Does online counseling work?

 

In a recent COVID-19 pandemic, people have opted for online counseling services. The sudden shift from face-to-face traditional counseling to remote counseling through telephone and the internet has raised a question like, is online counseling even counseling? Does it meet any counseling criteria? Do people follow ethical considerations and importantly DOES ONLINE COUNSELING WORK? These questions asked by numerous people were running in my head so I decided to scrutinize few research-based articles and here is what I found.
 But before that one should know what is online counseling and how it works. 

What is online counseling?

Medium of online counseling
 • Telephone
 • Email 
 • Synchronized chats through different mobile apps 
 • Audio and video conferencing through mobile with internet 

Online counseling is a real-time service provided to you by trained and professional counselors through distance communication technologies like telephone, e-mail, synchronized chat, and audio/video conferencing. It's a two-way collaborative process between you and your counselor to identify a potential solution to your problems, manage emotional turmoil and develop coping skills for your optimal mental health. 

 What research says? 

The growth of technology, accessible internet, and the development of social media have developed a possibility for online counseling. It has its challenges however evident-based research has shown its effectiveness among the clients which I will be discussing below, 

British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (2008)

Online counseling is proven to be emotionally safe for both client and counselor as it lowers the emotional intensity. Clients are less likely to ask personal questions and directly focus on their main concerns. Also, clients have felt a power balance during the session which made them comfortable to express their feelings easily. 

British Journal of Guidance and Counseling (2009)

 • It helps in diversifying the scope and opportunity 
 • It's no way to replace traditional counseling but online counseling is an alternative and supplement
 • Effective to deal with issues like loneliness, anxiety, smoking cessation 
 • It's warm, empathetic, and professional. 

This study shows that online counseling is warm and empathetic with the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor. Effectiveness is seen in various issues like anxiety, loneliness, smoking cessation, and also aftercare. 

 Behavior Research and Therapy  (2014)

This study showed the effectiveness of online cognitive behavior therapy among clients with anxiety and mood disorders. The cost-effectiveness of online therapy was helpful for a yearlong follow-up. 

Telemedicine and e-Health  (2019)

• Reduction of depression
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy 

This paper shows the significant reduction of depression among the patient using online counseling. The 24/33 papers reviewed in this study were positive regarding using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Behavior Activation (BA) which were found out to be equally effective as face-to-face therapy. 

 Online research-based article on Figshare  (2020)

• Ensures cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing 
• Addresses negative self-talk
 • Improves family relationship 

A Malaysian and UK-based psychologist states that online therapy amid COVID 19 is accessible, affordable, and effective to ensure an individual's cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. Online counseling is effective to address negative emotions like pessimistic thoughts about self, indirect economic and educational impact, dissatisfaction with the situation, family issues, and feelings of isolation and loneliness. 
 Online counseling has also helped people create a virtual support system to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Benefits of Online Counseling

•  Best way to deal with your psychological and other mental health issues during the lockdown.

•  It saves your time as you don’t have to travel to get the services. 

•  Comfort. You can stay in your cozy room or environment while interacting with your counselor.

• Accessible to people with physical difficulties. 

•  It offers flexibility. You can text, email, video, or audio call. If you don’t feel comfortable showing face this method surely will work for you.

•  Confidentiality. Your private information is safe with the counselors as they are abiding by the ethics of online counseling. 

 

So, looking for online counseling now?

 Now that you know online counseling is effective are you ready for it? If yes, click the link to join the program 
हामी सुन्छौं (We Listen) program of Counseling Psychology Nepal to get free online service amid this COVID 19 lockdown.