Counselling Tutor Podcast

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256 – TEAM CBT Mar 04, 2023

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Building Rapport in Counselling - Use of Transitional Objects in Therapy In Episode 256 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics: Firstly in 'Theory in Practice', we look at building rapport. Then in 'Practice Today', Rory and Ken discuss transitional objects. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sean Connolly about TEAM CBT. Building Rapport in Counselling [starts at 02:34 mins] Building rapport is a vital part of the therapeutic relationship. Listen as Rory and Ken take us through some of the key aspects of rapport and rapport building: Rapport is about finding mutual, common ground - giving a little bit of yourself to another person and them reciprocating. It's a starting point. Trust is built through rapport, maybe leaving a client more willing to share. It consists of neutral and safe dialogue that shows you're interested in the other and listening. By using appropriate self-disclosure, you're showing that you're tuned in as a fellow human being. Non-verbal communication - your facial expression, leaning slightly forwards. Being open and honest if you feel that the rapport is not there. Manage the relationship - try to keep it buoyant. Congruence and exercising patience. Take it to supervision if you feel there is a problem with the rapport between you and your client - discover whether it is a reluctance/issue on your end or the client's. Revisit rapport - it's something that can differ from person to person, a skill that can constantly be developed. Use of Transitional Objects in Therapy [starts at 23:09 mins] I'm sure anyone listening can identify at least one object that you have, or have had, that worked as a transitional object. The key points of this section include: A transitional object is an object that can help someone to self-regulate. Memories, places and people can be contained within, and connected to, an object. They can sometimes transport you back to a time and/or place. Sometimes even a person, such as you as the counsellor, can work as a transitional 'object' for someone e.g. "What would […] do?" You can use a transitional object to help your client if there is going to be a break from sessions - something they can look at or hold that will remind them of what's been discussed in sessions and help them to self-regulate. It could work as an ending - something the client can take away as a reminder of the progress they've made. TEAM CBT [starts at 37:01 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sean Connolly about TEAM CBT. The main points of this discussion include: TEAM: T - testing the client's mood at the beginning and end of sessions, looking for any progress (or lack/backwards step in progress). This creates room for a conversation about this and things that could be done differently or what needs to be focused on. E - empathy. This is important for the therapeutic relationship. You need to be able to understand what has happened to the client, and empathy will help them to open up to you. Empathy is certainly vital, but is it enough on its own? A - assessment of resistance. Is the anxiety a client is feeling actually serving them? E.g. is their anxiety acting as motivation for them to complete assignments etc. Without this anxiety would they become too laidback? How do you negotiate with this and work instead to dial down the anxiety rather than try to take it away completely. M - method. If you try a method and it doesn't work, simply try the next one. Once you find a method that works for a person, it will generally always work for them. Finally, this discussion on TEAM CBT reminds us not to be precious about modality, but to be flexible. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

Special Edition: Winston’s Wish Feb 25, 2023

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In this Special Episode of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your host Rory Lees-Oakes speaks with Letizia Perna, the Director of Services and Service Transformation for the charity Winston's Wish. An introduction to Winston's Wish: The first UK childhood bereavement charity. The charity turns 30yrs old this year (2023). They offer support, advice, and guidance for children and young people aged 0-25 who have lost someone important to them. This advice and guidance focuses on talking about death and dying. During this podcast, Rory and Letizia discuss some of the ways grief affects children and young people, and how to approach talking about death and bereavement: When it comes to helping little children - begin by helping them to understand what life is and what death is. You might do this using nature, e.g. the life cycle of a leaf through spring to autumn. As a child grows and develops, their understanding of death changes too - object permanence becomes something they understand more. Using language like 'lost' can be confusing for children; they may begin to think things along the lines of 'well let's go find them'. This is why it's important to be very precise when speaking to children - using 'clean' language, factual and simple. It's important to have these conversations in an open and honest way. Help children to name their emotions and put a label on how they're feeling. Grief is a constant journey - as they grow, continue to have these discussions and be open. Consider how the other relationships in their lives may of changed due to this loss. It can be an alienating experience - it's likely they don't know another child who has experienced what they have. Unresolved grief may cause behavioural changes. Grief is a really individual experience. It doesn't end or stop hurting completely - give them the chance to talk about it, and don't be afraid to revisit these difficult conversations. Use the word 'death'. Grief can resurface during milestone events. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' five stages of grief - there is no perfect five chronological stages through grief, it is different for everyone and doesn't reach a final destination. The importance of connecting with those who are dead. It may help some people to speak to their lost loved one or write a letter etc. Dual-Process Model - recognising that life does go on, trying to remove the guilt from going about life after the loss. The benefits of workbooks, journals, play/art therapy, letter writing, and music for a child or young person experiencing grief. Winston's Wish believe in bringing children together, to show them they're not alone. They offer advice and introductory videos for those wanting to learn more about supporting children and young people through bereavement and sessions for both the bereaved and their caregiver. Winston's Wish want to normalise bereavement and let children and young people have a voice and a space to voice their feelings and emotions. Links and Resources Winston's Wish 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

