PLAY PODCASTS
Counselling Tutor podcast

Counselling Tutor podcast

414 episodes — Page 8 of 9

063 – Patterns of Relating – Cyber Trauma – When Your Moral Compass Shifts

In episode 63 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes offer guidance on the meaning of the term 'patterns of relating'. 'Theory with Rory' looks at the new area of cyber trauma. Finally, the presenters discuss the life-changing nature of counselling training, which often brings about large shifts in students' moral compasses.

Dec 22, 201730 min

062 – First Contact with Clients – Philosophy of Martin Buber

In episode 62 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes offer tips on how to make the first contact with a new client. 'Theory with Rory' summarises Martin Buber's concept of 'I–Thou' versus 'I-It'. Last, the presenters discuss the difficulties of seeing our own areas of prejudice.

Dec 15, 201727 min

061 – Ethical Dilemmas versus Ethical Conflicts – Rackets and Stamps in Transactional Analysis

In episode 61 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes explain the difference between ethical dilemmas and ethical conflicts, and how you can deal with these. 'Theory with Rory' looks at rackets and stamps, part of transactional analysis (TA) theory. Finally, the presenters illustrate the id, ego and superego (part of psychodynamic theory).

Dec 8, 201723 min

060 – Self-Care for Counsellors – Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

In episode 60 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes discuss how to look after yourself as a counsellor, especially when you are experiencing difficult events in your own life. 'Theory with Rory' presents the work of Jean Piaget. Last, the presenters explain how to compare and contrast humanistic models of counselling.

Dec 1, 201740 min

059 – When Your Personal Beliefs Differ from the Client's – Eugene Gendlin's Focusing

In episode 59 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory discuss how to offer unconditional positive regard (UPR) when your client has very different personal beliefs from your own. 'Theory with Rory' looks at the work of Eugene Gendlin, who developed the approach of focusing. Finally, the presenters offer encouragement on meeting the criteria of awarding bodies for counselling qualifications.

Nov 25, 201731 min

058 – Law on Adoption Counselling – Brain Plasticity

In episode 58 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory explain the law on counselling adopted people on adoption issues. 'Theory with Rory' looks at the cutting-edge field of brain plasticity. To finish this episode, the presenters discuss whether and how the gender of the therapist affects counselling.

Nov 18, 201727 min

057 – Explicit versus Implicit – Existentialism

In episode 57 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory talk about the difference between 'explicit' and 'implicit'. 'Theory with Rory' discusses existentialism. Last, the presenters explain the science behind person-centred counselling.

Nov 11, 201725 min

056 – Spotting Subtle Themes in Counselling – Experiments in Gestalt Therapy

In episode 56 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory talk about how to spot subtle themes in counselling. 'Theory with Rory' discusses experiments in gestalt therapy. Finally, the presenters talk about useful skills in existential therapy.

Nov 4, 201724 min

055 – Gender Equality in Counselling – Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision

In episode 55 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory discuss gender equality in counselling. 'Theory with Rory' examines Robin Shohet and Peter Hawkins' seven-eyed model of supervision. The podcast ends with a debate on race and culture in counselling.

Oct 27, 201737 min

054 – Mobile Phones in the Therapy Room – Separation Individuation Theory

In episode 54 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory discuss how to deal with clients who check their mobile phones during therapy sessions. 'Theory with Rory' explains Margaret Mahler's separation individuation theory. Finally, the presenters discuss clients who come to therapy reluctantly – for example when they are sent by someone else, or when an initial enquiry about therapy services comes from a friend or relative of the potential client.

Oct 13, 201732 min

053 – Writing a Journal – Self-Object Transference

In episode 53 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory provide tips on journal-writing. 'Theory with Rory' looks at self-object and self-object transference (from the self-psychology movement). Finally, the presenters discuss the phenomenon of collective grief.

Oct 6, 201732 min

052 – Self-Care in Skills Practice – Topdog and Underdog in Gestalt Therapy

In episode 52 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory discuss how to look after yourself in skills practice. 'Theory with Rory' looks at the concepts of topdog and underdog in gestalt therapy. Last, the presenters debate whether (either younger or older) age is a barrier for counsellors.

