377 – AI Apps and Depersonalisation in Counselling

The Process of Becoming a Counsellor – How to Write a Personal Statement for a Counselling Course

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.

AI Apps and Depersonalisation in Counselling [starts at 03:40 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken explore AI apps and depersonalisation in counselling, examining how AI tools may affect the therapeutic relationship and why therapists need to critically reflect on the use of AI in practice.

Key points discussed include:

• The therapeutic relationship is built on empathy, shared humanity, and human connection – something AI cannot truly replicate.
• AI tools may provide generic or “stock” responses that risk reducing the individuality and nuance of client work.
• Therapists need to consider whether AI tools undermine trust, rapport, or the client’s sense of autonomy.
• AI-generated summaries and interventions may miss important relational cues such as body language, silence, emotional tone, and previous session context.
• Critical thinking is essential when using AI in counselling practice – therapists must ensure clinical judgment remains central.
• The key ethical question is whether a tool supports the therapeutic relationship or risks replacing aspects of human support.

The Process of Becoming a Counsellor [starts at 27:00 mins]

In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Jane Godward and Tara Fox about their new book, The Process of Becoming a Counsellor: Navigating the Transformation.

Key points from this conversation include:

• Many students begin counselling training without fully understanding the personal transformation involved in becoming a counsellor.
• Counselling training is more than academic study – it involves deep personal development and self-reflection.
• Choosing the right modality and training provider is essential, as not every course will suit every student.
• The book explores the “shift” from learning counselling skills to becoming a competent practitioner able to work safely with vulnerable clients.
• The authors discuss the importance of diversity, identity, and the “social graces” model in helping students explore their own experiences and assumptions.
• Students are encouraged to trust the process of training, recognising that growth and change happen gradually throughout the journey.

How to Write a Personal Statement for a Counselling Course [starts at 49:54 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken discuss how to write an effective personal statement for counselling training or counselling-related work.

Key points include:

• A strong personal statement should be authentic, reflective, and written in your own voice rather than sounding overly formal.
• Tutors are looking for sincerity, self-awareness, and evidence that you understand the personal and academic demands of counselling training.
• Clearly explaining why counselling matters to you and what motivates you to train is an important part of the statement.
• Relevant experience does not have to come from counselling itself – life experience, teamwork, volunteering, and helping roles can all be valuable.
• It is important to show openness to learning, personal growth, and self-reflection.
• Applicants should tailor their personal statement to the specific course or role they are applying for and consider whether it is the right fit for them.

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