255 – Note Keeping in Counselling Agencies Feb 18, 2023

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Being a Member of Two Ethical Bodies - Overcoming Procrastination for Counsellors In Episode 255 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: Firstly in 'Theory in Practice', we look at note-keeping in counselling agencies, in particular the different expectations you might find from an agency or placement when storing notes. Then in 'Practice Today', Rory and Ken discuss whether you can be a member of more than one ethical body, and why you might consider this an option. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Josephine Hughes on overcoming procrastination and perfectionism for counsellors. Note Keeping in Counselling Agencies [starts at 03:04 mins] When it comes to storing notes, we're all aware of the importance of confidentiality, and anything that we feel might put that at risk can cause some feelings of discomfort. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss some of the ways you may be asked to keep your notes whilst working at a counselling agency or on placement: The expectations of an agency may be that you store your notes on a system that other people have access to. This way of note keeping in counselling agencies may bring about some initial feelings of discomfort, but it's important in upholding continuity of care. This means a client can see a different counsellor if one is absent, and that clients won't have to recount difficult events multiple times. It's important that if notes are being stored this way, this is written into your contract. Detail the confidentiality policy, and explain why their notes are being stored this way. Clarity - having access to a client's notes before seeing them offers you clarity on the client that you wouldn't of had otherwise. Ask your agency questions - understand these policies so if you're asked by a client, you can give them answers. Being a Member of Two Ethical Bodies [starts at 18:09 mins] The possibility of being in more than one ethical body might not of occurred to many people, but what does this really mean for your practice? It is completely possible for you to be a member of more than one ethical body. There are currently 11 psychotherapeutic bodies registered under the professional standards authority - each with differently worded ethical frameworks. If someone makes a complaint - you cannot be held accountable by 2 ethical bodies. You will put one of your ethical bodies in your contract that your client can make complaints to. All ethical bodies come down to the same key 'rules' under the professional standards authority - it's just that they may be interpreted slightly differently. It's important to think about why you want to join more than one ethical body. Is it to support your separate practices? E.g. working with adult clients and working with children and young people. Regardless of what you choose, it's important you're making the right choice for you. Overcoming Procrastination for Counsellors [starts at 31:37 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Josephine Hughes on overcoming procrastination and perfectionism for counsellors. The key points of this discussion include: Counsellors may experience feelings of imposter syndrome - feeling not good enough. This is something that often comes with doing something new. You might compare your weaknesses with other people's strengths. It's important to try and have a growth mindset - be open to critique and making mistakes. A fixed mindset - rigid, unprepared to make mistakes or try something new. A willingness to make mistakes will only add to your human aspect - if we're expecting ourselves to be perfect, what does this say to the client? Be prepared to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. You can only be the best therapist you can be at this point in your development. You should feel that you can take things to your supervisor if there's anything you're feeling unsure or anxious about. Your worth isn't what you do, it's who you are. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

