Counselling Tutor Podcast cover art

Counselling Tutor Podcast

Counselling Tutor Podcast

By: Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes
Listen for free

LIMITED TIME OFFER | £0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Premium Plus auto-renews at £8.99/mo after 3 months. Terms apply.

About this listen

 Counsellor CPD- Training and Counselling Student Resources Education
Episodes
  • 363 – Choosing the Right Online Tech

    363 – Choosing the Right Online Tech
    Jan 24 2026
    Alcohol, Problem Drinking and Recovery Pathways - Navigating a Long Gap Between Counselling Training Levels 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 maintaining motivation, skills, and learning during study gaps. Choosing the Right Online Tech [starts at 03:46 mins] This section discusses the importance of treating your online counselling setup with the same care as your in-person therapy room by choosing the right online tech. Clients form first impressions based on what they see and hear - tech choices impact the therapeutic relationship. A stable internet connection and good audio are essential foundations for online work. Simple improvements like wired internet, quality microphones, and appropriate camera framing can significantly improve the client experience. Consistency and professionalism in your online presence - including background, lighting, and audio - promote client trust and comfort. Being prepared for tech failures and using headphones for confidentiality are practical ways to uphold ethical standards. Alcohol, Problem Drinking and Recovery Pathways [starts at 32:38 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Caroline Evers-Endacott, an integrative therapist and addiction specialist, about supporting clients with alcohol use issues. Abstinence is not the only recovery outcome - therapy should support client-led goals and reduce harm. Initial assessments must include alcohol use patterns, severity, and risks - possibly involving GPs or specialists where needed. Clients may not disclose drinking concerns early - therapists should be prepared when such disclosures emerge later in the work. Counsellors can remain part of the recovery journey, even when referrals are made to specialist services. The stigma of addiction and cultural norms around alcohol can affect how clients perceive their drinking and seek help. Navigating a Long Gap Between Counselling Training Levels [starts at 58:30 mins] This segment addresses the reality of study breaks and how students can make the most of the time between qualification stages. Gaps between training levels are common and sometimes unavoidable - planning how to use the time constructively is key. Keeping up with theory through reading, podcasts, and online learning helps maintain momentum. Practising counselling skills in peer groups or volunteering roles keeps techniques sharp and relevant. Skills like active listening and empathy are valuable in everyday life - use them to stay engaged with your development. Preparing for interviews on advanced courses by showing ongoing engagement and learning can strengthen your application. 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 Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course
    Show More Show Less
    Less than 1 minute
  • 362 – Working with Clients Who Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis

    362 – Working with Clients Who Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis
    Jan 17 2026
    One Year On: Alex Gulland’s Journey into Practice – Confidentiality in Counselling Case Studies 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 and Rory explore how to protect client confidentiality when writing case studies – including anonymisation techniques and data protection guidance. Sarah Henry joins to share her frontline insights into balancing academic and ethical responsibilities. Working with Clients Who Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis [starts at 03:17 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore working with clients who have a psychiatric diagnosis, unpacking the complexities of staying within professional competence while offering relational, therapeutic support. Key points discussed include: Understanding diagnoses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia helps reduce fear and supports ethical, informed practice. Therapists must see the person first – not the label or diagnosis – and listen to what the client needs from therapy. Medication, risk, and involvement with community mental health teams should be explored during initial assessments. Supervision is essential when working with clients who have complex mental health needs, especially during episodes of active distress or psychosis. Counsellors should seek CPD to increase confidence and competence in this area, and avoid making assumptions about diagnosis severity. One Year On: Alex Gulland’s Journey into Practice [starts at 26:53 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory reconnects with Alex Gulland to hear how her first year as a qualified counsellor has unfolded – from business decisions to developing her niche. Key points from this conversation include: Building a client base takes time and persistence; marketing and directory presence matter. Accreditation and professional registration offer reassurance but are not always decisive factors for clients. Combining freelance roles in training with private practice has provided income and valuable experience. Alex shares how equine-assisted therapy has become a core part of her practice, offering creative, non-verbal connection. Continued learning, especially in areas like attachment theory and shadow work, has been central to her growth. Confidentiality in Counselling Case Studies [starts at 55:18 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken provide a detailed guide on how to write case studies while protecting client identity – a key consideration in counselling education. Key points include: Use anonymisation techniques such as pseudonyms, vague job titles, and generalised locations to remove identifying details. Only include information directly relevant to the assignment question – avoid unnecessary specifics or rare events. Gain informed consent where possible, and understand awarding body and agency policies on client data use. Refer to BACP guidance, ICO anonymisation principles, and supervisor support to ensure ethical compliance. Sarah Henry emphasises how students can reflect on their motivations and ensure they write responsibly while still demonstrating learning. 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 Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course
    Show More Show Less
    Less than 1 minute
  • 361 – Managing Isolation in Counselling Practice

    361 – Managing Isolation in Counselling Practice
    Jan 10 2026
    Feeling Safe vs Being Safe in Therapy - How to Reference Non-Academic Resources 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 Ken offer practical guidance on how to reference non-academic resources in academic assignments. Managing Isolation in Counselling Practice [starts at 03:29 mins] Rory and Ken reflect on managing isolation in counselling practice, exploring the isolating nature of counselling work and how the emotional labour involved can take a toll if not proactively addressed. Counsellors often work alone - especially in private or online practice - reducing professional interaction. Confidentiality prevents therapists from sharing day-to-day experiences, contributing to feelings of disconnection. Emotional labour builds up over time and, without an outlet, can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue. Proactive self-care, social hobbies, and peer engagement are essential for maintaining emotional balance. Supervision and CPD groups offer vital opportunities for connection and support. Personal development through reflective practice helps therapists process isolation and stay grounded. Feeling Safe vs Being Safe in Therapy [starts at 19:00 mins] Claire Ratcliffe joins Rory to unpack the nuanced difference between being in a safe environment and actually feeling safe enough to engage in therapy. A therapist may offer a structurally safe space, but clients may not feel safe due to past trauma or relational history. Feeling safe is a nervous system response developed through consistent, attuned, and non-defensive relational experiences. Transference may cause clients to project past harm onto the therapist - naming and exploring this supports healing. Emotional safety allows clients to express discomfort or anger - a sign of growth and nervous system regulation. Therapists must do their own reflective and supervision work to hold client projections non-defensively. The therapeutic process itself may not always feel safe. Even with a safe therapist, clients need time to build tolerance to emotional vulnerability. How to Reference Non-Academic Resources [starts at 44:52 mins] Ken and Rory explain how to correctly use and cite non-academic resources in counselling training assignments. Academic work should be referenced using primary academic sources (e.g. Rogers, Freud), not interpretations by tutors or websites. Resources like Counselling Tutor are useful for understanding theory but should not be cited as the original source. Counselling Tutor provides full reference lists for its materials, supporting students in finding and citing academic texts. There are exceptions: students can cite guest experts in CPD lectures, or books authored by Counselling Tutor. A dedicated reference guide is available at https://counsellingtutor.com/reference/ Understanding referencing standards supports academic integrity and successful assignment writing. 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 Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course
    Show More Show Less
    Less than 1 minute
No reviews yet