376 – AI in Counselling Practice

Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy - Can Your Therapist Be Your Counselling Supervisor? In Episode 376 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, they explore AI in counselling practice, focusing on understanding informed consent and data use. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Amy Peters about neurodivergent affirming therapy and her new book on working with autistic and ADHD clients. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen discuss whether your therapist can also be your counselling supervisor, exploring the ethical and practical considerations. AI in Counselling Practice [starts at 03:11 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore AI in counselling practice, examining what informed consent really means in the context of AI and data protection. Key points discussed include: Informed consent goes beyond a simple agreement – clients must fully understand how their data is collected, stored, used, and shared. Therapists must be able to explain tools (including AI and apps) in clear, simple language that clients can genuinely understand. Data protection applies from the very first contact (e.g. website forms, emails), not just during therapy sessions. Clients must have control over their data, including the ability to withdraw consent and request deletion. Using third-party tools (e.g. note-taking apps or video platforms) requires explicit informed consent from clients. Consent is an ongoing process that should be revisited throughout the therapeutic relationship, not a one-time event. Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy [starts at 28:35 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Amy Peters about her book Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy: Rethinking Approaches for Autistic and ADHD Clients. Key points from this conversation include: Traditional therapy models are often rooted in neuronormative assumptions, which may not meet the needs of neurodivergent clients. Neurodivergent affirming practice shifts from a deficit-based view to recognising neurodivergence as a valid form of human diversity. Common behaviours (e.g. stimming, lack of eye contact, shutdowns) can be misinterpreted and pathologised in traditional models. Therapists may unintentionally reinforce masking or neurotypical expectations without awareness. There are persistent myths, such as autistic people lacking empathy, which can negatively impact therapeutic relationships. Increased diagnoses reflect historical underdiagnosis, especially among women and marginalised groups, rather than overdiagnosis. Can Your Therapist Be Your Counselling Supervisor? [starts at 50:11 mins] In this section, Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen explore whether it is appropriate for a therapist to also take on the role of supervisor. Key points include: Dual relationships (therapist and supervisor) can create ethical and professional conflicts and are generally discouraged. Therapy and supervision serve different purposes – therapy focuses on the client’s personal process, while supervision focuses on client work and professional practice. Prior therapeutic relationships may influence or complicate the supervisory dynamic. Ethical bodies offer varying guidance, but all highlight the need to carefully consider risks and boundaries. Supervision includes formative, normative, and restorative functions, which differ from therapeutic work. Where possible, it is advisable to seek a separate supervisor to maintain clarity and professional integrity. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course