Practising Good Self-care – What is My Counselling Philosophy?



























In Episode 339 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 explore the potential dangers of dual relationships in counselling and psychotherapy  – how they arise, the ethical implications, and strategies to manage them appropriately.







Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Sally Anne Armitage about her lecture on practising good self-care – a vital skill for therapists at every stage of their careers.







And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken reflect on the importance of defining and understanding your personal counselling philosophy as a student and practitioner.















Dual Relationships in Counselling and Psychotherapy [starts at 03:29 mins]







This week’s topic explores the often-overlooked issue of dual relationships in counselling and psychotherapy  – where a therapist has another connection to their client beyond the therapeutic one.







Key points discussed include:









A dual relationship can involve personal, social, familial, educational, or professional overlap with a client.







Common examples include supervising someone you’ve worked with as a client, counselling friends, or working within the same family or organisation.







These relationships can:



Break confidentiality boundaries







Lead to power imbalances







Create confusion around the therapist’s role







Undermine objectivity and the therapeutic alliance











Ethical bodies (BACP, UKCP, NCPS) acknowledge that dual relationships sometimes arise, especially in smaller communities or training contexts, but they must be handled with extreme care.







Dual relationships can damage trust, blur boundaries, and even cause clients to leave therapy prematurely if not managed appropriately.

















Practising Good Self-care [starts 27:13 mins]







In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Sally Anne Armitage about her recent lecture on practising good self-care – a core component of professional resilience.







Key points of the conversation include:









Self-care is essential but often neglected by therapists.







It must be intentional and planned, not left to chance.







There’s a key difference between leisure and self-care – some activities (like scrolling social media) may distract rather than restore.







Self-care involves reconnecting the mind and body e.g. noticing when you're tired, hungry, or overwhelmed and responding accordingly.







Listening to the body’s cues helps prevent burnout, irritability, and emotional exhaustion.







Technology and social media can disconnect us from physical awareness e.g. ignoring hunger, tiredness, or the need for rest.









Practical self-care suggestions:









Looking at greenery or distant views for improved mental health







Listening to the body’s signals (e.g. when to rest, eat, pause)







Saying "no" when needed to preserve emotional capacity







Recognising early signs of fatigue, such as withdrawal or irritability