344 – Ethical Use of AI in Therapy

Introducing Therapy for Addiction - Learning Never Stops – Planning Your CPD In Episode 344 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we look at the ethical use of AI in therapy, highlighting potential risks and ethical responsibilities. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Caroline Evers Endicott about her lecture Introducing Therapy for Addiction - a vital area of practice that’s often underrepresented in core training. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss how learning never stops in counselling - and why planning your CPD is essential as you qualify and build your therapeutic career. Ethical Use of AI in Therapy [starts at 03:34 mins] Ken Kelly, joined by his digital twin “DigiKen,” opens the episode by exploring the ethical use of AI in therapy—how it's quietly being integrated into practice, and the serious questions it raises. Key points of this section include: AI tools such as scheduling apps, transcription software, or marketing generators are already present in most practices. Many of these tools are hosted on international servers and may not comply with UK GDPR or ethical standards. Therapists must assess whether any digital tool: Complies with UK data laws. Has adequate encryption and security. Aligns with professional ethics. Stores client data securely. While AI should never replace the therapeutic relationship, it can support therapists with non-clinical tasks like admin, marketing, or web design. Introducing Therapy for Addiction [starts at 23:23 mins] In this week’s Practice Matters, Rory speaks with Caroline Evers Endicott about working with addiction and her CPD lecture Introducing Therapy for Addiction. Key points from the discussion: Addiction is a stigmatised mental health condition and is often overlooked in standard counselling training. Many clients present with anxiety, trauma, or depression before disclosing addiction later in therapy. Therapists are encouraged not to immediately refer clients on but to recognise the skills they already possess. Therapist tools Caroline highlights include: Person-centred skills: empathy, non-judgement, trust building. Modalities such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. Understanding clients’ use of substances as a way to self-regulate or self-medicate unresolved trauma or neurodivergence. Caroline also explores: The value of self-reflection for therapists working with addiction. Recovery pathways including 12-step, SMART Recovery, and CBT-informed models. The importance of understanding your clients holistically and not reducing them to “just an addict”. Learning Never Stops – Planning Your CPD [starts at 51:24 mins] In this final Student Services of the season, Rory and Ken discuss how to make the most of your academic break by planning your continued professional development (CPD). Key points include: Graduates often face barriers in employment without additional training (e.g. trauma-informed work or online therapy). CPD should balance: Ethics – e.g. being trauma-informed helps you work safely with complex presentations. Sustainability – e.g. online therapy training increases employability and client access. Choose CPD based on: Clear learning outcomes. Practical application of skills. Client needs you’re most likely to encounter. Ken and Rory encourage newly qualified therapists to: Reflect on gaps in their training. Focus on real-world skills they can use in the therapy room. Avoid overloading themselves - CPD should feel purposeful and empowering. Links and Resources Critical Thinking Matrix for AI in Therapy Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision