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CT-Podcast-Ep321 featured image - Topics Discussed: Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Clients - Counselling Boys and Men Part 2 - Managing Boundaries in Counselling

Counselling Boys and Men Part 2 – Managing Boundaries in Counselling

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In Episode 321 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly guide us through this week’s three topics:

  • Firstly in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’ we look at effective online counselling for neurodivergent clients.
  • Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory interviews Phil Mitchell about part two of his lecture on counselling boys and men.
  • And lastly in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss managing boundaries in counselling.

Download your free Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Clients handout

Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Clients [starts at 03:41 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken explore the unique considerations of offering online counselling for neurodivergent clients.

Key points include:

  • The rapid growth of online and telephone counselling since COVID-19 has made it mainstream in therapeutic practice.
  • Specific needs of neurodivergent clients in online settings, including difficulties with phone-based sessions and sensory preferences.
  • The importance of reasonable adjustments such as offering asynchronous communication (e.g. email) or allowing sessions without video.
  • Risk management considerations, especially with clients at higher risk of mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation.
  • The necessity of formal training for online and telephone counselling.

Practical tips:

  • Adapt language, session formats, and response times to suit neurodivergent clients.
  • Include reasonable adjustments in client contracts.
  • Obtain clear emergency contact details for safety.

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Counselling Boys and Men Part 2 [starts at 29:05 mins]

In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory interviews Phil Mitchell about counselling boys and men, focusing on Phil’s two-part CPD lecture series.

Phil shares insights into:

  • The importance of using male-centred, action-oriented language to improve engagement.
  • Why traditional therapeutic approaches may not resonate with many male clients.
  • Research supporting a solution-focused, practical counselling style for men.
  • Marketing practices that effectively attract male clients to therapy.
  • Examples of language adjustments include reframing vulnerability as strength and emphasising problem-solving over emotional exploration.

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It has been a lifeline in helping me prepare for practice and my first clients. If you’re considering it, go-for-it, it’s absolutely worth it!”
Kelly – Graduated and now in practice.

Managing Boundaries in Counselling [starts at 55:33 mins]

In ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss managing boundaries in counselling:

  • Boundaries protect both the client and the therapist, providing a safe and structured environment.
  • Common boundary challenges for students include handling informal counselling requests from friends or family and unexpected encounters with clients outside therapy settings.
  • Strategies for addressing boundary breaches include revisiting contracts and consulting with your supervisor.
  • Flexibility in boundaries, such as allowing reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent clients, can support therapeutic success.

Practical advice:

  • Use clear, mutually agreed-upon boundaries as part of initial contracting.
  • When unexpected situations arise, discuss and revise boundaries in supervision.
  • Incorporate boundary management discussions into professional development and supervision sessions.

Free Handout Download

Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Clients

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