Qualitative analysis of university counselors’ online counseling experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to reflect on counselors’ experiences and the adaptation processes in university counseling centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, 15 counselors and psychologists working at different counseling centers were reached and interviewed. Thematic analysis showed that participants had to adapt to changes brought by the pandemic to continue their services. The adaptation of counseling centers to online practices showed differences according to administrative decisions and technical capacities. As a result of the urgent need to continue providing psychological help, participants moved to online practices, which caused professional and social life changes. Participant attitudes to online counseling were mainly positive. Since students had to move back to their family homes during the pandemic, limited confidentiality was the main problem aside from technological glitches in online sessions. Counselors encountered personal and professional challenges as a result of the ongoing counseling sessions and listed the self-care activities they used.

Evaluation of Online Counseling through the Working Experiences of Mental Health Therapists Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Consistent with other studies, divergent opinions on establishing a therapeutic relationship online were found in our results. Some believe that the development of a therapeutic relationship is hampered or prevented by distance [14,34,[36][37][38]. Nonetheless, other therapists disagree, arguing that internet counseling fosters a positive therapeutic alliance [7].…”

The work of college counseling centers in the early 21st century.

“…For example, most distance learners did not have access to mental health services prior to the pandemic unless they were able to engage in person. Another benefit is that the time spent and need for transportation to the counseling center were eliminated and relatedly, there were fewer no shows and cancelations (Tuna & Avci, 2023). Beyond in-house clinical services, college counseling centers invested in other remote services including online mental health screening tools, wellness apps, third-party online therapy vendors, online self-help resources, and virtual peer support chat platforms (Gorman et al, 2021).…”

Examining the Technical Issues in Teletherapy for Children with Developmental Delays

“…Previous scholars who studied the topic of confidentiality highlighted its importance '' (Tuna & Avci, 2023). Tuna and Avci further added that a lack of private space was one of the reasons why therapists and patients later abandoned online sessions.…”

“…When telehealth has gained universal acceptance and is incorporated into the usual workflow of a field with extensive clinical standards, only then can it be said to have achieved its effectiveness (Mars & Scott, 2017). Effectivity in telehealth programs might be aided by many things, two of them are the advantages of technology and the ability to outperform competitors by capturing a larger proportion of the market for prospective consumers' (Velayati et al, 2021). However, when considering the findings in this study which indicated the low interest and satisfaction of therapists and the status of teletherapy which is still in its early development, this success is still a long and winding road.…”