Counselling Tutor Podcast

Latest Episodes:

119 – Counselling Children of Narcissistic Parents Jun 29, 2019

Show notes

Feeling Frightened by a Client - Humanistic Love in the Therapy Room In episode 119 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast - the last of this season - Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes talk about counselling children of narcissistic parents. In 'Practice Matters', Rory explores what to do when you find a client frightening. Finally, the presenters look at humanistic love in the counselling room. Counselling Children of Narcissistic Parents (starts at 1.30 mins) Growing up with a narcissistic parent is very challenging for a child, who is likely to feel vulnerable and unloved, trying desperately to please the parent but to no avail. On top of all this, children often learn their attachment style from their parents. These experiences can lead to the child becoming an adult who - feeling unlovable and isolated - either shuts off from others or goes to the other extreme and is desperate for love (perhaps getting involved in inappropriate sexual relationships in a bid to find this). When counselling children of narcissistic parents, counsellors have much of value to offer these clients, through providing the core conditions. However, receiving these may well be so alien to the client that it feels scary to them. It can be really difficult for such clients to accept help from others. It is therefore very important, when counselling children of narcissistic parents, to be there for the client but on their terms, treading slowly and carefully in how you relate to them, within their frame of reference. This type of work requires much patience, and is likely to be long-term. It involves helping the client - who is likely to have very low self-worth - to find and nurture their real self. Feeling Frightened by a Client (starts at 8.45 mins) Sometimes, you may find yourself feeling frightened by a client even though they have not shown any aggression. Rory talks about how to work with this, separating out any real risk from feelings that relate to your own process (e.g. fear based on countertransference). Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Humanistic Love in the Therapy Room (starts at 20.15 mins) Rory talks about a book by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm, The Art of Loving (HarperCollins, 1995), which describes the different types of love, each of which has its own nuances: romantic love parental love sibling love erotic love self-love divine love Humanistic love is what we show the client in the therapy room: not all counsellors manage to do so, but even the best counselling skills in the world are incomplete without this vital ingredient. To experience humanistic love towards clients, it's important to see them as equal individuals - as fellow travellers in the world. Truly experiencing the core conditions - in particular, deep empathy and unconditional positive regard - is key here. Humanistic love is one aspect of the counsellor-client relationship that clearly separates it from the professional clinical relationship often offered in healthcare. Ken and Rory feel this is best described as 'spiritual' - not in the sense of religion, but referring to the meeting of our real selves. Philosopher Martin Buber referred to this type of relationship as 'I-Thou' and contrasted it with 'I-It' relationships, in which the other person is viewed more as an object than as a fellow human being.

118 – Being the Adult in the Therapy Room Jun 22, 2019

Show notes

Different Forms of Family - Helicopter Skills in Counselling In episode 118 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes describe the importance of the counsellor ensuring that they are being the adult in the therapy room. In 'Practice Matters', Rory talks about different types of family structures, and considerations in working with clients in this respect. Last but not least, the presenters look at helicopter skills in the therapy room. Being the Adult in the Therapy Room (starts at 1.28 mins) Social worker and psychotherapist Keith Tudor said: 'The adult is parent to the child.' This is also the title of a book he has written. As a counsellor, you are likely at some point to have a client who acts out in the therapy room, seeking to test or push boundaries. Paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott believed that when this happens, the client is re-enacting their early childhood experiences. It may be important for them to do this, and it is vital that the therapist is able to remain in the adult state while this occurs. A client may well look to their counsellor as someone who's OK in the world. Ensuring that you are in the adult ego state in the therapy room is important, supporting the client to stabilise and fully enter the here-and-now. It is therefore really important for you to have good self-awareness, using self-monitoring and supervision to explore any possible transference and countertransference. Warning signs that the latter may be occurring include feelings of irritation towards the client, or feeling judgmental. Different Forms of Family (starts at 8.45 mins) While the traditional 'nuclear family' (a term originally coined in 1947) consisted of a mother, father and two children, the reality today is that families come in many different forms. Rory presents information from the Office for National Statistics on family structures today, and explores what you might need to think about when working with clients from different family types. Above all, it's important not to make assumptions when a client refers to 'family': it's much better to ask them to expand on what 'family' looks likes to them, to ensure that you are viewing this from their - not your - frame of reference. Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Helicopter Skills (starts at 15.28 mins) This topic was raised in our Counselling Tutor Facebook group, where you can find over 24,000 students, qualified practitioners, supervisors and tutors interested in the world of counselling and psychotherapy. One member of our community there asked how we can assess the client where we are in the therapeutic relationship while also remaining in their frame of reference. The answer is that this is indeed an advanced skill, but one that we can and do acquire through practice and experience. It's rather like learning to dive - at first it seems overwhelming to have to think about all the car's controls and displays while also watching the road ahead and the environment around us, but in time this all becomes second nature. In other words, it's becomes part of our unconscious competence. The term 'helicopter' skills refers to the ability to allow part of yourself to 'hover above' the exchange with the client and to observe what is going on in you and in the therapeutic relationship. An experienced therapist can do this while another part of them stays in the client's frame of reference. Rory compares this to someone working on a computer with two monitors, one showing the detail of the task in hand and the other showing the whole picture. Doing both with equal attention is sometimes referred to as 'esoteric' thinking.

