ÌÇÐĹÙÍø

Together we listen, learn and grow.

We’re pleased to introduce a new member engagement event designed to strengthen the connection between the organisation and you, our members. This event will be used as a dynamic platform to reflect on the evolving landscape of the counselling and psychotherapy profession, celebrate the achievements of the past year, and, most importantly, amplify the voices of our members.

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Traditional clinical mental health settings are struggling to meet the rising demand for psychological support (Baker & Kirk-Wade, 2024). Digital technology and, more recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been offered as solutions to reducing practitioner workload and offering more timely and accessible support, particularly to digitally native children and young people (CYP, Götzl et al., 2022).Ìý

We estimate, for example, that around 55% of ÌÇÐĹÙÍø members are using AI in some way to support their practice, either in direct work with clients, as part of their learning and development and/or to support with their administrative tasks.

However, there is widespread concerns raised by various stakeholders inÌýthe counselling professionsÌýabout the ethicality of AI’s integration to a field that fundamentally requires human connection, sensitivity and confidentiality. The use of AI inÌýthe counselling professionsÌýprovokes valid concerns regarding ethical and moral risks, as well as a lot of uncertainty about if, and how, it can be used.Ìý

ThisÌýpanel discussionÌýexplores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) inÌýthe counselling professions. The session aims toÌýbring together research and practice perspectives on theÌýpotential benefitsÌýandÌýchallengesÌýof AI,Ìýand how it is showing upÌýin the counselling room withÌýpractitioners andÌýclients.ÌýÌý

The session aims to encourage critical discussion aboutÌýwhetherÌýAI canÌýbe integrated into practice ethically.ÌýÌý

The learning outcomes for this session are:

• Understand how AI is currently being used by counselling professionals and clientsÌý

• Be able to critically evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of AI within the counselling professionsÌý

• IdentifyÌýkey ethical considerations associated with the use of AI to support therapeutic practiceÌý

Over the past year, ÌÇÐĹÙÍø has delivered a wide range of work designed to support members, strengthen the profession, and increase public understanding of counselling and psychotherapy. This sessionÌýaims toÌýbring that story to life.Ìý

Members will hear highlights from across the organisation, including developments in professional standards, public education campaigns, member experience improvements, digital transformation progress, and our contribution to national conversations around mental health. Through real examples andÌýclear evidenceÌýof progress, the session aims to show how ÌÇÐĹÙÍø has been working to meet its charitableÌýobjectivesÌýand create meaningful impact for members, clients, and the wider public.Ìý

We want delegates to see how their membership actively contributes to developments across the profession and to feel more connected to the work that happens behind the scenes. By sharing successes and surfacing the stories that illustrate the difference ÌÇÐĹÙÍø is making, this session will help strengthen members’ understanding of the value of their membership.Ìý

TheÌýsession aims to leave members informed, encouraged, and confident that ÌÇÐĹÙÍø is delivering progress that matters to them, to the profession, and to the public we serve.Ìý

This session offers a reflective and compassionate exploration of Louis Smith’s lived experience of neurodiversity and mental health. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of seven, Louis speaks openly about the challenges he faced growing up, including restlessness, difficulties with concentration and the wider emotional impact these experiences had on his early life and developing identity.

Louis will also reflect on the psychological pressures that accompanied his early Olympic success and discuss how he navigated through periods of low mood, the strain of public expectation and the complexities of sudden visibility and pressures at a young age. His insights highlight the emotional cost of high‑performance environments and the need for spaces where vulnerability is met with understanding and support. Through his story, Louis illustrates how he learned to navigate his mental health over time and the importance of how his therapy supported his journey by enabling him to process difficult emotions, build self‑awareness and develop healthier strategies for coping.