Counselling Tutor podcast

Couples Therapy using the Developmental Model - Choosing the Therapy Modality

In Episode 328 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 delve into professional letter writing by counsellors when communicating with other professionals.

Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Claire Ratcliffe about relationship therapy using the developmental model, focusing on how couples evolve and how therapists can support growth at each stage.

Lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to choose the therapy modality that is the best fit for you as a future therapist.

Professional Letter Writing [starts at 03:24 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken explore the topic of professional letter writing. Writing letters to other professionals is an essential skill for counsellors, particularly when you need to communicate about your clients.

Some key points from this section include:

Types of Professional Letters: Referral letters, collaboration letters, and report writing.

Tone and Accuracy: Ensuring the tone is correct, sharing only necessary information, and maintaining confidentiality.

Importance of Second Opinions: Discuss letter content with a supervisor to ensure accuracy and appropriateness before sending.

Rory highlights the crucial need for careful wording in professional documents, as these documents can have significant consequences in situations like child protection or legal matters.

Letters and reports may be called upon in the future, and they need to be defensible and factual.

Couples Therapy using the Developmental Model [starts at 27:52 mins]

In 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Claire Ratcliffe, who shares her insights on couples therapy using the developmental model.

Key takeaways include:

The Developmental Model: This model parallels stages of child development and applies them to couples therapy. Couples go through stages, much like children, where they evolve from symbiosis (initial connection) to differentiation (individuality).

Therapist's Role: In the developmental model, the therapist takes an active role in guiding the couple through these stages, recognising differentiation, and helping them navigate relationship growth.

Therapeutic Metaphors: Claire discusses how metaphors can be used to externalise problems and how this helps clients see their issues in a new light.

Claire emphasises the importance of training in couples therapy and how various approaches, such as the Bader and Pearson model, can support counsellors in working with couples.

She stresses that understanding the theory behind these models is essential in creating a strong therapeutic relationship.

Choosing the Therapy Modality [starts at 51:37 mins]

In 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to choose the therapy modality that suits you best. As a counsellor, finding the right modality for your practice is essential.

Some main points for this section:

Personal Fit: It is crucial to choose a modality that resonates with you personally. The therapy model you train in will shape how you work with clients.

Different Modalities: Some popular modalities include Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), and Gestalt Therapy.

Investment and Fit: Choosing a modality is a big commitment of time and money. Consider how well a model fits with your values and goals as a therapist.

It's important to stay open to learning and consider how different approaches might complement each other in your work.

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

In Episode 328 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 delve into professional letter writing by counsellors when communicating with other professionals.
• Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Claire Ratcliffe about relationship therapy using the developmental model, focusing on how couples evolve and how therapists can support growth at each stage.
• Lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to choose the therapy modality that is the best fit for you as a future therapist.

PD Groups for Counsellors - Supportive Supervision before Placement

In Episode 327 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 7-eyed model of supervision in clinical practice.

Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Sonja Falck about facilitating personal development (PD) groups and their importance for both trainees and qualified counsellors.

And lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the essential topic of accessing supervision before going into placement and why it's crucial to be well-prepared.

7-eyed Model of Supervision in Clinical Practice [starts at 03:37 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken dive deep into the relevance and application of the 7-eyed model of supervision in clinical practice. This model encourages a more holistic approach to supervision by looking at client dynamics, counsellor reflections, and the relationships between all involved parties.

Key points from this discussion include:

Understanding the 7-Eyed Model: The 7-eyed model encourages supervisors to explore multiple aspects of practice. This includes looking at the client, the counsellor's interventions, the supervisor-supervisee relationship, and more.

Clinical Supervision vs. Managerial Supervision: Clinical supervision is distinct from managerial supervision. The former focuses on the client and counsellor practice, while the latter is concerned with performance and organisational issues.

Historical Context: The 7-eyed model was introduced by Peter Hawkins and Robin Shohet in the 1980s and is a widely used model in the UK for clinical supervision.

Importance of Reflection: Reflection is a key component in supervision. It helps counsellors evaluate their practice and enhances ethical decision-making in client work.

