment.

Common boundary challenges for students include handling informal counselling requests from friends or family and unexpected encounters with clients outside therapy settings.

Strategies for addressing boundary breaches include revisiting contracts and consulting with your supervisor.

Flexibility in boundaries, such as allowing reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent clients, can support therapeutic success.

Practical advice:

Use clear, mutually agreed-upon boundaries as part of initial contracting.

When unexpected situations arise, discuss and revise boundaries in supervision.

Incorporate boundary management discussions into professional development and supervision sessions.

Links and Resources

Phil Mitchell

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

In Episode 321 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly guide us through this week's three topics:

• Firstly in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice' we look at effective online counselling for neurodivergent clients.
• Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory interviews Phil Mitchell about part two of his lecture on counselling boys and men.
• And lastly in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss managing boundaries in counselling.

Navigating the Complaints Process Part 2 - Skill of Challenge in Counselling

In Episode 320 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics:

Firstly in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', Rory and Ken look at preparing the therapeutic environment for autism-friendly care.

Then in 'Practice Matters' we have part 2 of last week's interview with Susie Jamieson about her journey navigating the complaints process.

And lastly in 'Student Services', we look at the skill of challenge in counselling.

Preparing the Therapeutic Environment [starts at 03:25 mins]

Inclusivity and accessibility are incredibly important in counselling.

Making an effective therapeutic alliance can make a huge difference to the outcome of a client's therapy.

Ask what reasonable adjustments you might be able to make for a client - allow them to feel as though they can share those with you.

You can explore this before you even meet the client, in your first contact such as email or over the phone.

Consider things such as sound, lighting, and smell in the therapy room.

You don't want a client focusing on their discomfort rather than engaging with what's going on.

Sensitivity to sound can also apply to tone of voice and communication style - some may want a more calm, monotonous tone, or some may prefer a faster pace with a more animated tone.

You might consider having lights that you can dim, or fidget toys.

Do you have busy or distracting wallpaper?

Let the client know that you're willing to make reasonable adjustments and advertise that.

Navigating the Complaints Process Part 2 [starts at 29:14 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters' we carry on our interview with Susie Jamieson about her experience with the complaints process.

The key points of this section include:

The process involves quite a lot of waiting.

There is a need for support - surround yourself with as much support as you can.

You may be asked to gather references and/or testimonials.

One of these might be from your supervisor, a written account of how you work and how you make use of your supervision.

The case can be dismissed at any time.

Sanction - a soft punishment.

You might experience significant financial loss through lost earnings.

The process can take a huge emotional toll.

The BACP have now launched Member Support Services.

Skill of Challenge in Counselling [starts at 56:21 mins]

If you find yourself intimidated by the skill of challenge, Rory and Ken are here to talk you through the benefits of this skill, and some practical examples of how you might implement it:

When using the skill of challenge, appropriateness and timing are the two key things to consider.

There may be fear about it being confrontational - but it's more about highlighting.

It might be bringing reality into the room whilst being mindful.

You might highlight incongruence in their thoughts, feelings or behaviours.

It's not about contradiction or confrontation but shining a light on something that might be inconsistent.

It's not meant to make a client feel criticised or put down.

Introducing challenge too early in the therapeutic relationship can damage rapport.

Rapport needs to be built and established beforehand.

Be mindful not to mirror a client's coping mechanism such as a nervous laugh - challenge might be as simple as not laughing with them.

Check a challenge with your supervisor - get a second opinion on the challenge you're considering.

Be aware of the disinhibition effect and maybe step in and challenge this to prevent the client from possibly feeling regret afterwards.

Challenge should be used with care - when used correctly it can be incredibly effective.

Links and Resources

Counselling Skills Academy

Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision

In Episode 320 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics:

• Firstly in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', Rory and Ken look at preparing the therapeutic environment for autism-friendly care.
• Then in 'Practice Matters' we have part 2 of last week's interview with Susie Jamieson about her journey navigating the complaints process.
• And lastly in 'Student Services', we look at the skill of challenge in counselling.

Navigating the Complaints Process - Developing Your Inner Supervisor

In Episode 319 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 understanding the Double Empathy Problem in Neurodivergent Therapy.

Then in 'Practice Matters', we have the first part of an interview where Rory speaks with Susie Jamieson about her journey navigating the complaints process.

And lastly in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss developing your inner supervisor.

Double Empathy Problem [starts at 03:33 mins]

When working with neurodivergent individuals, we might encounter barriers to communication. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the Double Empathy Problem, and how you might be able to work around this in your practice:

When we engage with neurodivergent individuals, we can have communication challenges.

Simile and metaphor might be a bit of a challenge.

It boils down to misunderstandings that act as a barrier to communication.

Social cues might be missed.

Make sure you are saying things very clearly.

You might have to adapt your questioning style e.g. Socratic questioning.

Ask the client to be a part of how you work with them, ask them what changes you can make.

Empathy is a mutual endeavour that requires flexibility, curiosity, and a commitment to seeing beyond neurotypical norms.

Avoid ambiguity.

Navigating the Complaints Process [starts at 23:08 mins]

This section is part one of an interview with Susie Jamieson about her experience navigating the complaints process.

The key points of this section include:

It can often feel like a huge shock.

You might find out about the complaint months after it was made.

The wording may sound confrontational.

You might invest a lot of time into your preliminary response - look to your notes, your supervision notes, and provide evidence.

It's a long, time-consuming process.

Find support, this might be with your supervisor.

Consider your self-care - are you fit to practice? Do you need to lower your client hours?

Once a complaint is made against you, you need to tell your insurance.

Consensual Disposal - you apologise in writing to the complainant, and they agree to accept that.

Look out for part 2 of this interview next week!

Developing Your Inner Supervisor [starts at 50:11 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken look at what the internal supervisor is, and how this develops over the course of your training:

You develop your internal supervisor as you move through your counselling studies.

As you learn about ethical problems, you develop 'therapeutic wisdom' that helps you to have your own internal supervisor.

Unconscious competence - you're no longer having to actively think about what skills you're using.

You might start to pick up on your own feelings and work out that it is transference, without taking it to your supervisor first.

Intuitive information - trusting your own intuition and acting on it thoughtfully, inviting the client to expand.

Everything comes from the client - if certain feelings are coming up for you, start to think about why that might be, and where they're coming from.

Links and Resources

Susie Jamieson

BACP: What happens if a complaint is made against you

NCPS Complaints Proccess

UKCP Complaints Proccess

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

In Episode 319 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 understanding the Double Empathy Problem in Neurodivergent Therapy.
• Then in 'Practice Matters', we have the first part of an interview where Rory speaks with Susie Jamieson about her journey navigating the complaints process.
• And lastly in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss developing your inner supervisor.