A qualitative investigation into the online counselling relationship: To meet or not to meet, that is the question

Abstract

Background and aim: Online counselling, as a psychotherapeutic approach, provokes debate amongst practitioners and researchers concerning its efficacy and validity. This reflexive study extends existing research into the nature of the online counselling relationship when it is conducted asynchronously (by email) and explores the possibility this approach may facilitate both online and face-to-face therapeutic engagement. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted electronically with ten former email counselling clients of a university counselling service and six counsellors delivering email counselling in other higher education settings, to explore, in depth, their experiences of the online therapeutic relationship and its impact on the counselling process and outcomes. These were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: Four areas of focus emerged relating to: (1) the importance of the structure and processes involved; (2) their impact on thinking and feeling; (3) their impact on self and relationships (within and outside counselling), and (4) changes that followed email counselling. Having ‘time to think’ within the asynchronous exchanges, the anonymity and disinhibition afforded by the online medium, the creation of transitional space and the rich use of metaphor, visualisation and imagery all contributed to a sense of empowerment and relational depth for individuals who might have otherwise avoided seeking help. This led to positive change in many cases and for some, facilitated subsequent face-to-face counselling. Implications: The findings support the provision of counselling and therapy online and particularly its integration within existing face-to-face services.

Keywords:

• online counselling
• email
• therapeutic relationship
• interpretative phenomenological analysis
• higher education
• students

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a BACP Seed Corn Funding Research Grant, which enabled me to take time out from my client workload to carry out the research. My grateful thanks go to all participants who generously and courageously gave such detailed information about their experiences. I would also like to thank all my colleagues for their help and encouragement and academic staff at the University of Brighton where the research dissertation formed part of my Masters degree in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.