This workshop aims to help people who care about human connection to have a basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential effects in counselling practice.
If you’re passionate about human connection and curious about how AI may affect counselling practice, please join us for a comprehensive workshop designed specifically for counsellors who value empathy and therapeutic alliance.
As AI becomes an integral part of our everyday lives it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changes it presents. This session aims to empower you with a foundational knowledge of how to ethically and effectively integrate AI tools into your work while maintaining precious human connection.
This session aims to raise the collective bar of awareness of ethical considerations and data privacy issues associated with the technology that now plays a large role in how counselling is delivered.
Participants aren’t required to have pre-existing technical knowledge of AI or computing and will be invited to explore new challenges to feel well-prepared.
Event aims
The main aims of this PDD are to:
- be able to explain fundamental AI concepts in simple terms
- have an awareness of strategies for how to maintain meaningful empathy and connection if using AI in your practice
- be aware of examples of ethical dilemmas that may arises from using AI in counselling contexts
- gain an awareness of basic data security measures to protect client's confidentiality
- gain insight in what to do if you have concerns about how AI is being used
Testimonials
'This was one of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. It was highly informative, presented by knowledgeable people and highly engaging. Excellent. I’m excited about the future of AI and our profession.'
'It was a great way to discover more about developments in AI and the way it may influence counselling.'
'Excellent presentation and delivery. I feel much more informed about AI in relation to my practice.'
Programme
The PDD will begin at 9.30am and finish at around 1.25pm.
About the presenter
Richard Miller lives with his family and works as a counsellor, supervisor and trainer working in private practice in Fife. Since 2002, he has studied Humanistic Psychotherapies and Psychology in Aberdeen University, University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University where he graduated with the best overall award for Psychology.
He has served as President of Aberdeen University Students Association, an executive officer of the National Union of Students Scotland and is currently serving as co-director of the Scottish Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy. He has provided counselling in local high schools and St Andrews University. Richard is a current member of the British Association for Counselling Psychotherapy, the British Psychological Society and the International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy.
Richard has been closely following advancements of the AI field since 2015 and began delivering training on the topic since 2023. He has served as the Digital and AI consultant as part of the Ethical Framework Review project of BACP where he conducted an industry wide AI risk assessment. More recently he delivered an input on AI at the 2024 BACP supervision event. Richard is committed to raising the collective bar of awareness of ethical AI use within the counselling field.
Key information
This event will take place online on Wednesday 7 October 2026. After booking you’ll receive a confirmation email. Full joining instructions will be sent out nearer the event date.
Your booking includes:
- three hours of CPD presentations
- Q&A session with Richard after each presentation
- CPD certificate to download
- selected presentation slides
- opportunities to network with other attendees through the chatroom
- access to the on-demand service which will be available from Wednesday 7 October 2026 to Wednesday 4 November 2026 to view recorded presentations and access available handouts
Accessibility
The event livestream service is available with AI subtitles.
The on-demand service will be subtitled and/or transcribed through a reviewed process to ensure accuracy.
For a full list of our event accessibility commitments please visit our website >