254 – Counselling Celebrities Feb 11, 2023

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Closing a Therapy Session - Counselling Mothers Returning to Work after Maternity Leave In Episode 254 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: First up in 'Theory in Practice' we look at the art of closing a therapy session. Then in 'Practice Today', Rory and Ken discuss things you might consider when it comes to counselling celebrities. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Catherine Samson about her work looking into the psychotherapeutic needs of mothers returning to work after maternity leave. Closing a Therapy Session [starts at 02:38 mins] It can be very difficult to wrap up a session without practice. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss some of the ways you may go about making this easier: Knowing how to end a session is part of deliberate practice - being thoughtful of how you work. Have a clock in the room - consider placing it behind the client so you can look at it without taking your attention away from the client. Contract session hours - factor in maybe a 5-minute greeting at the beginning and maybe 5 minutes to summarise at the end. Stick to your boundaries - getting in the habit of going 5/10 minutes over your scheduled session time may cause future inconvenience if you find yourself busy. You need to factor in some time between clients to collect your thoughts and prepare for the next client. You don't want to be checking your watch in a very obvious way, this may make the client feel as though you're not paying full attention or they are boring you etc. To combat this you may attempt to catch a glimpse of your client's watch or wear your own on the inside of your wrist to allow you to check it more discreetly. You may also consider having a clock that you can see, and a clock that the client can see, this gives the client an opportunity to self-regulate and gives the client some control. It is important that you factor in time for the client to wind down, bringing them back to a place they can re-engage with their lives outside of the session. If the client mentions something they want to address right at the end of the session, make sure you acknowledge it, but suggest that the client brings it to the next session where you can then begin to explore it. Counselling Celebrities [starts at 19:28 mins] It may be uncommon, but there could be a moment when you encounter a client that has some extent of celebrity status. If this happens, some of the things to consider might be: Is this a dual relationship? Are you able to separate the client from their character/persona/reputation? When counselling celebrities, ask yourself: How do you see this person? Who are they to you? Are you able to see them without filter? It's important to consider this carefully. Consider taking it to supervision to figure out if you can truly do well by this client. Additional professional considerations may need to be put in place - in terms of confidentiality etc. - when counselling celebrities. Who are they coming into contact with when they come for sessions (e.g. receptionist)? You need to be able to de-invest yourself from who you believe this person is, be as curious as you would with any other client, and discover who this person is. Counselling Mothers Returning to Work after Maternity Leave [starts at 32:54 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Catherine Samson about her work looking into the psychotherapeutic needs of mothers returning to work after maternity leave. The key parts of this discussion include: Catherine looked into how useful keeping-in-touch days really are for a woman looking to return to work after maternity leave, and found that they may not be as useful as expected. When returning to work, the mother may experience mixed feelings - wanting to get back to their career and aspirations but also having feelings of guilt and/or separation anxiety. Therapists should be understanding of this and how they may be feeling. Lots of things have changed for the mother - both big and small. Feelings of anxiety and lack of confidence, a lot may be expected of her as she is already an established employee, e.g. less room for error compared to a new hire. Some possible tips for women returning to work might be: Structure your days well, don't overwork yourself or try to take on more work to prove yourself. Ask about any changes there may have been to help ease any anxiety you might have about this. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

253 – Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy Feb 04, 2023

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Different Types of Counselling Supervision - Counselling in Tough Economic Times In Episode 253 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: Firstly in 'Theory in Practice', we look at different types of counselling supervision. Then in 'Practice Today', Rory and Ken discuss counselling in tough economic times. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ruth Hill about Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). Different Types of Counselling Supervision [starts at 02:41 mins] Supervision is an essential part of your practice. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the different types of supervision, and things you might consider: Some of the different types of supervision include: managerial supervision, group supervision, specialist supervision, and internal supervision. If you work online, you're going to want to look for a supervisor that has this competence. Find yourself a supervisor that works for you. You may have a general supervisor, then another supervisor for an area you specialise in. If you're a supervisor and your supervisee is working with trauma, or within a school environment - think whether you as a supervisor are a good fit for them, have you trained in that area? Go to supervision before taking a new intervention/approach you have seen into your own practice with clients - gradually build up your understanding before using it. There are three main areas of supervision: Formative - the supervisor sharing their own experience to teach and inform. Normative - asking supervisee to account for and justify their work. Restorative - offering supervisee support if they're struggling. Counselling in Tough Economic Times [starts at 23:10 mins] When it comes to tough economic times, it is something that effects all of us and we must think of both the client, and ourselves. The key points of this section include: You might find that clients can't attend sessions due to working extra shifts or not being able to afford bus fares etc. - this can cause issues if there is a 'three strikes' policy. If you begin to offer concessions, what will be the impact on you? Can you afford to offer them? Consider putting together a resource pack for clients that aren't able to have sessions with you. Try asking the client whether your contracted price is still affordable for them, show that this is a subject they can speak freely about. Your primary aim is to be of help. Make sure you balance looking out for yourself and looking out for the client. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy [starts at 38:10 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Ruth Hill about Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). The main points of this discussion include: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy is about trying to encourage a philosophical change in an individual and looking into what are the beliefs of an individual. Belief will inform how you react - everybody will have a different reaction to an event. It's about asking, not assuming - asking what their feelings are around a particular event. Having the understanding that we're going to have negative thoughts. Recognising the difference between unhealthy negative thoughts and healthy negative thoughts. 'Take the horror out of tragedy'. Thinking about the difference between demand and preference - 'I won't/can't lose this person' vs. 'I don't want to lose this person'. Gaining acceptance from learned experience. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