Sep 30, 201725 min

051 – Organising Your Class-Notes – False Memory Syndrome

In episode 51 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory provide tips on how best to organise your class-notes. 'Theory with Rory' discusses false memory syndrome, which Rory illustrates with a live experiment on Ken! Finally, the presenters list the many ethical bodies relating to counselling and psychotherapy in the UK, examining the similarities and differences.

Sep 21, 201740 min

050 – Vocabulary in Counselling – Redecision Therapy

In episode 50 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken Kelly describes the benefits of expanding your vocabulary. 'Theory with Rory' looks at redecision therapy, a school of transactional analysis. Last but not least, the presenters discuss the role and experience of conflict in counselling training and practice.

Sep 16, 201741 min

049 – Taking a Break for Self-Care – The Jonah Complex

In episode 49 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast – the first in Season 3, as the UK academic year starts again – Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss how important it is to take a break. 'Theory with Rory' describes the Jonah complex, followed by some tips from the presenters on planning for the study year ahead.

Sep 8, 201731 min

Special Edition: Progression Routes

In this special edition of the Counselling Tutor Podcast – broadcast outside the usual UK academic term-time, and covering one topic in greater depth – Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss progression routes for those finishing counselling training courses. At this time of year – when UK colleges and universities finish for the summer break – it may be a time for you to relax and reflect on next steps, or you may still be working hard on final assignments.

Jul 29, 201725 min

047 – Rise of Person-Centred Counselling in Europe – Endings in Counselling

In episode 47 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast—the finale of Season 2—Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss how person-centred counselling first came to Europe. 'Theory with Rory' looks at endings in counselling. Finally, the presenters review the achievements of Counselling Tutor over the last 12 months.

Jun 16, 201729 min

046 – Coping with Stress as a Counselling Student – Trauma Bonds

In episode 46 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about how to cope with stress as course deadlines loom. 'Theory with Rory' examines trauma bonds, then the presenters discuss personal therapy for trainee counsellors.

Jun 9, 201732 min

045 – Dialogue in Therapy – Development of the Person-Centred Approach

In episode 45 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about how to avoid asking, 'How does that make you feel?' 'Theory with Rory' looks at three key phases in the development of person-centred counselling. Last, the presenters offer tips on finding a suitable counselling supervisor.

Jun 3, 201735 min

Special Edition: Preparing to Work Therapeutically with Sexual Abuse and Trauma

In this special edition of the Counselling Tutor Podcast – broadcast outside the usual UK academic term-time, and covering one topic in greater depth – Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss working with clients who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma.

May 26, 201742 min

044 – Getting into the Client's Frame of Reference – Existential Counselling

In episode 44 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly offer tips on how to get into the client's frame of reference. 'Theory with Rory' looks at existential counselling, as developed by Rollo May and Viktor Frankl. Finally, the presenters discuss the seven stages of process.

May 19, 201731 min

043 – Choosing an Awarding Body – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

In episode 43 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about how to choose which awarding body to go with for your qualification. 'Theory with Rory' explains about the new therapy of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Last, the presenters discuss the skill of challenge in counselling and psychotherapy.

May 13, 201744 min

042 – Dealing with Client Anger in the Counselling Room – Secondary Loss

In episode 42 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss how to deal with clients who display anger in the therapy room. 'Theory with Rory' examines secondary loss. Finally, the presenters talk about what to do if a client asks you for advice.

May 6, 201736 min

041 – Writing Case Studies – Carl Rogers' 19 Propositions

In episode 41 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly describe how to write a case study. 'Theory with Rory' looks at how best to apply the 19 propositions when writing case studies and assignments. Last, the presenters talk about diversity in the counselling room.

Apr 28, 201731 min

040 – Personal Boundaries – Melanie Klein's Object Relations Theory

In episode 40 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss personal boundaries for counsellors. 'Theory with Rory' explains object relations theory, as developed by Melanie Klein. Finally, the presenters talk about diversity in the counselling room.

