A joint report from the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) reveals widespread apprehension among therapists about the effects of digitalisation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, on their profession.
Released today, the report provides an in-depth examination of how these advancements impact counselling and psychotherapy training and practice. One striking finding is that 89% of respondents voiced concerns about the adequacy of distance learning courses in equipping practitioners with the relational and emotional skills essential for effective counselling.
Respondents noted that “distance learning does not adequately prepare practitioners to develop the human connection and emotional depth required for counselling.” This concern is growing as distance learning becomes increasingly prevalent, with many participants feeling that while these courses offer flexibility, they fall short in fostering the relational skills needed for safe client interaction and membership in organisations like the NCPS.
Human connection remains central to counselling
Therapists overwhelmingly agree that counselling practice hinges on human connection, communication, and the ability to build relationships. Respondents emphasised that key elements such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language are indispensable in creating empathy, trust, and effective therapeutic relationships.
Scepticism about integrating AI and digital tools into counselling practice is another recurring theme. While acknowledging the growing role of technology, respondents warned that these tools could never replace the emotional and relational dimensions vital to effective therapy:
“Counselling is about connection, communication, and building a relationship. To fully train without the opportunity to practise those things is not full training.”
“There’s nothing that can substitute for the real-life dynamic of a therapeutic relationship.”
“Counselling training can be quite raw and vulnerable, and I think it is important to feel this as a group and note how and why you react to certain dynamics.”
Recommendations for improving training methods
The report recommends addressing these challenges by promoting blended learning approaches that combine the flexibility of online education with the relational dynamics of in-person experiences. Such methods are seen as essential for preparing practitioners to navigate the complexities of real-world therapeutic practice effectively.
The CPCAB and NCPS are advocating for a renewed focus on the quality of counselling training and therapeutic practices. They stress the need for safeguarding the profession’s relational core while adapting to the benefits and challenges of emerging technologies.
Kelly Budd, Chief Professional Standards Officer at CPCAB, highlighted the importance of a balanced approach: “At CPCAB, we recognise the importance of balancing the benefits of emerging technologies with the core relational skills that define effective counselling. Our approach ensures that learners experience the best of both worlds – rigorous training that includes human connection, backed by the accessibility that technology can provide. What is of most concern in the landscape is where learners are being mis-sold distance learning courses with the promise of gaining all the relational skills necessary to work safely with real clients.”
Meg Moss, Head of Policy & Public Affairs at NCPS, underscored the need for rigorous standards: “Accredited Registers like the NCPS don’t accept distance learning qualifications so that we can better protect the public – learning with and alongside real people is vital. Relational skills are how healing and change happen, and they can only be learned through practice. It’s important to always make sure the therapist you’re seeing is on an accredited register, so you can be assured their training includes in-depth relational work.”
Professional bodies supporting standards
The CPCAB is a leading awarding body in counselling and psychotherapy, dedicated to providing quality qualifications that equip learners with essential skills for professional practice. Meanwhile, the NCPS serves as a professional membership organisation that promotes high standards in counselling and psychotherapy, ensuring public protection and supporting practitioners in maintaining excellence.
