364 – Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?

Embedding Diversity and Equity in Practice – When Training Ends but Hours Remain

In Episode 364 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’, we explore the question ‘Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?’, examining how AI is currently used in mental health care and what this might mean for the future of the profession.

Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Mamood Ahmad about his newly published book A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy, which calls for embedding diversity, equity, and context at the heart of practice.

And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken explore what happens when your counselling course ends but your placement hours are incomplete – offering guidance on how to stay motivated and complete the journey.

Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists? [starts at 03:33 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken explore the question ‘Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?’, addressing a growing concern about whether artificial intelligence could one day replace human therapists.

Key points discussed include:

• AI is already being used to support mental health in areas such as assessment, triage, and CBT-based coaching, but not as a replacement for human connection.
• The therapeutic relationship – empathy, intuition, and shared presence – remains central and cannot be replicated by machines.
• AI can be used ethically by counsellors to streamline tasks, improve assessments, and support practice without replacing core therapeutic roles.
• The rise of AI highlights the importance of counsellors developing digital literacy and understanding the ethical use of technology.
• Future therapists will benefit from embracing AI as a tool rather than fearing it as a threat.
• As job displacement due to AI increases in other sectors, therapists may become key support figures for those affected by these societal shifts.

Embedding Diversity and Equity in Practice [starts at 33:12 mins]

In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Mamood Ahmad about his latest book, A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy and the need for systemic change in training and practice to include equity, context, and diversity as core elements.

Key points from this conversation include:

• Traditional counselling models often overlook the contextual, cultural, and systemic influences on mental health.
• Mahmoud proposes a new baseline model where diversity, embodiment, and lived experience are embedded – not treated as optional extras.
• This approach enriches practice for all, recognising that every client (and therapist) brings their own cultural, social, and personal history into the room.
• Therapists must reflect on their own normativity and differences to meet clients with authenticity and depth.
• The book acts as a manifesto for change, advocating for a curriculum that prepares therapists for real-world complexity and inclusivity.
• It is relevant to both trainees and qualified practitioners committed to ethical and effective practice.

When Training Ends but Hours Remain [starts at 59:05 mins]

In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the common situation where a counselling course finishes, but a student still has placement hours outstanding.

Key points include:

• It is common – and perfectly acceptable – for trainees to need extra time post-course to complete their client hours.
• Knowing the deadline and formal policy of your training provider is essential; always get this information in writing.
• Motivation can drop sharply after training ends, so it’s important to build support networks through placements, peer groups, supervisors, or online forums.
• Visual motivators (like hour tokens in a jar) can help sustain momentum during this post-course phase.
• Stay engaged with CPD and peer connection to keep your confidence and learning alive.
• Remember: this is just one part of your journey, and with steady effort, the finish line is within reach.

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