364 - Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?

From Counselling Tutor podcast by ken@counsellingtutor.com

January 31, 2026 · 1h 15m

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential impact of AI on counselling, features an interview with Mahmoud Ahmed about his book, and offers advice on completing counselling placements.

In Episode 364 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 question ' Will AI Replace Counsellors and Psychotherapists?' , examining how AI is currently used in mental health care and what this might mean for the future of the profession. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Mahmoud Ahmed about his newly published book A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy , which calls for embedding diversity, equity, and context at the heart of practice. And finally, in 'Student Services', Rory and Ken explore what happens when your counselling course ends but your placement hours are incomplete – offering guidance on how to stay motivated and complete the journey.

People in this episode

Hosts: Rory Lees-Oakes, Ken Kelly

Guest: Mahmoud Ahmed

Topics covered

AI in mental health care
Ethical practice
Diversity in counselling
Completing placement hours
Motivation in counselling education

Keywords

AI
counselling
psychotherapy
ethical practice
diversity
placement hours
motivation

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy