This paper explores therapists' use of social media, including the author's reflections about the potential risks and benefits to therapists, and their work. These reflections are discussed in the context of the author's own social media use, as a therapist, which includes establishing #TherapistsConnect, an online community of therapists from around the world. Therapists' use of social media and their online presence can be part of a broader political process, which can help address issues such as therapist isolation, and challenging harmful narratives around therapy. The author argues for the importance of reflective practice when engaging with others on social media, and establishing an online presence as a therapist.

Counselling and psychotherapy training often incorporates experiential learning to help students understand and explore different aspects of self. Lecturers and tutors, facilitating such courses, can also share aspects of their lived experience, as a form of experiential learning. This article describes a workshop on power and anti-oppressive practice that was delivered to counselling students in a Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice. Two lecturers (Beverley and Peter) used their lived experiences of racism and homophobia to stimulate student discussion and debate—effectively, they were using self as a teaching tool. This article details their experiences and reflections whilst in discussion with two students (Ann-Marie and Ben), who attended the workshop.

No abstract