What is E-Counselling?

Electronic counselling goes by many names: teletherapy, mtherapy and online counselling just to name a few. The concept is the same despite the many names it goes by, psychotherapy sessions that occur by electronic means. This may include text, email, phone and video chat. 

As this is a growing area in the field of psychology, therapists’ views on this format of therapy ranges from supportive to adamantly against and everything in between. With the growing use of technology in society today it is worth exploring if e-counselling is an appropriate method of therapy for you.

Technology can make therapists nervous as client privacy and confidentiality are held at the highest standard and without fully understanding the technology used, e-counselling can create hesitation. 

This counselling format is very different from traditional in-office sessions. Some worry you lose something without in person contact, others fear the security of online systems to keep information private and others still wonder how much is lost without the nonverbal cues so often acknowledged in office sessions.

Research has shown the benefits to e-counselling as a form of therapeutic intervention, if conducted ethically and professionally. E-counselling can be just a beneficial as in-office sessions especially since it allows clients who may not have been able to access counselling services otherwise. Clients with limited mobility, busy schedules, financial limitations as well as those who live in remote areas or travel frequently now have the ability to access therapeutic services consistently.

In the end, it is personal preference on whether e-counselling is the right fit for you. If counselling is something you have been wanting to access but have faced any of the barriers mentioned above, it is definitely worth looking into!