This episode of the Counselling Tutor podcast marks the season 1 finale as Rory and Ken are closing down for the UK academic break summer. Topics covered are selfceare for counsellors, Rory gives and overview of Gestalt therapy and Ken speaks about how you can sharpen the skills you have leaned in season one. We end with a debate about how as counsellors we grow during training and what affect this can have on relationships.

Season 1 of the podcast has been a privilege and we hope that you will take some time to review what we have done and let us know what you would like to see more on in season 2.

This episode kicks off with a chat about selfceare as a counsellor. Counselling is demanding on self as we give our own in the therapeutic relationship to be there with the client. it is important to balance being with others with adequate self care so that we as counsellors may remain healthy in ourselves.

In the Theory session Rory gives an overview of Gestalt therapy. Key Terms in Gestalt

• Introjection : Are ways we are told to live our life by others ( Parents, Caregivers, Teachers) we literally ‘swallow’ and believe what we are told.
• Projection: Places their own emotions or issues on someone else.
• Retroflection: Someone who splits themselves, for example “I hate myself” the idea that the person is almost talking about someone else.
• Deflection: Any technique, which distracts the client from owning there own issues , distraction of excessive use of humour , changing the subject etc.
• Confluence: A merging of self with others or something, lacking boundaries. Not having any idea where you stop and the other person begins

Skills with Ken is about how we can become more proficient in the use of counselling skills. Ken outlines some ideas that can take your skills practice to the next level.

Thanks for being part of season 1 of the Counselling Tutor podcast. Season 2 will start in September of 2016 and we do hope you will join us. Be sure to have your name on our newsletter to ensure you get an update when the next season goes live.