A descriptive study of e‐counsellor attitudes, ethics, and practice

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine questions related to the process, perceived outcomes, and ethics of therapists who provide counselling and therapy online. Method: An online survey was conducted (N=93) with identified e‐counsellors with at least a Master's Degree. Questions included demographic information and Likert‐type scales related to extent of practice, theoretical orientation, training and supervision, attitudes about appropriate practice, referral, legal and ethical issues, practice difficulties, and therapist satisfaction. Results: Overall, e‐counsellors are satisfied with their practice and believe it is effective. They generally do not have formal training or supervision in online practice. Current e‐counselling appears to be a part‐time, supplemental practice with little overlap to FTF practice. There was little agreement among respondents on attitudes, practice, ethical issues, and knowledge of regulations related to e‐counselling. Discussion: Lack of consensus about ethical obligations and practice suggest the need for formal training in e‐counselling by professional programmes and international cooperation in formulating practice ethics. Areas for further research are discussed.

Social Work, Technology, and Ethical Practices: A Review and Evaluation of the National Association of Social Workers’ Technology Standards

“…As such, although ethical online social workers are expected 818 A. Lopez to follow these standards of treatment, at this time, there is really no way to enforce them. Reviews of e-therapy sites and surveys of online counselors demonstrate that while some practitioners are attempting to follow ethical guidelines, there are those who are not (Finn & Barak, 2010;Santhiveeran, 2009, Shaw & Shaw, 2006. Despite the fact that there is little way to enforce these standards, they do offer guidelines to those who want to implement these practices in an ethical and appropriate manner.…”

“…Beyond basic skills regarding technology, many clinicians are not directly trained in e-therapy methods. In fact, very few practitioners have had any training specific to online counseling (Finn & Barak, 2010). There should not be an assumption that therapeutic competence automatically translates to technology mediated communications.…”

Psicoterapia pela Internet: viável ou inviável?

“…Todavia, não se sabe como essas abordagens são utilizadas ou modificadas no ambiente virtual (Finn & Barak, 2010). A maior parte dos estudos investiga a efetividade de terapias cognitivo-comportamentais (TCC) online.…”

Aspectos éticos das intervenções psicológicas online no Brasil: Situação atual e desafios

“…A formação em atendimento on-line ainda é incipiente no Brasil e em outros países. Um levantamento realizado nos Estados Unidos mostrou que 94% dos 93 e-counsellors que responderam à pesquisa não tiveram treinamento para atender pela internet e 56% não realizavam qualquer tipo de supervisão para esta prática (Finn & Barak, 2010). Também se reconhece a necessidade de gerar parâmetros para o treinamento de psicólogos que desejam realizar orientação psicológica e/ou terapia on-line, uma vez que elas exigem alguns conhecimentos e técnicas específicas relacionadas ao uso de mídias digitais Suler, 2002).…”