117 – Are the Core Conditions in Counselling Necessary and Sufficient? Jun 15, 2019

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Working with Clients on Prescribed Medication - Counsellors with Tattoos In episode 117 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes ask whether or not Carl Rogers' core conditions in counselling are necessary and sufficient for psychological change. In 'Practice Matters', Rory then talks about how to work with clients on prescribed medication. Finally, the presenters discuss the topic of counsellors who have tattoos. Are the Core Conditions in Counselling Necessary and Sufficient? (starts at 1.58 mins) This topic was raised in our Counselling Tutor Facebook group, where you can find over 23,000 students, qualified practitioners, supervisors and tutors interested in the world of counselling and psychotherapy. The term 'core conditions' in counselling- referring to therapist empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard - was first used by social scientist Robert Carkhuff in relation to social work. In fact, Carl Rogers described (in 1957, in the Journal of Consulting Psychology) not just three but six conditions that he claimed were both necessary and sufficient to bring about therapeutic personality change. Rogers' approach was innovative at the time in the world of psychotherapy, where psychoanalysis (founded by Freud) was then the prevailing modality. But this does depend on the presenting issue - for example, a client presenting with a fear of flying may need a different approach from person-centred counselling. Or a client struggling with trauma may need psychological education to help them make sense of what they are experiencing. While the core conditions may well be necessary for a counsellor-client relationship, Mick Cooper - in his work on pluralistic therapy - points out that psychological change can also result from solo work (e.g. journal-writing). Given that Carl Rogers was himself a keen researcher, maybe he - if still alive today - would have moved on from his original stance on the sovereignty of the six conditions. Working with Clients on Prescribed Medication (starts at 15.14 mins) In our work as counsellors, we are likely to come across clients who are taking various psychotropic drugs prescribed by doctors - for example, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and perhaps even antipsychotics. Rory explores how these drugs might affect the therapeutic relationship, and what you need to know to work safely and professionally with clients taking them. Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). In it, you will find links to various research resources where you can gain a balanced view of such medication and how to work with clients using it. Counsellors with Tattoos (starts at 20.53 mins) Does it matter if you, as a counsellor, have tattoos (or, in today's language, body art)? This question was another that came up on our Facebook group, following one person's experience of being told that they may have to work with young people and/or charities given their tattoos. Ken and Rory think not: counselling is very much about the relationship between counsellor and client, and their feeling is that in general, clients are likely to care less about whether you have tattoos than about whether the two of you can relate well. Besides, we all have a variety of physical features (e.g. accent, physique etc.) that some clients may warm to and others not. Some tattoos can have hidden meanings, of which Rory gives an example - if it is a concealed hate symbol, for example, then this is likely to be seen as inappropriate in the counselling environment.

