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Counselling TutorTheory and skills for student counsellors and psychotherapists Author: Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes
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356 – Lying in Therapy
Saturday, 22 November, 2025
EMDR: A 21st-Century Approach to Trauma – AI and Plagiarism in Counselling Training In Episode 356 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 the sensitive topic of lying in therapy, examining why clients may lie or conceal information through a trauma-informed perspective and how therapists can respond with compassion. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Andrew Kidd about EMDR therapy - what it is, how it works, and why it's considered a cutting-edge 21st-century therapeutic intervention. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss the rising concern of AI and plagiarism in counselling training, including guidance for ethical use and how assessment may evolve. Lying in Therapy [starts at 03:11 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken examine lying in therapy, unpacking the nuances behind client dishonesty and offering guidance on how therapists can navigate concealment with empathy. Key points discussed include: Lying in therapy is common and often rooted in past trauma or a need to protect the self. Concealment may serve as a survival mechanism shaped by earlier life experiences. Incongruence between a client’s words and behaviours can be gently explored without judgement. Strong therapeutic relationships and non-judgemental approaches create safety for honesty to emerge. Therapists are often not adept at detecting lies - emphasis should be placed on understanding behaviour rather than catching deception. Dishonesty can signal areas of deep pain; responding with curiosity rather than confrontation is key. EMDR: A 21st-Century Approach to Trauma [starts at 23:40 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Andrew Kidd, BACP senior accredited counsellor and EMDR Europe accredited practitioner, about EMDR as a powerful method for trauma reprocessing. Key points from this conversation include: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) originated in 1987 and integrates neurobiological and relational approaches. It is not a talk therapy but an experiential, highly structured method using bilateral stimulation (e.g. eye movements). The eight-phase protocol includes history taking, preparation, activation, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. EMDR enables clients to process traumatic memories without needing to disclose every detail to the therapist. Training is intensive and requires therapists to already be accredited and trauma-informed. Andrew will be offering an EMDR overview lecture inside the Counsellor CPD Library soon. EMDR Association UK AI and Plagiarism in Counselling Training [starts at 52:34 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on assignment writing and how to ethically and responsibly integrate technology into counselling education. Key points include: Assignments must be students’ own work - AI-generated content must be clearly acknowledged and referenced. AI can be used as a planning or brainstorming tool, not as a substitute for personal reflection or lived experience. Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) guidance outlines AI use as malpractice if not transparently declared. Reflective and experiential elements of counselling training cannot be replicated by AI. Tutors are encouraged to explore diverse assessment methods beyond written essays to evaluate learning authentically. Academic correspondent Sarah Henry shares how relational, discussion-based, and observational assessment can complement or replace traditional formats. 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
