What is Online Counselling?

“There is no way on-line counselling can work. Nothing can replace the value of face to face contact”.

This is the view being put forward by many counsellors and therapists. After all, counselling is about sharing your deepest, most vulnerable secrets to another person.

Online counselling is, however finding its’ way into society and gaining credibility. After all, the internet is pretty much the preferred method of communication for the younger generation now. And it saves us precious time. We are all busier than ever before, have more demands put upon us with shorter timescales so why not look for a method of counselling which will save us time, take out the need for travel and can fit around our schedules? There is certainly evidence where online counselling is providing a positive source of support and guidance to students which many Universities now providing such a service.

Can an online counsellor create empathy and build a client relationship?

Some therapists will suggest that online counselling provides the ‘blank canvas’ setting which analysts such as Freud considered so necessary within the therapeutic process. No potential distractions or transference. Maybe people find it easier to open up and raise sensitive or embarrassing issues when it doesn’t have to be face to face. Online counselling can provide the initial start to therapy, overcoming initial barriers which may otherwise have prevented a client making that first contact.

What about establishing empathy, the essence of a successful counselling relationship? Can an online counsellor create this? On line counsellors may suggest it is easier to reflect back to a client on their words when given the opportunity to read and re-read what has been said. Whilst body language cues may not be available, there will be words, phrases, syntax, which can be reflected back. An additional challenge for online counsellors will be capturing client’s feelings as they are being experienced. By the time an individual has sent an e-mail and received a considered response that emotion may have dissipated.

With the anonymity of online counselling, potential risks need to be considered. We have all heard stories of individuals using chat rooms and forums to lure unsuspecting people into dangerous situations so if you are considering online counselling, do make sure that you check that your counsellor is trained, qualified and part of a recognised professional body. Counsellors expect to be asked such questions and will be only too happy to provide evidence of their professional experience and expertise. There are now recognised training programmes for online counselling so ask about these

So how does online counselling actually work?

As with any therapy, counsellors will have their own ways of working but many have a private and secure instant messaging service which you will use to communicate with each other at a prearranged time. Sessions tend to be about 45 minutes, the safe as face to face counselling. The counsellor is unlikely to use a webcam and following each session some will forward you a copy, or transcript, of the session. This of course, can be positive or not. The chance to review and reflect upon what has been discussed without distraction, however, also the opportunity to re-read and potentially change interpretation or meaning.

Alternatively, communication may be via e-mail. Again, times will be prearranged and the counsellor will commit to respond to your e-mail within an agreed period of time.

There is certainly enough evidence to show that online counselling is offering a solution to certain people now who may not have previously found counselling accessible. As with all therapy, it works for some, not for others. But there is never an obligation so if you are tentative, make that first contact. It may be right for you.

Article submitted by
Jerry Grafton, GoToSee Journalist

Date Published
18/05/08

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