116 – Counselling Supervision Models Jun 08, 2019

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Networking for Counsellors - Pluralistic Counselling In episode 116 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes examine the different counselling supervision models. In 'Practice Matters', Rory then talks about the importance of networking for counsellors. The presenters end this episode with a description of and discussion on pluralistic therapy. Counselling Supervision Models (starts at 1.34 mins) This topic was raised in our Counselling Tutor Facebook group, where you can find over 23,000 students, qualified practitioners and tutors interested in the world of counselling and psychotherapy. There are three types of counselling supervision: managerial, clinical and professional. While many other professionals receive managerial supervision in their workplace, clinical supervision (often combined with professional supervision - where we keep up with developments in our field, and ensure we adhere to our professional code of conduct) is a particular feature of working as a counsellor or psychotherapist. There are many counselling supervision models, of which Rory and Ken discuss several, including: a CBT-based model (Liese and Beck, 1997) the seven-eyed model (Hawkins and Shohet, 1985) the integrated development model (Stoltenberg and Delworth, 1987) the feminist model (Feminist Therapy Institute, 1999). Aside from giving an overview of different counselling supervision models, Rory and Ken also offer a number of tips on selecting a clinical supervisor for your counselling work: Make sure you choose a supervisor who both understands your modality and whose model of supervision fits with this. While it's fine to bring personal issues that are impacting your practice, it may be that you need to take these to your own therapy to work through them thoroughly. Do make sure that you are getting what you need from supervision. This may change as you progress through your training and career: you may need to change supervisor to get the right support and development. Networking for Counsellors (starts at 16.17 mins) Counselling can be a very isolated occupation, and it's all too easy to find you're seeing only clients and your supervisors. Rory describes the importance of drawing on the rich world of counselling colleagues, offering five tips on how to realise the full benefits that are there for the taking. Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Pluralistic Counselling (starts at 23.03 mins) Pluralistic therapy is the 'new kid on the block' in the world of counselling and psychotherapy, though it is based on findings going as far back as 1936, when psychologist Saul Rosenzweig introduced the idea of the dodo bird verdict. The dodo bird verdict is named after the Alice in Wonderland story in which everyone (or - in the counselling context - every modality) is a winner. This idea was later developed in 1990, in a large research study led by John Norcross, looking at 'common factors' in therapy. Pluralistic therapy, pioneered by Mick Cooper in the UK, is a specific form of therapy practice that draws methods from a variety of different sources. It is differentiated from integrative therapy by the fact that the selection of approaches/modalities is decided in discussion with the client. Thus, it has a person-centredness to it, in that the therapist trusts that the client knows best what they need. This may be different for the same person at different times and in different situations. Ken and Rory discuss pluralistic therapy and the skills required to practise it. Rory raises the interesting question of how much training would be required for a practitioner to have sufficient knowledge and skills to offer a wide-enough range of methods to offer clients in pluralistic therapy. It seems that CPD is again vital here.

