Lessons from Introducing an AI-Simulated Client in Counsellor Training

What happens when counselling students practise their skills with an AI-generated client? Following a trial of the AI platform Cogniti with first-year counselling students, this presentation explores the implementation process, student experiences, and key outcomes. It highlights the opportunities and challenges of using AI simulations in counsellor education and considers the evolving role these technologies may play in future teaching and learning practices. Presenter Bio: Daniel Eaton is an Associate Lecturer in the Bachelor of Counselling program at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Before returning to academia, he spent many years working across counselling and community services, supporting individuals, groups, and families, with a particular focus on the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector. These experiences directly shape his teaching practice, which emphasises reflective learning, practical skill development, and bridging the gap between counselling theory and real-world application.