Counselling Tutor podcast

ken@counsellingtutor.com

The Counselling Tutor podcast serves student counsellors and psychotherapists in training. Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly examine the theory and practice of counselling and deliver academic content in an easy to understand and fun podcast.

Students of Person Centred counselling, Transactional Analysis and behavioural models such as CBT will find something relevant to their studies on the Counselling Tutor Podcast.

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26 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 18 min
English

Episodes 26

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Saturday · 1 hr 12 min
387: Choosing a Counselling Supervisor: What Changes in 2026
In Episode 387 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', they explore choosing a counselling supervisor - what is changing under the 2026 BACP Ethical Framework, and how supervision and competence fit into the new requirements. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Joseph Harney about love in the therapy room - what therapeutic love is, and how to work with it ethically. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss literature reviews - how to make sense of counselling research.
October 3 · 1 hr 17 min
386: Cyber Security for Counsellors
In Episode 386 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', they explore cyber security for counsellors — what happens if your counselling practice is hacked, and the practical steps that protect you, your clients, and your reputation. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Danuta Lipinska about counselling people living with dementia - and how to offer sensitive, ethical, person-centred support. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to bring counselling theory and the client together - and why the work happens in reflection, not in the room.
September 26 · 1 hr 21 min
385: The Six-Question Rationale in the 2026 BACP Ethical Framework
In Episode 385 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', they explore ethical decision-making - the six-question rationale in the 2026 BACP Ethical Framework. Then, in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Clare Ratcliffe about relational psychotherapy - how the therapist's presence and use of self shape therapeutic change. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss reflective journals in counselling training - why they matter and how to keep them well.
September 19 · 1 hr 8 min
384: Closing Your Counselling Practice
In Episode 384 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', they explore winding down or closing your counselling practice - what practitioners need to plan for both expected and unexpected endings. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Wayne Williams about finding paid work after qualifying - how he secured counselling work within months of completing his training. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss choosing the right counselling study books - how to build a reading list without spending a fortune.
September 12 · 1 hr 22 min
383: Clinical will for Counsellors
In Episode 383 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', they explore the clinical will for counsellors — what it is, why it's becoming mandatory under the new BACP Ethical Framework, and what it should contain. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Denise Corby from Nedde Training about autism and education - exploring the challenges families face and how therapists can support neurodivergent clients and their parents. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss taking the fear out of fitness-to-practise assessments - examining what the assessment involves and how students can ease the anxiety around it.
September 5 · 1 hr 32 min
382: Data security in the BACP Ethical Framework 2026
In Episode 382 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', they explore data security in the BACP Ethical Framework 2026 - looking at what the new framework requires, why it matters, and how practitioners can protect client information across their practice. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Alison Letlow about working therapeutically with adult adoptees - exploring adoption as a lifelong experience and the attachment, identity, and loss issues that can arise in therapy. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss planning ahead for placements - examining timing, mindset, and practical tips for securing a counselling placement, with insights from Sarah Henry.
June 27 · 1 hr 16 min
381: Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice
In Episode 381 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', they explore Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice, considering how counsellors can use AI ethically to enhance their professional voice and practice without compromising their values. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Meg Moss from the NCPS about the Lost for Words campaign and the Open Access Therapy Framework - a proposal to improve access to counselling through greater choice in NHS therapy provision. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss managing loss and transitions in counselling studies, reflecting on the endings that come with completing training and moving into the next stage of professional development.
June 20 · 1 hr 26 min
380: AI and Regulation in Counselling Practice
In Episode 380 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', they explore AI and regulation in counselling practice - looking at the current regulatory landscape, ethical responsibilities, and what practitioners need to consider when using AI tools. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sarah Henry about teaching counselling as a potential career path - exploring the transition from practitioner to educator and the skills required to support future counsellors. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the reality of self-employment in counselling - examining what it takes to build and sustain a private practice as a business.
June 13 · 1 hr 31 min
379: Accountability and Responsibility in AI Counselling Practice
In Episode 379 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', they explore professional accountability and responsibility in AI in counselling practice - including who holds responsibility if something goes wrong. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ken Kelly about his new book, Ethical AI Practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the UK, and the growing role of AI in counselling and psychotherapy. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss recognising poor supervision in counselling training - including red flags to look out for and what good supervision should provide.
June 6 · 1 hr 12 min
378 - AI, Bias and Critical Thinking in Counselling
In Episode 378 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', they explore AI, bias and critical thinking in counselling, examining the risks of bias and discrimination and the importance of critical thinking when using AI in counselling practice. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Emma Neville about making menopause matter - exploring lived experience, advocacy, education, and the importance of open conversations around menopause. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss why counselling skills can sometimes feel difficult and how students can build confidence and trust in their developing practice.