115 – How to Grow as a Counsellor Jun 01, 2019

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Valuing Yourself as a Professional - Using Academic Breaks Productively In episode 115 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes look at the importance of valuing yourself as a professional. Then - in 'Practice Matters' - Rory explores how to grow as a counsellor. Last, the presenters discuss how you can use your academic breaks productively. Valuing Yourself as a Professional (starts at 1.47 mins) It is easy for students starting on placements to undervalue themselves and what they have to offer. Ken and Rory urge you to remember: You have earned your seat! You are the client's counsellor when you are in front of them - that is how they will see you. Placements should be grateful for having students involved: you are at the pinnacle of your learning, and therefore up to date with the latest thinking in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Once you are qualified, you have the right to be paid for your investment and expertise. Own the difference you are making to clients' lives, even if you don't get to receive direct feedback on this. In short, pull your shoulders back and stand proud: you are a professional! How to Grow as a Counsellor (starts at 11.10 mins) Nurturing and developing yourself as a therapist - whether you're still studying or have already qualified - is important and rewarding but can also be painful. Qualified counsellors have an ethical obligation to continue to grow. Delving into the topic of how to grow as a counsellor, Rory explores loyalty to your base modality, and the urge to - and importance of - being open to building on this where research and developing theory allow you to move with the times, learning more to use in the service of your clients. Rory's handout on how to grow as a counsellor can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Using Academic Breaks Productively (starts at 14.25 mins) As a student of counselling and psychotherapy, you may well find yourself with a break in your study timetable - for example, over the summer or after a short course (e.g. level 2) has ended. It's important to try to use this time productively, so that you are not starting from a standstill when your new course begins. Ken and Rory suggest various practical things you can do to keep learning: Make a list of the aspects of theory, ethics, skills and personal development that you would like to learn more about over the academic break, and read up on these on the Counselling Tutor website. Spend time reading and interacting in the Counselling Tutor Facebook group, where you can find over 23,000 students, qualified practitioners and tutors interested in the world of counselling and psychotherapy. Listen to the Counselling Tutor podcasts. Read professional journals, e.g. Therapy Today from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Visit the CSR if you are already a member - or consider joining if not. There, you will find over 60 hours of CPD-linked lectures. Ken and Rory suggest that if you are going on a face-to-face CPD course, it makes sense to read up on the topic beforehand. This helps you enter the training as prepared as possible, and not to get stuck on the basic concepts and vocabulary. Good preparation helps you make the most of your CPD and maximise your learning. In an exciting announcement at the end of this podcast, Rory announces a brand-new summer school that he and Ken will be offering, aiming to inform you - as students of counselling and psychotherapy - on what you need to know before your new course starts in the autumn.

114 – Counselling Reluctant Clients May 25, 2019

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Sex in the Therapy Room - Use of Academic Journals In episode 114 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes talk about counselling reluctant clients. In 'Practice Matters', Rory then discusses how to approach clients who discuss intimate relationships in therapy. Finally, the presenters look at using academic journals. Counselling Reluctant Clients (starts at 1.22 mins) This topic relates to a question asked recently in the Counselling Tutor Facebook group, where you can find over 23,000 students, qualified practitioners and tutors interested in the world of counselling and psychotherapy. Every Friday, Rory offers his 'Friday Takeaway', where he goes live and answers any questions you might have. Clients may be hesitant at any stage of counselling - it is likely that even before they contacted a counsellor or counselling agency, they were preparing themselves to do so. It takes a lot of courage to be willing to come along and talk about difficult issues. Even once a client is there in the counselling room, they may hesitate to share fully what is going on for them. It's really important that you, as the therapist, put yourself in the client's frame of reference in understanding how it is for them at each stage. So when counselling reluctant clients, do think carefully about how you can help put your client at ease (even down to room furnishings) and tread carefully in not forcing them to move faster than feels safe for them. Rory quotes the example of John Shlien, who worked with Carl Rogers. In his book, To Lead an Honorable Life (PCCS Books, 2003: 1), Shlien spoke of visiting a poppy field to watch the flowers open in the sun, observing that he could force the petals open in an effort to speed up the process, but that doing so inevitably damaged the beautiful flower within. In other words, people must be allowed to open safely in their own good time. Sex in the Therapy Room (starts at 14.50 mins) Sexuality may be a topic that arises in the therapy room, when clients choose to talk about their intimate relationships. Rory offers a number of tips, including the following: It's important to be open to hearing about any aspect of this, from the full range of sexual preferences. If you feel you are struggling with a particular aspect of sexuality, consider having personal therapy and speaking to your supervisor to explore this prejudice. Don't rely on your client to educate you about an area of sexuality that you don't understand: do your own research instead. Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Use of Academic Journals (starts at 21.44 mins) It was an academic journal - the Journal of Consulting Psychology - where Carl Rogers' seminal paper 'The Necessary and Sufficient Conditions of Therapeutic Personality Change' was first published, in 1957. Indeed, academic journals focus on publishing leading-edge research, and so are a great place to look if you want really up-to-date information. This can be useful for: preparing for assignments on your counselling course deciding what area you might like to specialise in as a counsellor becoming more informed for when you go to job or placement interviews. If you are studying at a university, you should have access to academic journals through the library there. If you are studying at a college or a private provider of counselling training, you can still access academic articles through the Access to Research initiative. Although academic journals are likely to be more up-to-date than many textbooks, one book that we can guarantee as really fresh is the hot-off-the-press Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide, written by Rory himself (Nielsens UK, 2019). In podcast 113, you can hear Ken interview Rory about his work on this book, and motivation behind writing it. You can buy your copy from Amazon.

