354 – Personal Triggers in Counselling Training

Draft BACP Ethical Framework for 2025 – REBT: Clear Definitions In Episode 354 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 draft BACP Ethical Framework for 2025 - highlighting key proposed changes and what they might mean for practitioners. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Ruth Hill about REBT – Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy – offering clear definitions and practical insights for working with beliefs and emotional responsibility. And finally in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken discuss how to navigate personal triggers in counselling training - and why these moments offer powerful opportunities for growth. Draft BACP Ethical Framework for 2025 [starts at 03:29 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken discuss the new draft of the BACP Ethical Framework and how it reflects the evolving nature of therapeutic practice. Key points discussed include: The draft framework is currently under consultation and is expected to be finalised in late 2026. It reflects major societal and professional shifts since 2018, including online work, AI, and anti-oppressive practice. The updated framework introduces a clearer, more directive tone - replacing “should” with “must” in many areas. There is a new emphasis on relationships and collaboration, moving away from a purely rules-based approach. Key ethical principles have been rephrased in simpler language to improve clarity and accessibility. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with the framework, reflect on its implications, and prepare for its rollout. Draft BACP Ethical Framework 2025 BACP Ethical Framework 2018 Comparison Handout: Comparing the BACP Ethical Framework 2018 and 2025 REBT: Clear Definitions [starts at 29:04 mins] In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with integrative REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy) therapist Ruth Hill about her CPD lecture on REBT and how the model supports emotional responsibility and belief change. Key points from this conversation include: REBT is founded on the principle that we are disturbed not by events, but by our beliefs about those events. It encourages clients to take ownership of their emotions by identifying and challenging unhealthy beliefs. The ABCDE model is used to explore activating events, beliefs, consequences, disputes, and emotional effects. Healthy emotions are distinguished from unhealthy ones - supporting clients to feel appropriately without becoming overwhelmed. Disputing techniques help clients develop flexible, reality-based, and empowering alternative beliefs. The ultimate aim is for clients to become their own REBT therapists - building resilience and autonomy. Personal Triggers in Counselling Training [starts at 52:17 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken reflect on how personal triggers in counselling training can emerge and how to manage them constructively. Key points include: Triggers are emotional responses often rooted in past experiences, activated by present-day stimuli. Training environments can unintentionally bring up difficult material - through discussions, peers, or course content. Recognising a trigger is the first step in managing it - grounding techniques and mindfulness can be useful in the moment. Reflection, journaling, and seeking supervision or personal therapy can support deeper processing and growth. Triggers are not a sign of weakness; they offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. Tutors and peers can provide compassionate support - creating a safer learning space for everyone involved. 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