Developing youth-friendly online counselling services in the United Kingdom: A small scale investigation into the views of practitioners

Abstract

This study focused upon the development of online counselling services for young people in the UK. It used online forums to host an asynchronous focus group with the intention of bringing together the views of a small sample of counsellors and counsellors in training regarding the subject matter. The focus group lasted a one-month period and initiated 10 threads of discussion and received 41 message postings. These dialogues were analysed using a Grounded Theory approach. Findings suggested that although there is a great potential for offering therapy in this medium, services need to be appropriately regulated and good practice promoted. Issues around where the parameters of regulation should lie are discussed and recommendations for the minimum requirements of training or experience that counsellors working in this field should possess are made.

Keywords:

• Internet
• online
• counselling
• adolescents
• counsellors' views
• best evidence based practice

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to Jo Ames, Kate Anthony, Maria Hackett, Cathy Lees, Rosina Morrison, Gareth Williams and all the others who have been involved and supported this study.