Counselling Tutor Podcast

Latest Episodes:

229 – Counselling Victims of Narcissistic Abuse May 28, 2022

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The Seven Stages of Process - Difference between Being a Reflective and Reflexive Counsellor In Episode 229 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oaks and Ken Kelly take us through today's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we'll look at the seven stages of process. Then in 'Focus on Self', we think about the difference between reflective and reflexive, and the importance of both. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Amy Launder on counselling victims of narcissistic abuse. The Seven Stages of Process [starts at 02:06 mins] Carl Rogers' seven stages of process are an important piece of theory within person-centered therapy. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss some of the key things to think about when working with the seven stages: A form of measurement - allow you to chart the growth of your client. The first stage details someone who may at first blame others and be stuck in the past - it is rare that an individual who is still in this stage would reach out for counselling. You're aiming for the client to be able to accept the past and instead be more accepting of the here and now. The success of the seven stages relies on the motivation of the client, and their own willingness to change and move forwards. Difference between Being a Reflective and Reflexive Counsellor [starts at 17:16 mins] Reflection and reflexivity are two very closely linked words that are both equally as important as each other when it comes to improving yourself and your practice. The key points of this discussion include: Reflection - thinking about what you can do/change in order to improve. Reflexivity - deciding on a course of action based on your reflection and carrying it out. Think about what you've learnt and how you will apply it - supervision will help you think about this. Be curious. Counselling is a fluid and changing profession, there will always be something new to learn or something to improve on. Counselling Victims of Narcissistic Abuse [starts at 30:15 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Amy Launder on working with survivors of narcissistic abuse. The main points of this discussion include: Clients often don't know they've been a victim of narcissistic abuse - they may just be confused as to why their relationship ended and what they must've done wrong. Moving goalpost - the victim may have been made to feel like they were never good enough. Gaslighting - they may have been made to doubt themselves. The narcissist will often act different with others than with the victim, so sometimes the victim may won't be believed when they try to share what they're experiencing. Doesn't just take place in romantic relationships - can exist within friendship too. Due to social media, things such as gaslighting can happen online as well. When counselling victims of narcissistic abuse, remember that it will require patience from the therapist to unpick everything within the relationship. 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

228 – Inner Child Work May 21, 2022

Show notes

Attachment Theory - The Four Stages of Competence In Episode 228 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's 3 topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', Rory and Ken discuss attachment theory and the importance of recognising your own attachment style. Then in 'Focus on Self', we'll look at the four stages of competence. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Rachel Eastop and Moira Hood on inner child work. Attachment Theory [starts at 02:06 mins] Attachment theory looks at how we create attachments with parents and caregivers as children, and what affect this has on our ability to form attachments in the future. The key points of this discussion include: The therapeutic relationship is still a relationship, and both your own and the client's attachment styles will have an impact. A consequence of certain attachment styles is a lack of trust - this may make a client more reluctant to work with you, or reluctant to seek out counselling in the first place. Try identifying your own attachment style, as this will affect how you work with clients. It's possible to alter the way you attach through therapy. A traumatic event could alter your attachment style at any age. The Four Stages of Competence [starts at 13:32 mins] The four stages of competence is a process that we all go through whenever we begin to do something unfamiliar to us. The four stages include: Unconscious incompetence - when you are unaware of your incompetence. Conscious incompetence - acknowledging that you're incompetent. Conscious competence - with focus and concentration, you are competent. Unconscious competence - it takes little to no thought/focus for you to be competent. The four stages of competence are a natural process - when trying to do something new you should be kind to yourself, you won't master something instantly. Reflection - reflect on how you could approach it differently instead of beating yourself up. Inner Child Work [starts at 26:00 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Rachel and Moira on inner child work. The main points of this interview include: Your inner child represents your early childhood experiences. The inner child has a voice, memories and emotions - these experiences (usually traumatic) from early childhood rise to the surface in adult life. It is likely to break through during times of stress and anxiety. Your inner child represents a part of you that needs to be heard, and an issue that needs to be resolved. A method sometimes used in inner child work is respectful reparenting - standing in a maternal or paternal gap with the intention of helping the adult client to parent their own inner child. Start to give the inner child their place - not ignoring or pushing away that inner child. You have to move backwards before you can move forwards. Be sure to attend to your own inner child if you've experienced childhood trauma. 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

