Online counseling is simply providing therapeutic services over the Internet. This can include the use of videoconferencing, online chats or messengers, emails, or any other means of working with a client …show more content…
Rummell & Joyce (2010) highlighted several positive attributes to utilizing the Internet for therapeutic services. These benefits include accessing hard to reach clients, such as those who live rural areas where traveling to counseling sessions is difficult or even impossible, or working with clients who may be terminally ill or immobile and unable to physically visit a counselor face-to-face. Another positive mentioned is that counseling can be provided to those clients who do not live in an area that has a particular specialist. Individuals in remote or underserviced areas now have increased opportunities to access services while also providing more flexibility and convenience in scheduling (Harris & Birnbaum, 2015). Harris & Birnbaum (2015) also said that online counseling is also often more affordable, especially because there tends to be less administrative and overhead costs for service providers. Another positive that is contributed to online counseling is the reduce of the stigma that is traditionally associated with therapy services, helping individuals become more willing to accept counseling in the privacy of their own home. Overall, conducting online therapy is more convenient, flexible, and …show more content…
Factors such as compromised non-verbal cues and time lapses for events requiring immediate intervention can present major roadblocks to a therapist (Prabhakar, 2013). Because of this lack of nonverbal cues, online counseling may not be an appropriate service for individuals who are experiencing complex mental health issues, and these individuals may be better served by a face-to-face assessment (Harris & Birnbaum, 2015).
However, research shows that online therapies are effective and can be as effective and satisfying as in person sessions. The therapeutic alliance displayed in online counseling is overall comparable to that seen in a traditional counseling setting (Mishna, Bogo, & Sawyer, 2015). While the relationship of an online therapeutic relationship may display different qualities than that of a traditional counseling relationship, it is still possible to create an effective and working relationship