113 – Therapeutic Use of Self May 18, 2019

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The Neuroscience of Empathy - Rory's New Book In episode 113 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes start by talking about the neuroscience underlying empathy in humans and animals. In 'Practice Matters', Rory explores the therapeutic use of self in counselling. Last but most certainly not least, Ken announces the publication of Rory's new book, Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide (Nielsens UK, 2019), and asks Rory to tell us more about his motivations for writing this and what readers can expect to find there. The Neuroscience of Empathy (starts at 2.15 mins) One of the types of cell in the human brain is the mirror neuron. These neurons help us empathise with others and communicate this understanding to them. Animals also have mirror neurons, and a question recently arose on equine therapy in the Counselling Tutor Facebook group. Horses are particularly sensitive animals and can use their mirror neurons to provide comfort and reassurance with people who are struggling following trauma. Other animals - such as dogs - also seem to have a way of knowing when we are feeling sad, and showing us their care. It can be hard to know whether this is real or a result of anthropomorphising - in other words, projecting human qualities onto animals. In humans, vasovagal syndrome can cause people to faint if they witness (perhaps even on the television) a distressing situation or injury in someone else. Research in neuroscience is a growing edge in the world of counselling and psychotherapy, with famous writers on the topic including Bessel van der Kolk and Dan Siegel. Therapeutic Use of Self in Counselling (starts at 10.55 mins) Rory talks about the therapeutic use of self, or how therapists draw on their own feelings, experiences and personality to enhance the therapeutic process through: appropriate self-disclosure, to normalise the client's experience immediacy, to bring into awareness the counsellor's feelings or observations regarding the client and their material presence and attending, to hold the client in the centre of the counsellor's attention. Dangers of the therapeutic use of self include transference/countertransference and overstepping boundaries. Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Rory's New Book (starts at 14.27 mins) Ken is excited to announce the publication of Rory's new book, Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide (Nielsens UK, 2019). Over a year in the writing, this comprehensive book follows Rory's observation (during his ten years as a counselling lecturer at practice level) that the core curriculum for counselling training has a number of gaps. In this book, Rory aims to fill these gaps in a way that is easy to read and understand, so helping current counselling students and newly qualified practitioners to bridge the gap between study and practice. It can also help people considering counselling study to decide the right way forward for them. Ken shares a number of reviews by readers who have had a preview of the book, which comprises the following 25 chapters: Counselling in the real world Choosing your course What modality should I study? Fundamentals of counselling How do I find a placement? Making the most of your placement Working in a multidisciplinary team Assessing clients Boundaries in counselling Contracting in counselling Law in counselling contracts Reviewing client progress Stages in counselling The skill of attending Transference in the therapy room Using timelines in counselling Taking risks in therapy Making referrals Trauma-informed practice Working within your competence Working with a third person in the room Hard-to-help clients When clients do not attend Getting work Developing your internal supervisor. You can buy your copy from Amazon.