227 – Counselling Autistic Clients May 14, 2022

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Transference and Countertransference - Changing Your Supervisor In Episode 227 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we'll look at transference and counter transference. Then in 'Focus on Self', we'll think about why you might consider changing your supervisor. And lastly in 'Practice Matters' Rory continues his discussion with Quinn Dexter, speaking in this episode about accommodations to consider when counselling autistic clients. Transference and Countertransference [starts at 02:22 mins] In this section Rory and Ken share some personal experiences of transference and countertransference as they discuss the key points: Transference and countertransference are an overlay of a past relationship onto someone we've just met. It's a subconscious process - this can sometimes make it difficult to identify. Transference - subconsciously associating a person in the present with someone from the past. Countertransference - the result, actually treating the new person how you did the past person. Once seen it can't be unseen - after you've identified it, you can work towards reworking the transference (differentiate between the person in the past and the one in the present, recognising they are two different people). Changing Your Supervisor [starts at 14:10 mins] It's important to recognise that you are able to change your supervisor if you feel that is what's best for you. The main points of this section include: You may want to move to a supervisor that specialises in a certain modality or area that you wish to work in. After the pandemic, there are many supervisors who have continued to work online (via Zoom etc.), and you may wish to look for someone who is trained for that. You may be looking for a supervisor who is more or less challenging than what you have now. Be aware that you may also be too comfortable with your supervision - without challenge there probably won't be growth. Are you getting everything you need from supervision? Counselling Autistic Clients [starts at 25:36 mins] In part two of an interview with Quinn Dexter of the YouTube channel 'Autistamatic', Rory discusses what can be done to accommodate autistic people as a therapist. The key points of this discussion include: When counselling autistic clients, think about the environment your sessions are taking place in: Reduce noise pollution. Avoid overhead lighting - particularly florescent. Client may prefer to have the door open. Have a choice of seating or standing. When communicating, avoid or be prepared to explain: analogues, colloquialisms, and euphemisms - as these may cause confusion. Understand the honesty - when saying 'I don't know', it usually means they really don't know. Finding words to describe how they're feeling can be incredibly difficult. When working with autistic clients in therapy, abandon the autism triad of impairment. Instead look at the autistic triad of distinctions. The neurotypical way isn't the 'normal' or 'right' way. 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

226 – How to Identify Vicarious Trauma May 07, 2022

Show notes

Carl Rogers' 19 Propositions - Why We Shouldn't Use Person-First Language to Describe Autistic People In Episode 226 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', Rory and Ken discuss the dreaded 19 Propositions of Carl Rogers. Then in 'Focus on Self', we look at how to identify vicarious trauma. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks to Quinn Dexter on why we shouldn't use person -first language to describe autistic people. Carl Rogers' 19 Propositions [starts at 02:20 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss some observations on the 19 Propositions of Carl Rogers: They're essentially 19 different ways people perceive the world. They're quite heavy with academic language. Just a theory of phenomenology - how we act based on how we perceive. It may help to think about how the propositions can be applied to small children - they seem to be written with this in mind. How to Identify Vicarious Trauma [starts at 12:58 mins] Within your practice, it is crucial to look after yourself and prevent a possible burnout. One thing to be cautious of in order to avoid this is vicarious trauma. The key points of this discussion on recognising vicarious trauma are as follows: Dealing with a lot of heavy material takes its toll. You may find yourself thinking about a clients material more often than you should: Being unable to sleep very well. Being unable to watch people be cruel to each other (in films, for example). You may also eventually find yourself trying to avoid a client's material in the room. Try to balance your practice - be mindful of how many trauma clients you have. Why We Shouldn't Use Person-First Language to Describe Autistic People [starts at 21:45 mins] In part one of an interview with Quinn Dexter of the YouTube channel 'Autistamatic', Rory discusses why, against what is widely taught, we shouldn't use person-first language to describe autistic people. The main points of this interview include: The separation of the individual from their condition implies that autism is something shameful. Terms such as high/low functioning and 'on the spectrum', can actually be highly insulting. Biased empathy - it is wrong to believe that autistic individuals have no empathy; it is simply judged by their own values and beliefs and can therefore often cause misunderstandings. There is a need for counselling and better understanding. In Episode 227, part two of this interview will discuss some essential insights therapists need to understand when counselling autistic people. 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

