347 – Why Autism-Informed Therapy Matters

Financial Resilience for Counsellors – Why Counselling Trainees Doubt Themselves In Episode 347 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 why autism-informed therapy matters and how inclusivity, legal responsibilities, and lived experience come together to strengthen practice. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Aisha Gordon-Hiles about financial resilience for counsellors. They look at the importance of sustainable fees, ethical pricing, and developing a healthy money mindset to support private practice. And finally in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken reflect on why counselling trainees often doubt themselves – and how reframing these doubts can support deeper learning and professional growth. Why Autism-Informed Therapy Matters [starts at 03:47 mins] Ken and Rory discuss why therapists must become autism-informed, addressing both the legal obligations under the Equality Act and the ethical need for inclusivity. They explore how autistic and neurodivergent clients experience therapy differently and how therapists can make reasonable adjustments. Key points discussed include: Understanding that every autistic person is unique and avoiding assumptions. The rising public awareness and diagnoses of neurodivergence. Common barriers in therapy for autistic clients, such as diagnostic overshadowing and lack of practitioner training. Creating an inclusive space through sensory adjustments and flexible session formats. We also hear from Paul Cullen, Counselling Tutor's Neurodiversity and Supervision Correspondent. Drawing on lived experience with his autistic daughter and wife, Paul offers practical insights on navigating daily challenges, meltdowns, education systems, and reasonable adjustments in the therapy room — bringing to life why autism-informed therapy matters in practice as well as in principle. Financial Resilience for Counsellors [starts at 32:49 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Aisha Gordon-Hiles, accredited counsellor and co-founder of the Contained Clinician. Drawing from her CPD lecture Financial Resilience for Counsellors, Aisha explains why counsellors must treat private practice like a business. Key points from this conversation include: Bare bones budgeting: Calculating your minimum financial needs. Ethical pricing and how to set sustainable fees. Addressing money mindset issues and internal beliefs. Future-proofing your practice with savings and pension planning. Balancing accessibility with business sustainability. Aisha shares how her own transition from salaried work to private practice with a young child inspired her to rethink financial well-being as part of self-care and ethical therapy. Why Counselling Trainees Doubt Themselves [starts at 59:15 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore the common experience of self-doubt among counselling trainees. From imposter syndrome to comparing yourself to peers, they unpack why this happens and how it can actually be a sign of growth. Key points include: Winging it is more common than you think – even experienced therapists feel it! Theory-heavy learning often triggers self-doubt. Positive feedback sometimes doesn’t land due to internal narratives. Supervision and peer support are essential for reassurance. Reframing doubt as care and curiosity. Here's a free CPD lecture on Confidence for Counselling Students: https://counsellorcpd.com/confidence-lecture/ Links and Resources Aisha Gordon-Hiles 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

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