252 – Helping Clients with Trauma Bonding Jan 28, 2023

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Changing Your Ethical Body - Using Empathy in Counselling In Episode 252 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics: Up first in 'Theory in Practice', we'll take a closer look at helping clients with trauma bonding. Then in 'Practice Today', we discuss changing your ethical body. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sally-Anne Armitage about the use of empathy in counselling. Helping Clients with Trauma Bonding [starts at 02:30 mins] Trauma bonding is when an individual, maybe in some kind of abusive relationship, either can't leave or keeps going back. The key features of this discussion on helping clients with trauma bonding include: This response to an abusive relationship is a natural survival strategy e.g. going back to the abuser. It's important to be patient, consistent and understanding of that process - try to alleviate the shame. A client within this relationship may be experiencing, gaslighting, emotional abuse, criticism, and/or violence. They may have thoughts such as 'it's my fault, not theirs' and defend their abuser. You should have patience and empathy for the victim. You need to tread carefully with trauma - it's not good to dig deep if you have not had proper CPD. When helping clients with a trauma bond, explain to them how the brain works - normalise their behaviours, help them to recognise there is not something wrong with them. Changing Your Ethical Body [starts at 16:03 mins] It can feel like a daunting task to change your ethical body, but Rory and Ken discuss the true ease of the change, and what you might want to consider when it comes to making that choice. The main points of this section include: It's important to find an ethical body that fits your values. It's actually a simple and painless process. Understand the value you're getting from your ethical body. There are 6 different bodies in the UK, just make sure the one you choose aligns with professional standards. Think what are the benefits, what are you offered, what do you gain access to, and how do they align with your way of working. If you choose to make a change to your ethical body, make sure you update this change with your insurer. Using Empathy in Counselling [starts at 28:57 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Sally-Anne Armitage about the use of empathy in counselling. The key points of this discussion include: Without empathy, there can't be a successful therapeutic relationship. Empathy isn't 'I've been through something similar and it gets better' - it's about putting your own frame of reference aside. Giving a reflection or paraphrasing are both good ways of being empathetic. When we reflect and paraphrase, the client can start to say more. It can allow them to open them up on their own terms. Try not to ask too many questions - this leads a person out of their own experience. The client will go from internal to external, telling you what youwant to know instead of what they want to tell. Observe tone of voice and body language, pay close attention to detail - is this telling you something different from the client's words? Ensure you create an atmosphere where the client can speak freely. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

251 – Difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD Jan 21, 2023

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The Four Pillars of Gestalt Therapy - Talking about Sexual Intimacy in Therapy In Episode 251 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics: Firstly in 'Theory in Practice' we look at the four pillars of Gestalt therapy. Then in 'Practice Today' Rory and Ken will discuss sexual intimacy. Lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Lou Lebentz on the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD). The Four Pillars of Gestalt Therapy [starts at 02:45 mins] First up this week, listen as Rory and Ken take us through the four pillars of Gestalt therapy: Phenomenology - how the individual views their world: A client's view may be very different to your own and you may even disagree. Understand the reasons behind their views. Meet the client where they are. Through discussion, the client may change their view after looking into it further. The dialogical relationship - the relationship between therapist and client. There needs to be dialogue between you as the therapist and them as the client. Be empathetic, show your humanity and allow the client to engage with that. The client should perceive you as someone who is working hard to try and understand their world view. Field theory - what's going on around the client? Their life and day-to-day will effect how they are with you. Things happening both inside and outside of the therapy room. This applies to both you and the client. Experimentation - clients encouraged to do experiments. This is something not seen in person-centered therapy. Experimentations such as empty chair -allows the client to speak the unspoken. It can help the client have internal contact with the disconnected parts of themselves. Doing things such as writing a letter and burning it if they find verbal communication uncomfortable. Gestalt therapy is all about connecting emotionally and physically with ourselves. Talking about Sexual Intimacy in Therapy [starts at 22:37 mins] Speaking about sexual intimacy may feel uncomfortable for some, but it is a large part of an individual's life and should be welcomed in the therapy room. The main points of this discussion include: If you as the therapist are reluctant, shy or worried about this topic, the client can't go there with you - this means an important part of the client's reality is shut off. Sexual intimacy and activity impacts a client's whole life - sometimes clients will want to talk about it and that takes courage. Try considering how you would feel sharing this information with a professional, and how you would want them to approach that with you. You need to warmly welcome this part of your client. Become comfortable with the aspects of this discussion. Show the client the door is open, that it's okay. If you're struggling to engage with this subject, visit supervision and explore why that might be. The key things to take away are: Welcome the topic. Look for a framework, do some CPD, try talking about sexual intimacy. Desensitize giggles, blushes and cringes - understand where your hidden prejudices lie. Read up on sexual health and consider speaking about this with your client - especially with young people. Difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD [starts at 39:04 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Lou Lebentz on the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD). PTSD is often the result of a singular traumatic event e.g. a car crash, a natural disaster. Its difference to complex PTSD is CPTSD refers to someone who has experienced a series of traumas. They usually suffer from difficulty with emotional self-regulation. They may have a negative view of self: feelings of shame, guilt, feeling unworthy. There is an interpersonal disturbance. Mistrust of others, self-blame. CPTSD is often rooted in childhood. As a therapist you provide co-regulation - an external scaffold. All feelings are accepted in the therapy room - help the client learn to manage and regulate these feelings. Having your own therapy will be something to look into. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) presents itself a lot in trauma. You may take a body-led and body-based approach. Stay with the feeling of the client - don't move over it or dismiss it. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

