Online counselling, also known as e-counselling or internet counselling, allows individuals to speak to a therapist without meeting in person. It provides a convenient option for those unable to attend in-person sessions due to issues like lack of time, physical limitations, or social anxiety. Sessions are conducted via text, email, phone or video conferencing. While online counselling provides increased access to help, it also poses challenges due to lack of direct interaction and need for technological competency. For it to be effective, both the counsellor and client must be comfortable with the online platform and have trust in its security and confidentiality.

1. Online Counselling

2. Online Counselling
• The opportunity to speak to a therapist, counsellor or analyst online, without
having to meet them face to face.
• Also known as internet counselling, e-counselling, web therapy or remote
therapy.

3. Online Counselling
• This kind of counselling is a good solution for people who need
counselling but cannot get to a therapist’s office or those
who prefer to keep in contact at a distance from wherever they are.

4. Why do people use online counselling?
• Lack of time – unable to schedule an office-based appointment or travel to
see a counsellor or therapist.
• Physical hurdles – that prevent individuals from travelling easily.
• Shyness or embarrassment – Individuals prefer to keep their counselling
session online and remote because it feels more confidential and discreet.
• Agoraphobia or social anxiety – numerous phobias and mental health issues
may prevent clients from travelling or spending time in new environments.

5. Prominent Tools
• Text messaging
• Email
• Internet phone call
• Real-time instant messaging
• Video conferencing
• Mobile interactive apps

6. Online counselling is best suited to
• those who are capable of sustained introspection
• value written self-expression
• have the creative independence.

7. "Telepresence"
Feeling of being in someone’s presence without sharing a physical
space.

8. Advantages of Online counselling

9. Online counselling offers convenience and
remote access
• clients with limited mobility, time restrictions can seek the help easily.
• Client who is reluctant to see a counsellor in person will find it
feasible.
• Keeping appointments at a specific time and place is not necessary.
• Contacts can transcend geographical boundaries and time zones

10. Online counselling provides help to many who
would not otherwise receive it
• those in remote areas
• those travelling and re-locating in foreign countries
• possible language barrier
• the physically disabled or housebound (or their caregivers)
• And others “too busy” to arrange yet another appointment

11. Perceived privacy
• Helps individuals who are bound with stigma in visiting a mental health
professional for help.
• Individuals like phobic, trapped in abusive situations, shy and afraid to face
someone will seek help more.
• disinhibiting effect” of not being seen in-person diminishes the client's
initial “shame” or need to “save face” while presenting a problem.

12. Helps for increased self reflection
• the disinhibiting effect of not being seen allows the client to quickly
hone in on the core issue

13. Ventilate naturally through writings
• Re-reading and reviewing what is written on both sides, leads
naturally to externalizing and re-framing, thereby increasing
objectivity.
• Creative solitude and silence leads to increased sublimation.

14. Ownership in the process
• The client enjoys a certain degree of ownership in the process.
• He or she is able to set the pace, tone, volume, and parameters of self-
disclosure without any other fear.
• The computer screen provides safety and containment with its built-in borders.
• The client is in control of the ‘send’ button.
• All of this encourages mindfulness of the client’s inner life.

15. The text stands as a testament to increased
self-awareness.
• The client can always (even years hence) re-read, rehearse, and
reinforce the solutions and resolutions it contains
• They carry printouts in their pockets, purses, and briefcases. In this
way, online counselling becomes an open ended, ongoing session
with “healing words” accessible at any time.

16. Accountability facilitated by the medium
• expert and peer consultation, as well as ongoing supervision,
available “midsession.

17. Challenges
• Clinical limitations
• Basic knowledge with technological operation is required.
• Lack of direct interaction may lead to misunderstandings.
• absence of spontaneous clarification.
• Chance for error in assessment.

18. How the online counseling can be effectively
used ?
• The counsellor and client must be comfortable with the technological
platform.
• both parties must have trust and confidence in the medium for it to
work well.
• Lack of trust in the medium begins with technical threats to security and
confidentiality

19. • Assess the suitability of the client to work in online mode
• Ensure the ethical parameters.
• Inform clients regarding limitations
• Back up resources should be available to deal with challenges.
• The counsellor and client must be reasonably good writers and typists