Despite the best attempts to try to regulate therapy, paying for any service will always be a matter of ‘let the buyer beware’. A professional online counsellor or therapist will only work within his or her competencies. Effectiveness in Internet based counselling depends on the qualifications and accountability of the therapist. If you are considering online counselling, you can make some enquiries of the practitioner that may reduce the risks involved.

Make an enquiry about Internet based counselling

Choosing a Counsellor or Therapist

Choose a counsellor or therapist who is a member of a reputable professional association such as the AASW . And ensure that they have insurance to practice. Membership of a professional body means the practitioner has some degree of accountability for their work. And you can check with the association to ensure they are who they say they are.

If you have any concerns about effectiveness in Internet based counselling, write them down and send them to the therapist. You can ask for a preliminary conversation to discuss these issues. These may include matters like qualifications, privacy and confidentiality, technical problems and payment. I encourage people to shop around for a counsellor or therapist. Find someone you feel comfortable with, just as you would do if you needed to choose a new doctor, mechanic, decorator or architect.

Effectiveness in Internet Based Counselling in terms of Risk

There are no hard and fast rules around suitability of clients for online counselling. I don’t work online with people who are at any significant risk of personal danger or if there is extreme urgency to the situation. I work with individuals from around the world. This means I am not in a position to easily engage local emergency services.

If the situation is one of domestic violence or recent sexual assault for example, you should contact your GP or nearest public hospital. Medical professionals and institutions are better resourced to find appropriate help for anyone in such a situation.

Who Are the Most Suitable Clients for Online Counselling?

You don’t need to be isolated or disabled or even short of time to choose an online therapist. Meeting with a therapist or counsellor over the Internet can be just as effective as consulting a practitioner who is in the same room. Online counselling is suitable for those who want to discuss anxiety or depression, relationship issues, sexuality concerns, confidence, shyness, addiction, career problems, burnout or difficulties with life direction and purpose.

You can explore almost anything you might talk about with a therapist face to face with a competent and professional online therapist. Thinking about going ahead with online counselling? You can send me an email. I welcome your comments.