381 – Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice

Lost for Words and Open Access Therapy – Managing Loss and Transitions in Counselling Studies

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.

Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice [starts at 02:46 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken explore Amplify Intention – Ethical AI in Counselling Practice, considering how AI can enhance professional practice by supporting—not replacing—the counsellor’s intention, judgement, and authentic voice.

Key points discussed include:

• AI should be viewed as an ethical partner or co-pilot, not a replacement for professional judgement.
• Counsellors can use AI intentionally for writing, planning, research, administration, and professional reflection.
• Client information should never be entered into AI systems, even if anonymised, due to confidentiality and data security concerns.
• Professional judgement remains essential – all AI-generated content should be reviewed, edited, and verified by the practitioner.
• Creating a professional voice profile can help counsellors communicate authentically in websites, directory listings, and professional communications.
• Transparency is important whenever AI has been used to assist with professional outputs.

Lost for Words and Open Access Therapy [starts at 32:00 mins]

In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Meg Moss, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy at the NCPS, about the Society’s Lost for Words campaign and its proposal for greater choice within NHS talking therapies.

Key points from this conversation include:

• The Lost for Words campaign highlights how a one-size-fits-all approach to NHS talking therapies does not work for everyone.
• The Open Access Therapy Framework proposes direct GP referral pathways to accredited counsellors listed on PSA-accredited registers.
• Research suggests that different therapeutic modalities often achieve broadly equivalent outcomes in real-world practice.
• The therapeutic relationship remains one of the strongest predictors of positive therapy outcomes across all modalities.
• The framework aims to provide greater continuity of care by reducing the disruption caused by stepped-care models.
• Private practitioners could potentially receive funded referrals through a new pathway while continuing to work within their own modality and practice setting.

Managing Loss and Transitions in Counselling Studies [starts at 57:04 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken reflect on the experience of finishing counselling training and the feelings of loss, transition, and growth that can accompany the end of a training group.

Key points include:

• The ending of a counselling training group can feel significant due to the depth of connection and shared experience developed during training.
• Training groups often provide a unique environment for personal growth, support, and professional formation.
• Building professional networks after qualification can help maintain connections and support ongoing development.
• Endings in training mirror many of the experiences clients encounter at the end of therapy.
• It is valuable to acknowledge and lean into the emotions associated with endings rather than avoiding them.
• The relationships and experiences formed during training often continue to influence professional practice long after qualification.

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