Mar 31, 201732 min

039 – First Sessions with Clients – Integrative versus Eclectic Therapy

In episode 39 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about meeting new clients for the first time. 'Theory with Rory' examines the difference between integrative and eclectic therapy. To conclude, the presenters talk about ways of measuring improvement in clients.

Mar 24, 201739 min

038 – Law in Counselling and Psychotherapy – Seven Stages of Process

In episode 38 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss the laws relating to counselling. 'Theory with Rory' examines the seven stages of process. Last, the presenters talk about endings in counselling.

Mar 17, 201746 min

037 – Transference and Countertransference – Unconditional Positive Regard

In episode 37 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about transference in the counselling room. 'Theory with Rory' examines unconditional positive regard (UPR). Finally, the presenters talk about doing your research project.

Mar 10, 201736 min

036 – Using Counselling Qualifications Overseas and in Other Roles – Congruence

In episode 36 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss the viability of using counselling qualifications in other countries and in other areas of work. 'Theory with Rory' looks at congruence, and then the presenters talk about funding for counselling training.

Mar 3, 201735 min

035 – When a Client Judges You – Psychological Contact

In episode 35 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss how to deal with clients who show prejudice towards you. 'Theory with Rory' explains the 'hidden condition' of psychological contact. Last, the presenters talk about what to do when a client cries in the therapy room.

Feb 24, 201734 min

034 – Safeguarding Computer Data – Margaret Warner and Fragile Process

In episode 34 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about how to store digital backups of notes and documents securely. 'Theory with Rory' looks into Margaret Warner's work on fragile process. Finally, the presenters discuss practical issues and tips regarding client confidentiality.

Feb 11, 201733 min

033 – Counsellors in Schools – Postmodernism in Therapy

In episode 33 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about the growth of counselling in schools. 'Theory with Rory' decodes 'postmodernism' and discusses how this affects the world of counselling and psychotherapy. Finally, the presenters discuss the importance of having professional indemnity insurance.

Feb 3, 201735 min

032 – Recent Changes in Counselling – Thematic Apperception Test

In episode 32 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about recent changes in the world of counselling. 'Theory with Rory' then examines thematic apperception tests. Last, the presenters discuss the use of transitional objects.

Jan 27, 201730 min

031 – Dealing with Your Own Emotions – Karpman's Drama Triangle

In episode 31 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about how to deal with your own emotions when counselling clients. 'Theory with Rory' takes a look at Dr Stephen Karpman's Drama Triangle. Finally, the presenters offer tips on managing your time as a trainee counsellor.

Jan 20, 201729 min

030 – Levels of Qualification – Tuckman's Team Development Model

In episode 30 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explain the levels of counselling qualification in the UK. 'Theory with Rory' takes a look at Dr Bruce Tuckman's team development model. Last, the presenters examine the difference between the actualising tendency and self-actualising.

Jan 13, 201727 min

029 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

In episode 29 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 'Theory with Rory' takes a look at the life and work of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Finally, the presenters discuss the feelings of overwhelm often faced by students of counselling and psychotherapy.

Jan 6, 201733 min

028 – Online Counselling – Cognitive Dissonance Theory

In episode 28 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss online counselling. 'Theory with Rory' focuses on cognitive dissonance, and the presenters end by discussing onward referrals in counselling.

Dec 9, 201636 min

027 – Keeping a Journal – Bowlby and Attachment Theory

In episode 27 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss the benefits of keeping a journal and how to do so. 'Theory with Rory' looks at John Bowlby's work on attachment. Finally, the presenters discuss posture in counselling.

Dec 2, 201631 min

026 – Using Social Media as a Counsellor – The Oedipus Complex

In episode 26 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss your personal use of social media as a counsellor. 'Theory with Rory' examines the Oedipus complex, and the final episode of 'Person-Centred Business' looks at paid media (advertising). Last, the presenters discuss personal development (PD) groups.

