The Horn Effect and Autism – Don’t Lose You in Counselling Training













In Episode 358 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly explore this week’s three topics:



Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we discuss letting go of the outcome in counselling - why embracing client autonomy matters.



Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Paula Jones about the Horn Effect and autism - how unconscious bias can shape perceptions of neurodivergent individuals.



And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken explore not losing yourself in counselling training - staying authentic while growing through your studies.







Letting Go of the Outcome in Counselling [starts at 03:18 mins]



In this section, Rory and Ken explore how holding on to an expected outcome can compromise client autonomy and therapeutic presence, highlighting the importance of letting go of the outcome in counselling.



Key points discussed include:




Fixating on a client’s outcome may cause the therapist to override the client’s direction or autonomy.



Therapy is not linear - clients may change goals or progress in unexpected ways.



The BACP and NCPS frameworks emphasise client autonomy and non-directive practice.



Supervisors play a key role in helping counsellors identify when they’re steering the process.



Letting go involves being mindful, present, and trusting the client’s self-directed journey.



Progress may be subtle or delayed; the therapist’s role is to offer presence, not direction.








The Horn Effect and Autism [starts at 28:48 mins]



In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Paula Jones, a neurodivergent leadership consultant and coach, about the Horn Effect and how unconscious bias impacts perceptions of neurodivergent clients.



Key points from this conversation include:




The Horn Effect is a cognitive bias where one perceived negative trait skews the entire perception of a person.



Neurodivergent individuals often experience quick, unjustified judgements in professional and social settings.



Misunderstandings can arise from masking, directness, or non-normative behaviours.



Paula highlights the need for neurodivergent-sensitive intake processes and safe, accepting therapeutic spaces.



Therapists should be aware of their own unconscious biases and create space for clients to be themselves.



The interview includes powerful personal experiences and practical suggestions for inclusive practice.








Don’t Lose You in Counselling Training [starts at 58:43 mins]



In this section, Rory and Ken explore how training can challenge students’ sense of self and how to stay grounded through the process.



Key points include:




Students may feel they need to become someone else to be a good counsellor.



Counselling training can feel intense - it's important to maintain perspective.



True personal growth enhances who you are rather than replacing your identity.



Authenticity is key - it's okay to be yourself and still be professional.



Supervision and personal therapy support students in processing and integrating their development.



Sarah Henry joins to share insights on navigating authenticity and maintaining your core self during training.










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