250 – Counselling Terminally Ill Clients Jan 14, 2023

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Donald Winnicott's True and False Self - Protecting Your Data Online In Episode 250 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics: In 'Theory in Practice' we'll look at Donald Winnicott's theory of true and false self. Then in 'Practice Today', Rory and Ken discuss protecting your data online. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Paula Mayes on counselling terminally ill clients. Donald Winnicott's True and False Self [starts at 02:56 mins] Listen as Rory and Ken delve deeper into Donald Winnicott's theory of true and false self, and how this may present in the therapy room. The key points of this section include: True and false self is determined by how far a young child is allowed to be themselves by their caregiver e.g. if a child is told something along the lines of 'boys don't cry', this will effect the way the young boy grows up, and his relationship with showing emotion through crying. These children grow into adults, and adults present in the therapy room - allow them to show their true selves. Clients may show this through being childish, aggressive, or by challenging you - this is the client showing parts of themselves they couldn't express as a child. The counsellor will need to be strong and robust to manage this - undergo your own therapy. It's about you being the good enough other. Being accepting and non-judgemental. The client needs to feel loved and respected - this will allow the client to bring their true self. Protecting Your Data Online [starts at 16:37 mins] With a large majority of what we do being done online, it's important that we're aware and being careful with how and where our data is stored. The main points of this discussion include: If something is free (e.g. Google Calendar etc.), there is likely some kind of exchange happening instead, such as storing your data. Look at privacy policies to see just how your data is stored and what certain websites/applications do with it. You should also have your own privacy policy if you're a private practitioner with your own website - this is required by law. Sometimes your data may be being sold, or shared with various 'partners'. You should be able to request for your data to be deleted. Your data doesn't disappear/go away; it can be kept and stored for a long time. Counselling Terminally Ill Clients [starts at 30:01 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Paula Mayes about working with terminally ill clients. The key points of this discussion include: There are various challenges for these clients: Often counselling is only available through charities/cancer centers. Cost Psychological impact. All of these factors make it difficult for a client with terminal illness to want to receive counselling. Beginning to work in this area might come from your own individual interest or experience. Understand how you feel about the subject of death. What are your experiences with death, cancer, illness etc.? Do you have the death competence to be suited to this area of work? Working in this area can help to erase certain stigmas around death, as it can be considered a taboo subject. When counselling terminally ill clients, remember that different cultures have different views and rituals around death. Some clients may become more spiritual at this time in their life, discovering new beliefs etc. The client doesn't stop living just because of their prognosis. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