May 30 · 1 hr 12 min
377 - AI Apps and Depersonalisation in Counselling
In Episode 377 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', they explore AI apps and depersonalisation in counselling - looking at how AI tools may risk weakening the therapeutic relationship and the importance of maintaining human connection in therapy. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Jane Godward and Tara Fox about their new book, The Process of Becoming a Counsellor: Navigating the Transformation - discussing the realities of counselling training, personal development, and choosing the right course. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how to write a personal statement for a counselling course - including what tutors are really looking for and how to present yourself authentically.
May 16 · 1 hr 13 min
376 - AI in Counselling Practice
In Episode 376 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', they explore AI in counselling practice, focusing on understanding informed consent and data use. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Amy Peters about neurodivergent affirming therapy and her new book on working with autistic and ADHD clients. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen discuss whether your therapist can also be your counselling supervisor, exploring the ethical and practical considerations.
May 9 · 1 hr 33 min
375 - Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI
In Episode 375 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', they explore confidentiality and data privacy in the age of AI, focusing on how counsellors can safely manage client data when using digital tools. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Daragh MacLoughlin about the secrets of a successful website, including how to attract clients ethically and effectively online. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss how counsellors handle disagreements with colleagues, with insights on navigating conflict professionally during training and beyond.
May 2 · 1 hr 15 min
374: AI and the Therapeutic Relationship
In Episode 374 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', they explore AI and the therapeutic relationship - looking at how clients are using AI, the risks involved, and how therapists can respond ethically. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Jonathan Drury about the Autism Dialogue Approach - examining neurodiversity, communication, and how therapists can work more collaboratively and equitably. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss managing anxiety about counselling training - normalising the experience and offering strategies to navigate it.
April 25 · 1 hr 17 min
373 – Defensible Decision Making
In Episode 373 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', they explore defensible decision making in relation to using technology and AI in counselling practice. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Erene Hadjiioannou about new 2026 guidance on police requests for counselling notes and what this means for client confidentiality and therapeutic work. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory, Ken, and Sarah Henry discuss balancing time and training — the realities, expectations, and challenges of being a counselling student.
April 18 · 1 hr 19 min
372 - Understanding AI Categories in Counselling Practice
In Episode 372 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', they explore understanding AI categories in counselling practice, examining the different types of AI tools counsellors may encounter and why understanding these distinctions is essential for ethical and safe client work. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with therapist and journalist Matt Hussey about the future of therapy in the age of AI and how technology may reshape mental health support. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss agency reports in counselling training - what they are, why they matter, and how they contribute to assessing a trainee counsellor's readiness for professional practice.
April 11 · 1 hr 6 min
371: AI in Counselling – Have Therapists Been Left Behind?
In Episode 371 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explore three key topics relevant to counsellors and counselling students. Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice', they introduce the emerging conversation around AI in counselling, exploring whether therapists are being left behind and how practitioners can engage with AI ethically. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Jessica Wing about preparing to meet your very first client, sharing insights to help students transition from classroom practice to real therapeutic work. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken clarify the difference between humanism and person-centred therapy, a common area of confusion for counselling students studying theoretical models.
March 21 · 1 hr 28 min
370 - Grounding Techniques in Counselling Practice
In Episode 370 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', they explore grounding techniques in counselling practice, highlighting key techniques every counsellor should know and why these skills are essential for safe, trauma-informed work. · Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – what it is, how it presents, and why it is often misunderstood, particularly in neurodivergent individuals. · And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen discuss how to find your first supervisor – what to look for, what questions to ask, and why the supervisory relationship matters so much in your development.
March 14 · 1 hr 16 min
369 - Working with Shame in the Therapy Room
In Episode 369 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', they explore working with shame in the therapy room – how shame presents, how it differs from guilt, and how to work with it gently and ethically. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Nadine Pittam about limerence – a powerful and often overwhelming state of obsessive romantic attachment – and how therapists can work safely and effectively with clients experiencing it. And finally in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss what to do when you feel out of your depth as a counselling student, offering reassurance, practical guidance, and encouragement.
March 7 · 1 hr 12 min
368 - When Media Coverage Enters the Counselling Room
In Episode 368 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly guide you through three key areas of counselling practice, learning, and development. In Ethical, Sustainable Practice, Rory and Ken explore when media coverage enters the counselling room, examining how major reporting on trauma and abuse can increase client contact and shape presentations. In Practice Matters, Rory is interviewed by Sarah Henry about his latest CPD lecture on attachment, exploring why attachment theory is central to therapeutic work. And in Student Services, Rory and Ken discuss the role of check-ins and check-outs in counselling training, and why these processes matter far beyond the classroom.

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