112 – Finding Work as a Counsellor May 11, 2019

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Meeting a New Client - What Happens When a Client Dies In episode 112 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes explore the etiquette of meeting a new client. In 'Practice Matters', Rory talks about possible procedures when a client dies. Finally, the presenters discuss finding work as a counsellor. Meeting a New Client (starts at 1.55 mins) When you meet a new client for the first time, what is the etiquette? Ken and Rory offer a number of top tips on this: Remember that the client may well be feeling nervous (more so than you!): be warm and smile (but don't be too jolly, as that might seem inappropriate). Ask them how they would like to be addressed: the name on their referral form may not be their preferred one. Let the client take the lead on shaking hands etc. - if they wish to do so, then do respond, but it's better not to initiate this yourself. This encourages client autonomy. Offer them a drink if this fits with your agency's policy. Mirror their tone of voice and way of being - e.g. if they speak softly, then match this rather than speaking loud. If the client says they're nervous, explore what it is they're nervous about; this again helps give them autonomy. Try to avoid 'leakage' (i.e. the client disclosing sensitive material before they are in the counselling room and have agreed to the contract). Do you have any more tips that you'd like to pass on to other students of counselling and psychotherapy? If so, please do share these in our Facebook group. What Happens When a Client Dies (starts at 14.56 mins) Rory talks about the difficult issue of hearing that one of your clients has died, focusing on professional competence in this challenging situation, including: what you may be called to do what you should already have in place how to support yourself. In particular, he describes when the coroner may become involved, and how you - as the person's counsellor - may be expected to participate in the resulting process. Rory's handout on this topic can be downloaded here; it is also available through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Finding Work as a Counsellor (starts at 22.13 mins) The availability of work for qualified counsellors is an especially hot topic in the Counselling Tutor Facebook group. Students invest a lot of money in their training, and it is natural to wonder whether it will be possible to earn this back through paid work. Rory and Ken's thoughts on finding work as a counsellor are as follows: Don't talk yourself out of success by being negative about your chances of getting paid counselling work: Rory reports that many of his former students have developed successful careers in the counselling field. There is paid work available in counselling. This may be easier to find in large cities than more rural places, but not necessarily so. It's really important that you have your level 2 maths and English (i.e. GCSE or equivalent). If you've not, ask at your college whether they can help you get these. Many agencies look less at academic qualifications than at the person and their work experience. For example, if you have experience of working with trauma, a good understanding of quality and diversity, and a real passion to help clients and belong to that organisation, you may well stand out. Do keep and take along to any interviews your CPD log - with over 60 hours of CPD available online, the CSR can really help you build this. When offered the opportunity to ask the interviewers any questions yourself, make sure you do so. Keep back a key question for this purpose, perhaps based on information you have found through researching the agency's website. Again, this can really help you stand out from other candidates. Don't forget too that another option in finding work as a counsellor is to employ yourself, by becoming a private-practice counsellor when you feel you have the experience and confidence to do so. Ken makes the exciting announcement that a new module has just been added to the CSR on running a small counselling business. Don't miss this valuable resource!