225 – Becoming a Clinical Supervisor Apr 30, 2022

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Configurations of Self - Counselling in a Prison Environment In Episode 225 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we'll discuss configurations of self. Then in 'Focus on Self', we'll think about whether you might be ready to become a clinical supervisor, and why you should consider it. Finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Wayne Lawrence about his amazing work counselling in a prison environment. Configurations of Self [starts at 2:07 mins] In this week's 'Counselling Foundations', we'll look at the work of Dave Mearns on configurations of self. The key points of this discussion include: Examples of these configurations of self are the different emotional voices you might find inside you, such as anger or excitement. These configurations of self can take over at any time. Recognising the voice of the client will allow you to meet them there and better understand their frame of reference. Each voice should be recognised and accepted - speak directly to the sub personality in order to acknowledge it; this will enable the client to feel heard. By watching and listening carefully, you'll be able to recognise a client's shift into, for example a frightened voice, and adapt your approach accordingly. Have a go at identifying some of your own voices and situations that they may arise. Becoming a Clinical Supervisor [starts at 14:30 mins] To be a supervisor is an incredible service to others, and in this section, Rory and Ken share and discuss some of their own experiences and opinions on training to become a clinical supervisor. The main points of this discussion are: Becoming a clinical supervisor is a commitment, and a massive step in terms of service. You'll be helping to develop other therapists, and offer support. Create a consultative environment that will be greatly appreciated. 'CV gold' - as another level of study, it will enhance your employability. The process from start to finish may take up to a year to complete. After the pandemic, there is a higher demand for supervisors that are able to work online. If you have a lot of skills and a lot of passion, why not take on this development. Counselling in a Prison Environment [starts at 29:42 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Wayne Lawrence about his experiences of counselling in a prison environment. The key factors of this discussion include: For prisoners, it's important that they can have that one-on-one relationship, a single point of reliable contact. Sessions are bound by the laws and rules of the prison, e.g. a session will have to come to an immediate end if there is a lockdown. There is still a person-centered approach to the client - it offers communication for the client separate from prison staff. It's important to be congruent. Be mindful that some clients feel they are not able to show vulnerability once they leave the room. Sessions offer permission to be something other than a tough exterior. Links and Resources Clinical Supervision - Online Training 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

224 – Narcissistic Personality Disorder Apr 23, 2022

Show notes

Life Scripts in Transactional Analysis - Not Being Defined by Your Work In Episode 224 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we look at life scripts from transactional analysis. Then in 'Focus on Self', we'll look at making sure you're not defining yourself by the work you do. And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Amy Launder about narcissistic personality disorder. Life Scripts in Transactional Analysis [starts at 01:53 mins] Quite a few theories support the idea of our current traits being influenced by our upbringing, an example of this being the idea of life scripts. The main points of this discussion include: A life script is a 'script' we live out due to what we were told as children. Traits that have been reinforced through your upbringing. You may act in ways that help to fulfill the script. In stressful situations, you're likely to retreat into your script. Try to recognise and rationalize your script. Not Being Defined by Your Work [starts at 20:50 mins] It's important to identify as more than just your work, and in this section, Rory and Ken reflect on themselves as we think about this. The key themes of this section are: If all you do is work, you'll also only meet people in the same line of work - it'll become you. Don't be defined by work, be defined by who you are. Taught that counselling is a way of being, but you're still a human being - see yourself holistically. Embrace all of you. What do you do that interests you outside of work? Narcissistic Personality Disorder [starts at 33:32 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Amy Launder on Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The key points of this discussion are: Narcissistic traits can include: Thinking highly of themselves. Viewing themselves as better than others. Looking down on others. This can greatly affect the relationships they have with others as a result of this. They can make their partner feel unlovable, will want to 'win' a breakup. They can also aim to be in a relationship with someone they consider better than themselves, but will begin to feel threatened by this and attempt to break them down. There is a difference between just having narcissistic traits and having a narcissistic personality disorder - this will depend on how many of the traits they're showing, how prolonged they are, and the effect this has on their relationships and daily life. Difficult to treat, as those with narcissistic personality disorder don't believe anything is wrong with them. Not everyone with narcissistic traits is a bad person. 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: CPCAB Progression Route Apr 16, 2022