Nov 26, 201644 min

025 – Introjected Values – Gerard Egan

In episode 25 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss introjected values. 'Theory with Rory' looks at Gerard Egan's model of counselling, and 'Person-Centred Business' suggests what pages and content you will need on your website. Finally, the presenters discuss gender in counselling.

Nov 16, 201652 min

024 – Choosing Your Modality – Irrational Thoughts

In episode 24 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss how to choose the modality you will practise. 'Theory with Rory' looks at irrational thoughts, and 'Person-Centred Business' explains how to build a website. Last, the presenters suggest how to deal with personal triggers as a counsellor.

Nov 12, 201641 min

023 - Lone Working – Stereotypes

In episode 23 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss lone working. 'Theory with Rory' looks at stereotyping, and 'Person-Centred Business' explains how to create a brochure about your services. Finally, the presenters describe how to get the referencing right in your assignments.

Nov 4, 201643 min

022 – Client Notes and Confidentiality – Actualising Tendency

In episode 22 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about client confidentiality and its many grey areas. 'Theory with Rory' looks at the actualising tendency, and 'Person-Centred Business' considers offering a free initial meeting in private practice. The presenters conclude the podcast by discussing the importance of research in practice.

Oct 21, 201638 min

021- Erotic/Eroticised Transference - Self-Care in Practice

In episode 21 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about what to do when a client asks us a question. 'Theory with Rory' looks at erotic and eroticised transference, while 'Person-Centred Business' explains how to create an 'elevator pitch' (concise statement of what you offer). Finally, the presenters discuss pacing and care for self in counselling placements.

Oct 15, 201641 min

020 – Gifts from Clients – Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs – Following Up Enquiries – Counselling Placements

In episode 20 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss the dilemma of gifts from clients. Rory then explains Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and Ken – in 'Person-Centred Business' – looks at what to do following a telephone or email enquiry from a client. Last, the presenters discuss counselling placements.

Oct 8, 201647 min

019 – Reading Academic Books – Theory of Empathy – Requesting and Taking Payment – Insurance

In episode 19 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about the Saturday Book Club, and how to read academic books. 'Theory with Rory' looks at empathy, while 'Person-Centred Business' covers how to request and take payment from clients in private practice. Finally, the presenters discuss the importance of insurance. Reading Academic Books In the Saturday Book Club on the Counselling Tutor Facebook group – which now has nearly 3,000 members – Rory reviews useful text books in plain English. Various publishers have recently donated copies of key books, which members will have the chance to win in competitions. Rory and Ken give two top tips for reading academic books: Don't try to read these books from start to finish; this can be overwhelming. Start at the index, looking up the specific topic you are studying, and then dip in to read the relevant parts. Map out where the important information is within the books, for example using sticky notes and highlighter pens. Do not be afraid to write in your books, if that is helpful to you. Theory of Empathy Episode 5 of The Counselling Tutor Podcast covered empathy as a skill; now, Rory looks at the theory of empathy. The term 'empathy', applied to counselling and psychotherapy, refers to being in the client's frame of reference, experiencing the world as they see and feel it. The word is derived from: the Greek pathos, meaning 'emotion', 'feeling', 'suffering' or 'pity' the German Einfühlung, meaning 'into feeling' or 'in feeling', coined by the German philosopher Robert Wischer in his doctoral thesis in 1873 to describe the human capacity to enter into the emotional content of art and literature. British psychologist Edward Bradford Titchener first translated Einfühlung into English – as 'empathy' – in 1909. Since then, there have been many attempts to define this concept. Particularly well-known is the work of Carl Rogers, who wrote a paper for the Journal of Consulting Psychology in 1957 entitled 'The Necessary and Sufficient Conditions of Therapeutic Personality Change'. He describes 'empathy' as follows (1957, p. 98): 'To sense the client's private world as if it were your own, but without ever losing the "as if" quality – this is empathy, and this seems essential to therapy. To sense the client's anger, fear, or confusion as if it were your own, yet without your own anger, fear, or confusion getting bound up in it, is the condition we are endeavoring to describe.' Empathy was also a key focus of the work of US psychologists Charles Truax and Robert Carkhuff, who created the Empathy Scale, available as a free download in Counselling Tutor Podcast episode 8. Rory explains the four types of empathy: affective, cognitive, receptive and expressed. Empathy has been written about in detail by Dave Mearns and Mick Cooper in their book, Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy (see 'Links and Resources'). These authors (2005, p. xii) define 'relational depth' as 'a state of profound contact and engagement between two people, in which each person is fully real with the Other, and able to understand and value the Other's experiences at a high level'. Neuroscientific perspectives on empathy have examined brain structure in relation to empathy, with members of the Max Planck Institute identifying the right supramarginal gyrus as key, and mirror neurones also playing an important role. Regardless of the scientific explanation for empathy, the human experience of being heard, understood and validated is one of the greatest gifts that one person can give another. Requesting and Taking Payment It can feel difficult to ask clients for payment, especially if you have been accustomed to working without charge (e.g. on placement). The client may have shared heavy, personal material, and it can feel strange to turn then to the topic of money. Key tips include: Remember that this arrangement has already been made clear in contracting – so the client is expecting to pay. Ask yourself what makes you feel uncomfortable about it; some self-development work may be needed here. Prepare an invoice or receipt in advance and put it in an envelope with the client's name on; handing this to them at the session end will serve as a payment reminder. Offer people ways to pay other than just cash, including payment in advance. Although it is expensive and complicated to register for a merchant account (so you can take card payments directly), PayPal and Stripe both offer cost-effective alternatives for small businesses. Insurance The new Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (BACP, 2016, p. 6) requires: 'We will be covered by adequate insurance when providing services directly or indirectly to the public.' Rory and Ken underline the importance of: taking out your own insurance (even if covered by your agency's policy), to protect yourself shopping around to find the best deal reading your policy carefully, especially if you work with c