111 – Self-Disclosure in Counselling May 04, 2019

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Avoiding Plagiarism - Rejecting a Supervisor In episode 111 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes discuss the importance of avoiding plagiarism in counselling studies. In 'Practice Matters', Rory looks at self-disclosure in counselling by practitioners. Last, the presenters talk about how to reject a supervisor, if you interview several to choose the right one for you. Avoiding Plagiarism (starts at 2.43 mins) As a student of counselling, it is vital to avoid plagiarism (using someone else's work and passing it off as your own). If you have not been in formal education for some time, this may not be something you are naturally aware of. Educational establishments all have access to specialist software (e.g. Turnitin) that they will run students' work through to check for plagiarism. It's really important to make sure that you always use your own words in assignments, and - for those parts that do quote or closely draw on others' work - that you acknowledge this through proper referencing. Ken and Rory suggest that if you have access to examples of real assignments to help you write your own, look at these before you start work but then put them away while you are writing. Self-Disclosure in Counselling (starts at 13.54 mins) The thorny topic of self-disclosure by counsellors arises frequently in our Facebook group (where you'll find over 23,000 others involved in counselling and psychotherapy, including students, qualified counsellors, supervisors and tutors). While some counsellors believe that self-disclosure in counselling is never right, others feel it can be, if used appropriately. This relates to both individual view and modality. Rory examines the potential advantages and disadvantages of self-disclosure in counselling. His own view - based on his experience as both a counsellor and a client - is that thoughtful, boundaried self-disclosure can be really valuable. Rory has written a handout on this topic, which you can download here - or through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Rejecting a Supervisor (starts at 17.48 mins) Counselling students are often encouraged to interview a number of supervisors before deciding which one to work with. This can be a very good idea, as it's vital to get on well with your supervisor, and to feel a genuine connection. This relationship should ideally be comfortable but not too comfortable, allowing scope for challenge and growth. If, when interviewing a supervisor, you feel uncomfortable with them, it's worth spending some time afterwards reflecting on why this might be so. This reflection can be personally developmental. But what should you do once you've decided which supervisor you are going to work with: just not contact the others, or get back to them with some feedback on your reasons for deciding this? Rory suggests that - as a supervisor himself - he would prefer the latter, as there is learning in this feedback for him. This could relate to cost, modality, client groups, professional values, etc. Once you have been with a supervisor for some time, you may feel that you wish to move on to a different one. Just because a supervisor was right for you initially does not mean that they will always be the best fit for you, as you develop. It's important to keep reflecting on your needs, and to move on if this seems appropriate. Supervision contracts usually include a clause relating to a regular review of the arrangement. Although it might seem difficult to raise the topic of moving on, this can be done in a way that expresses your appreciation for how far your existing supervisor has brought you, allowing them to feel pride in their role in this - and to understand your need for someone different now.

110 – Dual Relationships in Counselling Apr 27, 2019

Show notes

Working with Visual Impairment - Counselling and the Law In episode 110 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes discuss dual relationships in counselling. In 'Practice Matters', Rory looks at working with clients who have visual impairment. Finally, the presenters talk about the importance of understanding laws relevant to counselling, with a particular focus on the Equality Act 2010. Dual Relationships in Counselling (starts at 1.50 mins) Various sections of the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, published by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (2018), mention dual relationships. For example, section 33 states: "We will establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries in our relationships with clients by ensuring that … any dual or multiple relationships will be avoided where the risks of harm to the client outweigh any benefits to the client." (page 17) The topic of dual relationships in counselling comes up often in our Facebook group (where you'll find over 22,000 others involved in counselling and psychotherapy, including students, qualified counsellors, supervisors and tutors). Dual relationships occur when you know the client in another context outside the counselling room - for example, as an employee or a friend. While the Ethical Framework gives us the autonomy as practitioners to make informed choices, it is generally considered best to avoid dual relationships. This is for a number of reasons, for example: The client could feel confused. It could inhibit a client's freedom to be fully open in counselling. We could inadvertently prejudge the client, based on our existing knowledge of them. Dual relationships in counselling could also exist if you know someone in common with the client (e.g. a relative of theirs). Another tricky situation could be if you realise a client is present in a social context outside counselling. If in doubt, always talk to your supervisor about any possible dual relationships. And if you're having personal therapy, do check that you and your therapist don't have the same supervisor! Working with Visual Impairment (starts at 14.34 mins) Rory talks about how to work with clients who have a visual impairment. He provides a number of tips based on his own experience of people with visual impairment, and identifies pitfalls to avoid. It can be easy to feel unsure about how best to work with this client group, and afraid of inadvertently offending - but Rory reassures us that there is no great mystery to this. He also looks specifically at Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Rory has written a handout on this topic, which you can download here - or through the Handouts Vault and Counselling Study Resource (CSR). Counselling and the Law (starts at 21.47 mins) One key law that is of vital importance in counselling - and that relates to the previous topic - is the Equality Act 2010. This act brought together the nine following different pieces of legislation: Equal Pay Act 1970 Sex Discrimination Act 1975 Race Relations Act 1976 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 Equality Act 2006, Part 2 Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007. The Equality Act 2010 means it is against the law to discriminate against someone on the basis of any of nine protected characteristics: age disability gender reassignment marriage and civil partnership pregnancy and maternity race religion or belief sex sexual orientation. Another key law that it is important to be aware of as a counsellor is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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