Journal article
The Ethical Issues which must be addressed in online counselling
Australian Counselling Research Journal, Vol.11(1), pp.1-15
2017
Abstract
Advocates of internet-based counselling cite benefits such as cost effectiveness, relative anonymity, immediacy, increased access, easy self-disclosure, and convenience for clients with mobility and transportation issues (Deardorff, 2010). However, this article uses the research emerging within the profession to discuss a range of ethical issues which must be considered in order to develop best practice. Such issues involve the inability to utilize non-verbal cues as part of treatment; potential threats to confidentiality and privacy the unsuitability of particular client groups for online counselling; difficulties maintaining professional boundaries. Several other issues are also outlined in this article. Guidelines recommend that as a minimum standard, there are several topics must be addressed within the informed consent process, including items such as possible advantages and disadvantages of online therapy, encryption; file storage procedures; privacy policy; the practitioner's geographical jurisdiction.
Details
- Title
- The Ethical Issues which must be addressed in online counselling
- Authors
- Julie Bolton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
- Publication details
- Australian Counselling Research Journal, Vol.11(1), pp.1-15
- Publisher
- Australian Counselling Association
- Date published
- 2017
- ISSN
- 1832-1135
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450783202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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