PD Groups for Counsellors [starts at 34:00 mins]

In this week's Practice Matters, Rory speaks with Dr. Sonja Falck about the vital role of facilitating Personal Development (PD) groups for counsellors.

The key points of this conversation include:

- Language Builds Relationships: The way we use language with clients builds the therapeutic relationship. From the first email exchange, it is essential to use language that creates a safe, respectful environment.

- Acknowledging Mistakes: If you make a mistake, acknowledge it openly. This helps to create a collaborative dynamic in therapy.

- Creating Metaphors: Developing metaphors tailored to the client's experience can externalise the problem, making it easier for the client to view and work through challenges.

- The Value of PD Groups: PD groups provide a space for counsellors to work on their own development. Facilitators need specific training to ensure these groups are effective and safe for participants.

Supportive Supervision before Placement [starts at 42:27 mins]

In 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss accessing supervision before placement and why it's so important to establish a supportive supervision relationship early on.

Key points discussed include:

- Getting Supervision Before Placement: It's critical to find a supervisor before you begin working with clients in placement. This ensures that you are prepared and supported in your practice.

- What to Look for in a Supervisor: Consider the supervisor's experience, approach, and how they resonate with you personally. The relationship with your supervisor can significantly impact your development as a counsellor.

- Preparing for Your First Client: Supervision before placement helps counsellors feel more confident and prepared. It provides guidance on ethical issues, documentation, and how to manage client dynamics.

- The Benefits of Supervision: Supervisors are there to help counsellors develop ethically, professionally, and personally.

In Episode 327 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 7-eyed model of supervision in clinical practice.
• Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Sonja Falck about facilitating personal development (PD) groups and their importance for both trainees and qualified counsellors.
• And lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the essential topic of accessing supervision before going into placement and why it's crucial to be well-prepared.

Virtual Reality in Therapy - Vicarious Trauma

In Episode 326 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: Understanding ambiguous loss, its complexities, and how it presents in therapy.

Then in Practice Matters: Rory speaks with Nina Solomons about the innovative use of virtual reality in therapy.

Lastly, in Student Services: Rory and Ken discuss a critique of the person-centred model, addressing its strengths and limitations.

Ambiguous Loss [starts at 03:07 mins]

In this week's Ethical, Sustainable Practice, Rory and Ken explore ambiguous loss - a type of grief where the person or thing is physically absent but psychologically present.

The main points from this section:

Examples of ambiguous loss are children leaving home for university, missing person cases, and emotional loss due to illness or addiction.

Grief in ambiguous loss can be difficult to process as there is no clear endpoint or closure.

Clients may experience unresolved emotional states such as yearning, self-blame, or confusion.

Ambiguous loss can be unseen both by the individual and by others.

Types of ambiguous loss:

Physical absence without closure (e.g. a missing loved one).

Emotional loss, such as the gradual loss of a person due to conditions like Alzheimer's or addiction.

Clients may have difficulty coming to terms with the loss due to the lack of closure.

This emotional complexity requires thoughtful therapeutic approaches focusing on acceptance and resilience.

Working with ambiguous loss in therapy:

Mastery: Helping clients regain control over their lives despite the absence.

Acceptance: Encouraging acceptance of the loss.

Resilience: Supporting clients in their healing journey through understanding and accepting their grief.

Connection and Hope: Encouraging connections with others who have experienced similar losses and nurturing hope for emotional growth.

Virtual Reality in Therapy [starts at 30:00 mins]

In this week's Practice Matters, Rory speaks with Nina Solomons about how virtual reality (VR) is transforming therapy, offering clients a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions.

Key points from this conversation include:

VR allows clients to create a personal space where they can express emotions and process difficult topics.

Therapists can remotely observe and engage with what the client creates in VR, offering a dynamic approach to emotional expression.

Clients can use VR to build visual metaphors that help them externalise complex emotions, aiding in trauma processing or exploring relational issues.

Creative methods such as drawing or building in VR can help clients uncover hidden emotions or suppressed memories.

The therapist can control aspects of the session, ensuring safety and comfort for the client.

