Accessibility of medical care providers and evidence-based care may be improved and enhanced through online therapy. Counselling can use both synchronous and asynchronous modalities, for instance, phone calls or online sessions, as well as text and email contact (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 1999). It is particularly feasible for individuals who live in rural or isolated places, including groups that are neglected for other reasons. Services are considered to be ubiquitous; they may be acquired at any time and from any location, providing for increased flexibility. This is beneficial to both the client and counsellor since it enables rapid and appropriate care. Online counselling may allow for more regular interaction between the patient and the specialist, and with more therapists accessible, specialized treatment is easier to obtain and the spectrum of services is expanded. In addition, online counselling is less expensive, and it has the potential to save money for patients, therapists, and community as a whole. Extended waiting lists for face-to-face therapy can be minimized since a single counsellor can reach more clients, especially in underprivileged regions. Since technology creates a barrier, online counselling can eliminate the patient-therapist closeness.
What concerns specific ethical issues that should be raised, in terms of arguments, confidentiality, anonymity, and security problems are among the ethical considerations against online counselling. Therapists keep detailed records that allow them to trace the nature and chronology of professional services provided (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 2021). They verify that the material and style adhere to any legal, governmental, organizational, or institutional guidelines (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 2021). Counselling interactions and the evidence collected from them are kept private (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 2015). Therapists comply to all additional ethical criteria for services offered via phone, videoconferencing, and the Internet, including necessary confidentiality and security procedures (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, 2015). Moreover, training is required to deliver online therapy, including technology-related skills as well as research and therapeutic competencies unique to the online environment. The counsellor, particularly, would need to be familiar with ethical techniques and norms, as well as precise legal obligations and rules. Furthermore, one of the acknowledged negative aspects of online counselling is the lack of nonverbal signals in therapeutic interactions, particularly when utilizing text-based communication or telephone and video.
Referring to the level of convenience in terms of using this form of technology in my counselling practice, it is feasible to state that I consider this option acceptable. Firstly, to my mind, as an individual who is adjusted to the technological society, no difficulties will appear in the field of providing therapy and counselling with the help of Information and Communication Technologies. Additionally, it can be noted that due to the complex study and examination of the fundamental counselling concepts, including the Code of Ethics, I posess the required knowledge which is related to online counselling. Since implementation of technologies in counselling sessions provokes numerous advantages, this variant can be assessed as convenient. With regard to the selected article, the paper “The use of new digital information and communication technologies in psychological counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic” was highlighted. The issue of security and confidentiality drawbacks, discussed in this study, can negatively affect my personally and my future profession as a counsellor. The questions connected to security and privacy concerns are essential since a potential failure can undermine career development and, consequently, influence personality and internal characteristics.
References
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2015). Canadian counselling and psychotherapy experience: Ethics-based issues and cases. Web.
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (1999). Code of ethics. Web.
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2021). Standards of practice. Web.
Dores, A. R., Geraldo, A., Carvalho, I. P., & Barbosa, F. (2020). The use of new digital information and communication technologies in psychological counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(20), 7663. Web.