Cybercounseling Online: The Development of a University-Based Training Program for E-mail Counseling

ABSTRACT

The development of a university-based cybercounseling certificate program through the continuing education department of a graduate faculty of social work is described. This web-based program consists of two levels: introductory and advanced, and offers experienced face-to-face counselors training in an asynchronous, e-mail form of cybercounseling. Ethical issues such as cross-jurisdictional concerns, client appropriateness, and counselor insurance are discussed. A system developed to provide online e-mail security through web-based access and encryption is highlighted. Several techniques for e-mail counseling such as presence, and spacing and pacing are discussed and illustrated. Demographics of learners and feedback from graduates are presented and lessons learned are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Cybercounseling
• e-mail counseling
• etherapy
• online therapy
• training

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lawrence Murphy

Lawrence Murphy, MA, is Director of Training, Worldwide Therapy Online, Inc.

Robert MacFadden

Robert MacFadden, PhD, Associate Professor, is Director, Continuing Education Factor–Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.

Dan Mitchell

Daniel Mitchell, MA, is President of Worldwide Therapy Online, Inc.