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Special Edition: CPCAB Progression Route In this special episode of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes speaks with Derek Cunningham from the CPCAB on choosing the right courses to become a fully qualified counsellor. There is more than one way to study counselling, and throughout this episode, Rory and Derek will take us through some of the options available, and the key things to consider when choosing the best progression route for you: Make sure that at the end of whatever course you take, you will be qualified to join a professional membership organisation. Take courses that are Ofqual approved in order to be able to join a professional body. Be sure to join an ethical body that is accredited with professional standards authority. Not all level 2 and 3 qualifications are equivalent - you will need classroom and practical hours in order to progress further. It's incredibly important that you have been amongst peers and received feedback through discussion. CPCAB is working on a helpful model to show the progression of both the CPCAB route and a degree route. This could help in choosing the route that is best for you. Some of the differences in these routes include: CPCAB Progression Route: A more vocational/practical route. Educated up to level 4. Part-time study. Degree Route: A more academic route. With an undergraduate degree, you will be educated up to level 6. Full-time study. CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills This is the first step on your journey to become a qualified counsellor. With this qualification you'll practise helping skills and explore basic counselling theory and ethics. Personal development will play a big part as you reflect on your life experience and your place in the learning community. You'll consider: What is important about difference and diversity? How are we different and how does it affect us? This qualification can help in a wide range of jobs such as working with individuals and groups, advocacy roles, colleagues, as well as friends and family. If you want to continue training as a counsellor, it's preparation to move on to Level 3 and beyond. CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies It's time to take the next step on your journey to become a qualified counsellor. On this qualification you'll start to look at a range of counselling theories and continue to practise your skills with your fellow learners. As you prepare to move on to practitioner training at Level 4, you'll be increasing your skills and knowledge, building on the learning you gained at Level 2. This qualification can enhance your employability and support you in roles such as mentoring, advocacy, health and social care or any role where you are helping people. CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling This is the final step on your journey to become a fully qualified counsellor. You'll spend two years part-time immersed in a learning community. On successful completion, you'll be a trained and qualified counsellor and you'll be eligible to join a recognised professional membership body such as BACP, NCS or ACC. You'll become experienced in working with clients within a counselling agency, gaining 100 'client' hours of this work as part of the course. The in-depth study at this level will support your personal development and professional skills, getting you ready to move into a career as a professional counsellor. You might choose to seek employment as a counsellor or support a wide range of health and social care roles, including management, mentoring and support, advocacy and work in the mental health sector. It's important to remember that neither of these routes is particularly better than the other, it is about looking at which one is better for you. Consider: Cost Whether full time or part-time works better for you. The likelihood of being able to finish once you have started. Whichever route you choose, what's important is that achieve what you wanted by the end of it - being a fully qualified counsellor. 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

223 – Counselling Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Apr 02, 2022

Show notes

Ego States in Transactional Analysis - Regulating Yourself in the Therapy Room In Episode 223 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with three new topics: In this week's 'Counselling Foundations', we look at the ego states in transactional analysis. Then in 'Focus on Self', we'll think about self-regulation within our sessions. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Del Beach-Campbell on counselling male survivors of sexual abuse. The Ego States in Transactional Analysis [starts at 01:59 mins] In this section, listen as Rory and Ken discuss Eric Berne's Pack Ego Model (PAC Model): In its most simplistic form, the model is split into these three states: the adult ego state the child ego state the parent ego state If a person is in any one of these states permanently, it may lead to miscommunications and disagreements. Your client will want an adult with them in the therapy room (in the adult ego state). The child ego state means you're functioning without your critical thinking, and you may not make the best decisions. A healthy personality will go through all the states. Within the adult state, you can acknowledge the other states - you're not blinkered like you may be in the other states. Regulating Yourself in the Therapy Room [starts at 21:32 mins] When feelings arise during a session that you know shouldn't be there, it can be quite difficult to navigate. In this section, Rory and Ken discuss some actions you may want to consider taking if this does happen to you: Make sure you've had good personal therapy and you have good supervision. Take action if you're struggling to regulate. If it arises amidst a session: see it, acknowledge and recognise it, then put it to one side (bracket it off) while with the client. However, make sure you go back to it later. It's okay to feel these feelings - but you can't let them overwhelm you. It isn't a weakness. If it persists, maybe seek personal therapy. A way to recognise that you have been 'breached' by client material is that you may notice you are no longer in the clients' frame of reference, but your own. Counselling Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse [starts at 36:52 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Del Beach-Campbell about counselling male survivors of sexual abuse. The key points of this discussion include: Men are more often spoken of as perpetrators - but we still can't overlook the minority. Often asked why they didn't fight back/defend themselves. Sexual violence is about power more than anything else - not necessarily to do with the sexuality of either the victim or the perpetrator. Some misconceptions include: Sexuality - it brings questions for the victim on how they feel about their sexuality, and introduces issues with trust. Brings about feelings of guilt and shame. Men need to speak out more and be heard when it comes to sexual abuse. 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