Oct 1, 201640 min

Petruska Clarkson 5 relationship model - Research methadology for counsellors

In episode 18 – as the Counselling Tutor Podcast comes of age! – Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss how to deal with a mismatch between theory and practice. 'Theory with Rory' looks at Petruska Clarkson's five-relationship model, while in 'Person-Centred Business', Ken provides a guide to stress-free business-planning. Last, the presenters explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. Theory and Practice Working with real clients is very different from working with peers in college, who are familiar with the concept of counselling, and understand the various boundaries (e.g. to respect time limits, and not to make doorknob disclosures). It is not uncommon for clients in the real world to appear not to fit so well with counselling theory. Rory and Ken provide a number of tips on how to deal with this situation: Make sure you train on an experiential course (i.e. one that is taught face-to-face, and that includes skills practice). Be aware of other modalities than your own (e.g. psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural); there are many different therapeutic modalities, each with a related but different set of theory. Treat theory as a guide only. Remember that having a client who appears not to fit with theory does not mean you are getting something wrong. Focus simply on being with the client the best you can; the therapeutic relationship is key. Five-Relationship Model South-African psychotherapist Petruska Clarkson developed a model of relationship-building that can inform both counselling and supervision relationships. Interested in Gestalt therapy, she came to the UK in the 1970s. Her model is based on integrative therapy, but is applicable to all modalities. In the 1950s, Carl Rogers had written a paper entitled 'The Necessary and Sufficient Conditions of Therapeutic Personality Change', published in the Journal of Consulting Psychology. This introduced the idea that the therapeutic relationship is key, and three of the conditions – congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy, which have subsequently become known as the 'core conditions' – have come to be accepted by practitioners of all modalities as vital to establishing this relationship. In 1995, Clarkson wrote a book entitled The Therapeutic Relationship (revised in 2003).Clarkson talked about 'intersubjective relationships' (how we connect to others) and 'intrapsychic relationships' (how we connect to ourselves). Rory explains the five intersubjective relationships, and provides some real-life examples of these: The working alliance forms the basis of the client–therapist (or therapist–supervisor) relationship, and includes the contract. It focuses on building a shared understanding and foundation, so that if the relationship falters, both parties can return to this stage and try to repair it. The transferential/countertransferential relationship refers to the idea that we may remind a client of someone from their past, or vice versa, and the related feelings from the past may be transferred to the present, so affecting the therapeutic relationship. If this happens, it is important to explore the issue in supervision. The reparative/developmentally needed relationship is based on the client viewing the therapist as a parent figure to support them during the personal growth that takes place in therapy. This may be especially so for clients who experienced poor parenting as youngsters. In time, the client begins to trust their own judgement and so needs the therapist less (at which point therapy comes to an end). The person-to-person relationship draws on the work of Martin Buber regarding 'I–Thou' (as opposed to 'I–It') relationships – i.e. the development of a real emotional connection (which makes counselling a unique profession, differentiating it even from other caring professions). The transpersonal relationship is hard to define, but describes a spiritual connection between people. Business Planning Ken explains how to tackle the important exercise of business planning in a way that is not hard or time-consuming. He describes the key questions to think about and answer: What will be the name of your business? What is your vision for the business? What is your target market? What exactly do you sell? What makes your business different from others? How will you market your business? What are your goals, and how will you achieve them? You can download Ken's template to help you work through his process. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Qualitative research collects data that describes the quality of experience, while quantitative research gathers data relating to quantity (i.e. facts and figures). Each type of research has its pros and cons, and often the two can be combined for strong research results; a balance is important. For example, quantitative research is good for measuring things, providing objective statistics, but can be narrow and requires very careful choice and phrasing of questions. Qualit

