Event Details

The Psychologists Protection Society Trust welcomed Catherine Knibbs as our second speaker at the Psychologists Protection Society Trusts AGM at the Place Hotel, 34-36 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3HU on the afternoon of 26^th April 2025.

Session Outline

In an ever changing landscape of technology progress the introduction of large language models, known as Artificial Intelligence has resulted in the use of potential assistants or even replacements of psychotherapy and counselling professionals. There are numerous ways in which the world of AI is progressing here with chatbots, apps and trackers, though to websites using AI prompts to offer therapeutic interactions between patients sessions. 

However the risks and dangers associated with these models and advancing learned behaviours of data that is acquired through sessions notes, questions and even recordings of sessions can put both practitioner and patient in jeopardy or miss major risks of suicide and self harm. Moreover the space of data and information security in the profession has not kept up to date, with ongoing changes to the landscape as quickly as it evolves.

In this talk the opportunities to work with AI and how to mitigate risk were discussed with an overview of the ever changing progress of this unique point in time. And interestingly questions were posed about the therapeutic relationship and what aspects of this that AI can hold and contain, or even surpass as the data from which they learn and adapt grows ever more complicated and nuanced. A big topic for sure and one to interest all levels of practitioner, supervisor and trainers. 

Speaker Information

Catherine Knibbs is a distinguished Doctoral Researcher, Award-Winning Online Harms and Cybertrauma Consultant, Public Speaker, Educator, and Author of six influential books focusing on children and technology (including five published by Routledge Psychology). As a Clinical Supervisor and expert in human behaviour, she integrates psychotherapy and advanced research to address the complex intersection of technology and mental health.

Catherine is a TEDx Speaker, Podcaster, and Social Media Educator, dedicated to empowering audiences on issues of digital well-being and resilience. In her private practice, she works as a Child/Adult Trauma Psychotherapist and is a registered Functional Health Practitioner (BANT) specialising in nutrigenomics.

As the lead for the Digital Stream of the West Yorkshire Adversity, Trauma, and Resilience Framework (ICB and VRU), Catherine collaborates with global and national organisations to address issues such as children’s sexual development, online child sexual abuse material, and mitigating burnout in high-stakes roles. Her expertise extends to immersive technologies, where she consults with organisations like XRSI and MHVR, focusing on mental health challenges in emerging digital spaces.

Her pioneering work in Cybertrauma explores the traumas that arise through internet-enabled devices and media. Catherine educates practitioners worldwide through her company, Privacy4, offering training on data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, specifically tailored for therapists and professionals including clinical supervision. She is a passionate advocate for children’s rights, privacy, and safe digital exploration, disrupting harmful narratives and practices in online spaces.

Catherine also serves as the Mental Health Advisor for the charity Gamers Beat Cancer and has integrated gaming and HRV biofeedback into therapeutic approaches for over a decade. Through gaming, she fosters post-traumatic growth, trauma recovery, and optimal personal performance.