222 – Time-Limited Counselling Mar 26, 2022

Show notes

Counselling and the Law - Developing a Safe Emotional Space for Clients In Episode 222 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with this week's three topics: In 'Counselling Foundations' - counselling and the law. Then in 'Focus on Self', Rory and Ken discuss creating a safe emotional space for clients. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Ken speaks with Amy Launder on time-limited counselling in the NHS. Counselling and the Law [starts at 2:15 mins] As a counsellor, it is our responsibility to be aware of the laws we must abide by when dealing with clients and their data. Rory and Ken go over some key things worth remembering when it comes to counselling and the law: Some key acts and legislations to be aware of (UK specific): The Data Protection Act of 2018. Health and Safety legislation. The Equalities Act Remember that legislation is there for a reason - in places where things might have previously gone wrong. You may want to include some law in your client contract - such as in what circumstances you might be required to break confidentiality. Drug-related issues may require a decision on your part on how to deal with it - you can go to your ethical body or supervisor for a perspective that may help inform your decision. It's unlikely that an instance where it's necessary for you to break confidentiality will occur, but it's important that you're prepared for the possibility. Developing a Safe Emotional Space for Clients [starts at 23:10 mins] In order to be the best in service of your client, it's important to create an environment that they feel safe in. The main points of this discussion include: Counselling is more than just the theory - when in a session, you are sat across from another human being. The skill of silence - just being a listening ear is often the best thing you can do for your client. Have your true self in the room, learn who you are and this will work in service of your client. Be fully there when in the room with your client. Don't forget the importance of self within sessions. Time-Limited Counselling [starts at 40:02 mins] This week, Rory speaks with Amy Launder on time-limited counselling in the NHS. The key points of this discussion include: Counselling under the NHS is time-limited due to funding. Most counsellors aren't actually trained for time-limited sessions, so adjusting to this new structure can be difficult at first. Assessment becomes more crucial in order to hone in on what the client needs to work on - there is a goal to be reached within time-limited counselling. All modalities can be adapted to fit time-limited counselling, but certain modalities such as dynamic interpersonal therapy were specifically designed for short term work. Some clients may require referring e.g. clients who appear to have trauma. It's important to remember that you're helping even if it may not feel like it within just 6 sessions. 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

221 – The Power Threat Meaning Framework Mar 19, 2022

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Writing a Case Study - Taking a Break from Counselling In Episode 221 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly are back with three more topics: In 'Counselling Foundations', we'll talk about the dreaded task of writing a case study. Next in 'Focus on Self', the option of taking a break. And finally in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Ian Newey about a book called The Power Threat Meaning Framework by Lucy Johnstone and Mary Boyle. Writing a Case Study [starts at 1:55 mins] Writing a case study is never easy, but in this episode, Rory and Ken discuss certain things to think about when it comes to putting your own case study together: Weave in the theory that you've been taught. It shouldn't be clinical, include yourself in the therapeutic relationship - it's not a psychological case study. Make sure you're thinking of the client as a human being. Have an understanding of Bloom's verbs and use them e.g. analyse, explain etc. If you're doing a supervision based case study, look to yourself and your own supervision. This may not always be what you did do, but sometimes what you didn't do. You'll need to include a conclusion. Reflection - what you might've done differently if you were to do it again. Taking a Break from Counselling [starts at 17:05 mins] Within this profession, you can be hit with an unexpected curveball such as a bereavement or separation, or you may just face a burnout. Both of these are completely natural, and it's perfectly acceptable to put yourself first in these situations. The main points of this discussion are: It's the right thing to do, both for you and your clients, to step back when facing personal difficulties. Look at your ethical body and check the allowances for stepping back and the actions that must be taken. Stepping back isn't a weakness - it's a strength to be able to recognise when you need a break. There is always the option to return when you feel up to it. The Power Threat Meaning Framework [starts at 32:42 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Dr. Ian Newey about The Power Threat Meaning Framework by Lucy Johnstone and Mary Boyle. The key points of this discussion include: Labels can sometimes have a damaging effect - they can close down questions instead of opening up more. A diagnosis isn't an answer, it's a set of patterns put together by a committee. Contextualize distress - 'what happened to you?' instead of 'what's wrong with you?' Helping a client to understand how they got there can help them understand how to get out. 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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