Sep 24, 201650 min

017 - Defence Mechanisms - BACP Ethical Framework

In episode 17 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast – the first in season 2 – Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly talk about returning to study after the summer break. 'Theory with Rory' looks at defence mechanisms, while Ken introduces a new segment, 'Person-Centred Business', with ideas on using your counselling skills to earn money. Finally, the presenters turn to the new Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Returning to Study Rory and Ken discuss the challenges and opportunities of returning to study after a break, offering various tips: Keep calm – you will be given time to settle back into an existing course, or to find your way around at a new one. Try to enjoy the chance to meet new people. Use a diary to help you plan your time. Share your experiences on the Counselling Tutor Facebook group (see 'Links and Resources'). Reflect on what going back to study means to you. Check out the new slot on the Counselling Tutor blog written by current students documenting their training journeys. Defence Mechanisms Sigmund Freud was the first to describe defence mechanisms, which are subconscious processes we put into place when we find a situation difficult. The psychodynamic view of the human psyche suggests there are three parts of personality: the id, ego and super-ego. To compare the personality to an iceberg, the id is below the water and so we are unconscious of it, while the ego and super-ego appear above the water and so in our consciousness. The id drives our primitive and instinctive urges (it is our 'wild child'); Freud believed we are born only with the id, and that the ego and super-ego develop at three to five years of age. The id remains throughout life and demands our immediate attention. The super-ego, meanwhile, is our 'super-parent'. Comprising the conscience and the ideal self, it strives for perfection and is driven by values introjected by our parents and society. Falling short of its rigorous standards leaves us feeling guilty. The ego is part of the id that has been modified by the outside world and has the unenviable task of acting as communicator between the 'wild child' and the 'super-parent'. In this role, it strives for realism so that we can fit into – and be accepted by – the social world. We use defence mechanisms to protect ourselves from anxiety and/or guilt – when we feel threatened, or when the id or super-ego becomes too demanding. Freud originally identified seven defence mechanisms: repression – pushing away a thought or feeling (which might then leak out in a 'Freudian slip') denial – refusing to accept that something exists or has happened projection – taking an aspect of self and putting it onto someone else rationalisation – creating an acceptable but incorrect explanation for a situation intellectualisation – thinking about something logically without any attached emotion reaction formation – doing the opposite of what you would like to do regression – acting as a child might if they did not get their own way. Rory illustrates all these defence mechanisms with real-life examples. The concept of defence mechanisms was later developed further by Anna Freud (Sigmund's daughter) and others; they took a wider and deeper view of these, identifying more mechanisms. Person-Centred Business In this exciting new slot, Ken asks us to reflect on why we might find it hard to 'sell' ourselves and our skills. If we are truly happy to work voluntarily after qualification, that is fine, but equally it is reasonable to want to be paid as we have invested time, energy and money in our training. Because counsellors want to help people, they may feel it is wrong to charge for this. But doctors and nurses are paid for their helping work. Over coming weeks – if you would find it helpful – Ken will use his background in marketing to present ideas and strategies for how to use your counselling qualification to make money. In this, mind-set is key. So challenge your own thinking and self-concept: how do you feel about making money from counselling, and why? Rory recommends The Art of War by Sun Tzu to help get into the right mind-set (see 'Links and Resources'). BACP New Ethical Framework On 1 July 2016, the BACP launched its new Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Key changes include the following: The framework is now written very clearly, in plain English, making it more accessible to members of the public. It includes a duty of candour – that is, to speak out if you see dangerous behaviour by other professionals. Student counsellors have an explicit duty to inform clients they are in training. All counsellors must now keep notes. If you are a member of the Counselling Study Resource (CSR), look out for a CSR live lecture replay on this topic, covered on 4 September 2016. Links and Resources The Art of War by Sun Tzu (Pax Librorum, 2009) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-War-Sun-Tzu/dp/0981162614 Co