VR in therapy provides a creative outlet for clients to express their thoughts, especially those with difficulty articulating complex emotions.

VR can also support clients with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma by providing an environment that allows them to face their fears and work through emotions.

Vicarious Trauma [starts at 52:16 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken discuss vicarious trauma, how it can affect counsellors, and how to recognise and manage it.

Key points include:

Vicarious trauma occurs when a counsellor or helper is affected by the trauma they hear about from clients.

Even brief mentions of traumatic events can trigger strong emotional reactions or past experiences in the therapist.

It's important to be aware of the signs of vicarious trauma, such as feeling emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, or experiencing distress related to the trauma you hear about.

Therapists and helpers can also be vicariously traumatised when they imagine themselves in the client's situation...

In Episode 326 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: Understanding ambiguous loss, its complexities, and how it presents in therapy.
• Then in Practice Matters: Rory speaks with Nina Solomons about the innovative use of virtual reality in therapy.
• Lastly, in Student Services: Rory and Ken discuss a critique of the person-centred model, addressing its strengths and limitations.

Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders - Managing Overwhelm

In Episode 325 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 applying Attachment Theory in therapy and how understanding attachment styles helps build a strong therapeutic relationship.

Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about the connection between eating disorders, disordered eating, and neurodivergence.

Lastly, in 'Student Services, Rory and Ken discuss how counselling students can manage overwhelm and stay motivated through their training journey.

Applying Attachment Theory [starts at 03:06 mins]

Rory and Ken discuss the key components of applying Attachment Theory and how understanding different attachment styles can enhance our work with clients. Attachment theory forms the foundation of human bonding, and understanding it allows therapists to work more effectively with clients, especially those who struggle with relationships.

This discussion highlights the following key points:

Secure Attachment: Individuals with secure attachment are typically comfortable with themselves and others, handling differences with ease.

Avoidant Attachment: This attachment style involves emotional distancing and difficulty in trusting others.

Anxious Attachment: Individuals with anxious attachment often experience difficulties with trust and emotional regulation in relationships.

Disorganized Attachment: A more complex style, where the individual has difficulty trusting both themselves and others, leading to internal conflict.

Being aware of your own attachment style will help you to better understand and support your clients.

Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders [starts at 32:20 mins]

In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith, who discuss their work on eating disorders, disordered eating, and neurodivergence. They explain how neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD can lead to unique challenges in eating behaviour, often requiring specialised therapeutic interventions.

The key points of this conversation include:

ADHD and Eating Disorders: Many individuals with ADHD struggle with impulsivity and emotional regulation, which can manifest as disordered eating.

Autism and Eating Disorders: Autistic individuals often have rigid behaviours and sensitivities that can make eating challenging, such as avoiding certain food textures or using food as a form of stimming.

The Role of Dopamine: Neurodivergent individuals may experience imbalances in dopamine, which contributes to impulsivity and the pursuit of behaviours that provide a dopamine rush, such as overeating or restrictive eating.

Creating a Bespoke Approach: Bernie and Lisa stress the importance of tailoring therapeutic interventions to the unique needs of neurodivergent clients, taking into account both psychological and physiological aspects of eating disorders.

Managing Overwhelm [starts at 55:04 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken discuss how counselling students can manage feelings of overwhelm during their studies. They provide valuable advice on balancing academic demands, personal therapy, and practice.

The key points include:

Understand Your Why: Revisiting your reason for starting training can help reignite passion and motivation.

Support Networks: It's important for students to seek support from tutors, peers, and supervisors when feeling overwhelmed.

Time Management: Preparing for assignments in advance and managing deadlines can help prevent the buildup of stress and anxiety.

Self-Care: Taking time to care for yourself and seeking personal therapy when necessary can make a big difference in staying balanced during the challenging times of training.

Links and Resources

In Episode 325 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 applying Attachment Theory in therapy, and how understanding attachment styles helps in building a strong therapeutic relationship.
• Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about the connection between eating disorders, disordered eating, and neurodivergence.
• Lastly, in 'Student Services, Rory and Ken discuss how counselling students can manage overwhelm and stay motivated through their training journey.

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

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.