249 – Stages of Grief Jan 07, 2023

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Working with Interpreters in Therapy - Waking Dreams Starting off 2023 with Episode 249 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly return with two familiar topics - and a new addition, 'Practice Today', where we look at contemporary developments and challenges you may face in the therapy room. In today's podcast: Returning with 'Theory in Practice', today we look at Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grief. Then in our new section 'Practice Today' we look at working with interpreters in therapy. And finally, returning once again is 'Practice Matters' where today Rory speaks with Allan Frater about waking dreams. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' Stages of Grief [starts at 02:54 mins] You've probably heard the 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance - and in this section, Rory and Ken will explore these stages in more depth and how they may present in the therapy room: The 5 stages of grief are often presented in a linear format - however, this isn't always the case. The stages can present in any order, and for some people, not all stages will be experienced. A client may experience retrospective bargaining - thinking things like 'if I had done this…', 'if only I had thought to…'. The theory of the stages was put together from observing people who were dying - this means it may not always translate to those who have lost someone. The theory has been adapted and modified since its initial release. Using the stages as an example, we can normalise a client's feelings of anger - removing some of the guilt/shame they may experience from feeling this way. Any of the stages can persist long after the initial loss - they can especially be triggered by things such as birthdays or anniversaries. All of the stages can be reverted into - acceptance isn't a finality. Working with Interpreters in Therapy [starts at 19:51 mins] In the therapy room, you may be in a situation where your client is unable to communicate with you using spoken English. If you have a client that speaks a language you don't or communicates using sign language - you will need to find a way to understand and respond to them. The key points of this section on working with interpreters in therapy include: If you choose to look for an in-person interpreter or translator for counselling - you shouldn't use a family member/friend of the client. There may be things the client doesn't feel comfortable sharing with them in the room, or the translation you receive may be filtered. When you are given a translation from a third party, the client's words are now coming from the translator's frame of reference. This is something important to be aware of when working with interpreters in therapy. Keep a close eye on the clients' body language - look out for the emotions they are conveying through this. If you decide to look into using translating software (such as Google Translate), there are some things you need to consider: There is an assumption of literacy, your client may not be able to read and/or write. There is a chance of the translation being inaccurate. If a client is typing their material into this translation software, do you know if this data is protected? Or if it is stored by the application? Be wary of these things if that is the path you decide to take. Waking Dreams [starts at 35:39 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Allan Frater about waking dreams. The main points of this discussion include: Waking dreams are a mixture of waking and dreaming - the overlap of an imagined reality and the normal, physical world. Thinking about memories as images. Considering worrying about next week as an imagined reality that overlaps with physical reality. In therapy you might explore waking dreams with their eyes open - this allows the client to remain grounded in the room with you, working with images in a safe way. You can look into stand-out images in these waking dreams and what they might mean. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

248 – SEO for Therapists Dec 17, 2022

Show notes

Evaluating Counselling Skills - Applying Attachment Theory and Research in Day-to-Day Counselling In Episode 248 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: In 'Theory in Practice', we look at evaluating and improving your counselling skills. Then in 'Practice Partner', Rory and Ken discuss SEO for therapists and counsellors (in particular how to use local SEO effectively). And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Jeremy Holmes on attachment theory and research in day-to-day counselling. Evaluating Counselling Skills [starts at 02:42 mins] When it comes to improving your counselling skills, practice makes perfect. Here are some ways Rory and Ken suggest you may want to go about this: For skills evaluation, record stimulated skills sessions and ask your peers/colleagues to listen and offer feedback. Don't be frightened when it comes to practicing these skills - the more we know, the less we fear. This is a lifetime endeavor - even once you're qualified, you can always develop your counselling skills further. What does the theory tell us about the skill - what is the result of using this skill for the speaker and listener? In retrospect, would you choose the same skill? Or would a different skill have been more effective? You're looking for client movement - are they feeling heard? Understood? SEO for Therapists [starts at 20:20 mins] As clients are an essential part of running your practice, it's important that when someone in your area is searching for help, your website can easily be found. The key points of this section on SEO for therapists include: You want whatever people might be searching for to be on your website. E.g. if a client is searching "counselling in (town/city)" you're going to want your website to state pretty early on that you are a counsellor based in said town or city. Google My Business - registering your website with Google will confirm your location and establish you as a legitimate business, something that will help your therapy website's SEO. This may result in your website coming up higher in searches made in your area. Another way to help improve the SEO of your therapy website is to make sure that the contact details and address you use on your website are consistent everywhere. Your website will need a privacy policy. Paying attention to these details are all small things that can make your website more favourable to Google's algorithm and therefore place your website higher on search results. Applying Attachment Theory and Research in Day-to-Day Counselling [starts at 38:57 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Jeremy Holmes on applying attachment theory and research in day-to-day counselling. The main points of this discussion include: When encountering clients, we need to be absolutely open-minded - we don't want our theories rattling around the room as this can interfere with our receptiveness to clients and may interfere with a client's openness. When we're threatened, stressed, or ill; our capacity to think or explore is put on hold and we seek out an attachment figure. Counselling will activate a clients attachment dynamic - they're in a vulnerable space where they'll be expected to share their thoughts and worries. As a counsellor, you'll be presenting yourself as a solid figure the client can co-regulate from. Use attachment theory as an essential tool to understand a client and help them grow. 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 Shop Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

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