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ABSTRACT
In this study, we attempt to provide an understanding of the experiences of four UK-based person-centred counsellors working with suicidal clients online using text-based therapies and the impact of their clients’ suicidal ideation upon their “way of being”. The counsellors were selected purposively; each was working as a person-centred counsellor online, was encountering suicidal ideation in their clients, and was a member of a professional organisation. A narrative approach was taken, using unstructured interviews and a stanza format of representation. We found that participants had developed a way of being online that may be distinct from their in-person practice. Challenges included being more directive, lacking physical presence, lacking confidence in assessing risk and questions about empathic understanding. Working online with risk raises specific challenges for person-centred practitioners in line with what is indicated in the little relevant research currently already available.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes on contributors
Liz Harrison is a person-centred counsellor and Manager of the National Helpline and Online Support Services for Safeline in Warwickshire, UK. She conducted this research as part of her BA (Hons) degree in Person-centred Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Warwick, UK.
Jeannie Wright was the research supervisor for this study and is now an Associate Professor at the University of Malta, Malta. She has practised, researched and written widely on expressive and reflective writing and online text-based therapy.