Sep 18, 201638 min

CTP016 – Self Care – Gestalt and How to Improve your Counselling Skills

This episode of the Counselling Tutor podcast marks the season 1 finale as Rory and Ken are closing down for the UK academic break summer. Topics covered are selfceare for counsellors, Rory gives and overview of Gestalt therapy and Ken speaks about how you can sharpen the skills you have leaned in season one. We end with a debate about how as counsellors we grow during training and what affect this can have on relationships. Season 1 of the podcast has been a privilege and we hope that you will take some time to review what we have done and let us know what you would like to see more on in season 2. This episode kicks off with a chat about selfceare as a counsellor. Counselling is demanding on self as we give our own in the therapeutic relationship to be there with the client. it is important to balance being with others with adequate self care so that we as counsellors may remain healthy in ourselves. In the Theory session Rory gives an overview of Gestalt therapy. Key Terms in Gestalt Introjection : Are ways we are told to live our life by others ( Parents, Caregivers, Teachers) we literally 'swallow' and believe what we are told. Projection: Places their own emotions or issues on someone else. Retroflection: Someone who splits themselves, for example "I hate myself" the idea that the person is almost talking about someone else. Deflection: Any technique, which distracts the client from owning there own issues , distraction of excessive use of humour , changing the subject etc. Confluence: A merging of self with others or something, lacking boundaries. Not having any idea where you stop and the other person begins Skills with Ken is about how we can become more proficient in the use of counselling skills. Ken outlines some ideas that can take your skills practice to the next level. Thanks for being part of season 1 of the Counselling Tutor podcast. Season 2 will start in September of 2016 and we do hope you will join us. Be sure to have your name on our newsletter to ensure you get an update when the next season goes live.

Jun 11, 20161h 2m

CTP 015 - Counselling young people - Scripts Injunctions and Drivers - Appropriate Referrals in Counselling and Progression

In this weeks episode of the Counselling Tutor Podcast Rory and ken cover the topic of counselling children and adolescents. Rory takes a look at the Transactional Analysis theory of Scripts, Drivers and Injunctions. Ken speaks about making appropriate referrals in counselling and we end with a debate on progression. Counselling young people is a specialism that requires additional training post graduation. Rory and Ken explore some of the challenges of working with children and adolescents and they share some resources that will be useful if you would like to learn more about the subject. Scripts, Drivers and Injunctions In Theory with Rory, Rory explains the TA theory of Scripts Injunctions and Drivers and how we can identify these presentations in our practice. Appropriate referrals in counselling As counsellor you will have occasion to refer clients to other services. Ken speaks about what makes a referral appropriate, what we should look out for and he speaks about respectful ways we can work with referrals. Progression What happens when you graduate as a qualified counsellor? are there work opportunities out there? these are just two of the questions that Rory and Ken debate on this interesting topic of life after study.

May 29, 201656 min