324 – Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling Tutor

324 - Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy Managing Risk in Online Therapy - Contracting in Counselling In Episode 324 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', we look at managing risk in online therapy and the considerations for safe practice. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Meg Moss about the regulation of counselling and psychotherapy. And lastly, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken discuss the importance of contracting in counselling. Managing Risk in Online Therapy [starts at 04:30 mins] This segment of the Counselling Tutor Podcast is sponsored byWebHealer.net WebHealer are the go-to provider of websites for private practitioners in the UK. Established over 20 years, WebHealer offers a non-technical and fully supported service to help therapists grow their private practice. Just one customer from your website each year pays for their service. Go to WebHealer.net and use coupon CT100 for £100 off their "Do it for me" service. Visit WebHealer.net Managing risk in online therapy is essential to ensure the safety of clients and the effectiveness of sessions. In this section, Rory and Ken outline key considerations and practical strategies: Risks in remote therapy: Physical absence makes emergency responses more challenging. Reduced non-verbal cues when using technology can limit communication. High-risk client presentations to consider carefully: Active substance use or addiction. Domestic violence situations where client safety is at risk. Serious medical conditions or histories of self-harm. Risk management strategies: Use tools like What3Words to locate clients in emergencies. Regularly update client records, including emergency contacts. Maintain clear protocols for online and telephone therapy sessions. Contracting for safety: Clearly outline emergency procedures in your initial agreements. Revisit risk management plans as therapy progresses. Theory to Practice is sponsored byCounselling Skills Academy Learn counselling techniques by seeing counselling skills used in real sessions by qualified therapists.Real sessions - real-life presentations - real skills. Click Here for More Information Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy [starts at 31:26 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Meg Moss, Head of Policy at the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), about the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of counselling and psychotherapy. Key discussion points include: The call for regulation: Increased public concerns about client safety and therapist accountability. The effectiveness of the existing Accredited Registers program in maintaining standards. Challenges with statutory regulation: Regulation protects professional titles but does not eliminate harmful practices. Risks of creating defensive practices, which may undermine therapeutic relationships. Promoting public awareness: Clients should be encouraged to verify therapists' qualifications and memberships with accredited registers. Education around ethical standards and informed client choice. This is the final part of a three-part series on regulation - listen to Episodes 322 and 323 for earlier discussions. Counselling Study Resource:Assignment Guidance & Study Support for Counselling Students Academic Lecture Library - Lectures that cover key theory, skills and professional development linked to your counselling study. Assignment Guidance - Complete assignment exemplars and portfolios of work that have been passed by both tutors and awarding bodies. Theory Decoded, Skills Mastery and More - Counselling theories and skills are broken down into easy-to-understand 'chunks', with clear examples to guide you. Learn More Contracting in Counselling [starts at 54:45 mins]