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375 – Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI
Secrets of a Successful Counselling Website – Handling Disagreements with Colleagues
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.
Confidentiality and Data Privacy in the Age of AI [starts at 03:27 mins]
In this section, Rory and Ken explore confidentiality and data privacy in the age of AI, examining how counsellors can uphold confidentiality and meet legal responsibilities when using AI and digital tools in practice.
Key points discussed include:
- Confidentiality remains the cornerstone of counselling, and this responsibility extends to any digital tools used to store or process client data.
- Counsellors must ask: Where does my client’s data go? — including storage location, access, and retention policies.
- UK GDPR classifies counselling data as special category data, meaning it requires the highest level of protection.
- Practitioners are legally responsible as data controllers, even when using third-party apps or platforms.
- Checking privacy policies, GDPR compliance, and data processing agreements (DPAs) is essential for defensible decision-making.
- Data stored outside the UK may be subject to different laws, so safeguards must be clearly understood before use.
Secrets of a Successful Counselling Website [starts at 35:14 mins]
In this section, Rory is joined by Daragh MacLoughlin to uncover what makes a counselling website effective, visible, and ethically sound.
Key points discussed include:
- Focusing on a local presence improves visibility in search engines, even when offering online therapy.
- Competing nationally (or internationally) can reduce visibility, making a hybrid local/online approach more effective.
- Ethical representation is crucial — clearly state qualifications, experience, and areas of competence without exaggeration.
- Websites should build trust through photos, clear messaging, and realistic expectations of the therapeutic journey.
- Contact forms must comply with data protection standards, including transparency about how client data is used and stored.
- Ongoing website maintenance and security updates are essential to protect client confidentiality and prevent breaches.
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Kelly – Graduated and now in practice.
Handling Disagreements with Colleagues [starts at 01:04:33 mins]
In this section, Rory and Ken explore how counsellors can manage disagreements professionally, with contributions from Sarah Henry.
Key points discussed include:
- Disagreements are a natural part of professional life and can occur during training and throughout a counselling career.
- Start with self-reflection — consider what is being activated internally before addressing the issue with others.
- Writing concerns down can help clarify whether the issue needs to be addressed and how best to approach it.
- Respectful, well-timed conversations are key to maintaining professional relationships and resolving conflict.
- Training groups provide a safe space to practise rupture and repair skills that are essential in client work.
- Not all differences are ethical issues — sometimes they reflect differing perspectives rather than wrongdoing.
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