353 – Understanding Autism and Attachment Difficulties

Relational Safeguards in AI Tools – Making Sense of Frame of Reference In Episode 353 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 look at where autism meets attachment, understanding autism and attachment difficulties – and how similarities and overlaps in presentation can be misinterpreted and what this means for therapists. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Meg Moss, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NCPS, about relational safeguards in AI mental health tools – a timely discussion for any practitioner using or considering AI in practice. And finally in ‘Student Services’, our correspondent Sarah Henry joins Rory to make sense of frame of reference – a foundational concept in person-centred therapy. Understanding Autism and Attachment Difficulties [starts at 03:25 mins] Understanding how autism and attachment difficulties can look similar – and why it matters. Autism and attachment differences often share surface-level presentations but stem from very different origins. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition present from early childhood; attachment issues develop due to early relational disruptions. Tools like the Coventry Grid can support clinical thinking without being diagnostic. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt a trauma-informed and neurodivergence-informed stance. Holding dialogical thinking – entertaining multiple possible truths – helps prevent assumptions. Therapists should focus on offering safe, supportive spaces without attempting to diagnose. Relational Safeguards in AI Tools [starts at 26:17 mins] Meg Moss, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NCPS, outlines ethical principles for using AI tools in counselling and mental health. AI tools are increasingly used for mental health support but often lack relational, ethical safeguards. The NCPS has published six key principles to guide ethical AI integration in therapeutic settings. Key concerns include containment, autonomy, beginnings/endings, and ensuring tools are adjunctive – not replacements for therapy. Many AI tools give the appearance of relational care without actual therapeutic depth or safety. Therapists should be aware of how clients engage with AI and support them in critically evaluating these tools. The NCPS policy helps ensure therapy remains human-centred amidst technological advancement. Read more about the NCPS campaign, Therapeutic Relationships: The Human Connection Making Sense of Frame of Reference [starts at 00:52:52 mins] Exploring the importance and challenges of truly understanding another’s worldview. Frame of reference describes how each individual uniquely experiences and interprets the world. Counsellors must learn to set aside their own worldview to meet clients where they are. Misjudging or assuming sameness in frame of reference can block empathy and insight. Training involves both recognising our own filters and appreciating the lived realities of others. Sarah Henry emphasises that true empathic understanding begins with acknowledging what we don’t know. This skill develops over time and is central to ethical, effective therapeutic relationships. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course