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When you participate in Online counseling you are traveling to a counselor's office,
not by car, but by the internet. Unfortunately, there are some things you
are giving up when you go for counseling online.
The full counseling experience online?
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The full counseling experience occurs when the counselor and client allow themselves
to be fully present to each other without physical or emotional barriers. Both
participants must become vulnerable and take risks. Healing and
positive reinforcement take place when the vulnerability leads to greater understanding
and respect, and not rejection.
Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed - but it can be maximized through the
use of passwords and encryption
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Hackers can intercept email and chat sessions, though with encryption this is highly unlikely!
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Other people may have access to the computers and read private correspondence.
Communication issues
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It can be more difficult for some to communicate effectively in writing
or on video. Extra description needs to be added to replace what cannot be seen.
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Using a computer takes extra focus and attention to detail that may be difficult for
people with certain disorders.
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Some are not comfortable using email, text-based chat or video chat.
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Some do not have access to computers or the Internet
Severe issues must be dealt with in person
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People with severe disorders will need to be fully present to a therapist to be treated.
If they become disruptive, they will need calming down before therapy can continue.
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People in crisis will need to be quickly evaluated for harm to self or others and
may need help getting to a hospital.
References
Munro, K. http://www.kalimunro.com/online_counseling4.html
Fenichel, M., Ph.D. Online Psychotherapy: Technical Difficulties, Formulations and
Processes
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