The Pros and Cons of Internet Counseling

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The Counselors and Therapist viewpoint. We have discussed the benefits of online counseling from the perspective of the client, what about the individuals who administer the counseling. Although the amount of traditional counselors or therapist do not amount to the amount of online counselors or therapist, there is still an awareness of their existence. What exactly are the professional benefits for counselors who are based online? In the article, The Ethical implications of online counseling, Christine M.Rummell and Nicolas R. Joyce (2010) report that some therapist believe that “using a specifically text-based environment is helpful for them”(p.485-486). The use of text has made it easier for counselors to document what was said during a session, and can refer to them as needed. Counselors can provide better counsel because they are not forced to give immediate response as in a traditional setting, where the client is physically in front of you. In a traditional setting a counselor has a pressure to remember every detail and respond simultaneously, which can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction from the client. The APA code of ethics states that “all of the standards set forth in the current Ethics Code apply in the case of online counseling (Rummell &Joyce, 2010).” This rule set up by the APA, gives online counselors an advantage clients no longer have to wonder if they are afforded the same welfare traditional clients obtain through there counselors. The option of online counseling is necessary. It not only provides the option of mental health for those who may be weary of making an appointment, it gives professionals the opportunity to focus on the clients issue automatically without pressure of instigating a therapeutic atmosphere.

Disadvantages to Online Counseling

Ethical Issues in online counseling.

The number one reason many counselors or professionals within that spectrum discourage online counseling is because of the ethical implications. The code of ethics was created to protect the client and give professional counselors guidelines to which they must practice. Anything outside of that umbrella can become a liability. However because online counseling does exist, the APA code of ethics has to conform to the demands of clients. Although online professionals should uphold the ethical code, clients have no real evidence that they are doing so because of the lack of an interpersonal relationship. Clients who seek counsel online, do this at their own risk.

Trust and Accountability. “The bond between counselor and client is a central value in counseling ethics. (D.Cohen & S.Cohen, 1999).” To obtain the right to counsel a client you must have their trust, and trust is built in a ongoing relationship. One of the big arguments for those who support online counseling is that, you don’t need to form a relationship to counsel. A client can easily expel information to a stranger and not worry about first meeting anxiety, projection or the anxiety of ending a professional relationship. These of course are valid reasons why a therapeutic relationship is not necessary. But let us consider the fact that clients who receive counsel online can also experience anxiety and severe psychological projection because he or she does not know if the counselor is truly empathetic. The fundamental reasoning as to why a online counseling will always fall short is trust and accountability. “Among the virtues that amplify trustworthiness are honesty and competence (D.Cohen & S.Cohen, 1999)”. A client should be able to know the credentials of the person who is counseling them whether over the internet or in person. Trust within a therapeutic relationship is important not only so the client can share information, but for the mere fact that clients need to know that the counselor is qualified and competent. In 2000 research done by Vandenbos and Williams (2000)suggest that , “ only 2% of practicing psychologists had used online synchronous chat to conduct individual psychotherapy, with another 8.4% having used other, non-telephone modes of delivery, such as e-mail.(Rummell & Joyce, 2010.p.484)” There is a reason why such a small amount of professionals are using the option of online counseling, there is a lack of protection. The ethical codes clearly guide traditional counselors giving them the gaining trust because there are clear guidelines on what the therapeutic relationship should entail. Online counseling does not have a clear guideline, yes they are supposed to adhere to the code of ethics but no one really holds them accountable for misconduct. “It seems that the APA has taken the stand that Internet counseling should be subsumed under the current code with no guidance how to ensure informed consent, competence, or other ethical concerns in the online environment. Such a situation may allude to why so few psychologists have ventured into the field of Internet counseling (Rummell &Joyce, 2010)”. We are now beginning to understand that online counselors have no real accountability towards their clients. Without specific guidelines clients give out information at their own risk. Another reason trust and accountability are important is because the lack of accountability, meaning how you can reach this person in case of an emergency, what are the hours of operation, what are the billing procedures, and terminating a session are all factors of accountability. Trust between a counselor and client is knowing that the counselor will follow through with his agreement. With no real concept of these two important aspects, online counselors can cause more harm to someone who may have a serious mental health issue.

Confidentiality. As mentioned before, if no one is really holding online counselors accountable how do we know that confidentiality is being administered. Confidentiality should be automatically provided for those who enter into a counseling relationship. The counselor verbally explains to his or her clients that what is said in that session will be kept confidential unless the counselors believes the client intends to harm himself or others. Within the confines of that office what is being said does not leave the office. However there are no confines for online counseling and clients can never be confident in knowing that counselor is who they say they are, and that no one else reads what is being written. Complete confidentiality is impossible. Many online counseling users are not aware that the internet in some cases is a free for all. “ Emails and other transmissions can be intercepted by third parties if the transmission is not from an encrypted or secure site (Glossbrenner, 1990). In 1999 the APA, administered specific guidelines for online counseling services. These

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