Guidance Across Mediums: Navigating the Nuances of Online vs In-Person Counselling for Schools
As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, professionals across various fields were forced to adapt to the virtual realm, including counsellors. While the transition to online counselling ensured continuity of services, it also brought to light the distinct differences between this medium and the traditional in-person approach. Contrary to the belief that online counselling is 'just the same,' there are significant factors that set these two modalities apart, demanding careful consideration and tailored strategies.
The Disinhibition Effect: Navigating Virtual Spaces
One of the most notable differences between in-person and online counselling lies in the phenomenon known as the 'disinhibition effect.' In the virtual realm, individuals may experience a sense of distance or detachment, leading them to express themselves more freely or even engage in behaviours they would typically refrain from in a physical setting. While this effect can potentially facilitate greater openness and vulnerability, it also carries risks, such as the escalation of emotional intensity or the expression of harmful thoughts or actions.
As counsellors operating in the online space, it is imperative to anticipate and address the disinhibition effect proactively. Establishing clear boundaries, maintaining professionalism, and fostering a safe and supportive environment are crucial to mitigating potential risks and ensuring the well-being of both the client and the counsellor.
Safety First: Contingency Planning for Dysregulation
In the context of in-person counselling, counsellors have the advantage of physical proximity, enabling them to respond promptly and effectively to situations where a client experiences emotional dysregulation or distress. However, in the online setting, this immediate response is hindered by the virtual barrier, necessitating the development of safety plans tailored to the unique challenges of remote counselling. Counsellors must collaborate with clients to establish contingency plans that outline specific steps to be taken in the event of emotional escalation or crisis. These plans may include identifying local support systems, emergency contacts, or crisis intervention resources that can be readily accessed. Additionally, counsellors must be prepared to guide clients through grounding techniques or other coping strategies to promote emotional regulation within the virtual space.
Creating a Safe Haven: The Client's Environment
While in-person counselling typically takes place in a controlled and dedicated therapeutic environment, online counselling introduces a significant variable – the client's personal space. The physical surroundings in which a client engages in online counselling can greatly influence their sense of safety, privacy, and overall therapeutic experience.
As counsellors, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of creating a secure and comfortable space for clients during online sessions. This may involve providing guidance on selecting a quiet and private location, minimising distractions, and ensuring adequate technological resources. By empowering clients to establish their own therapeutic haven, counsellors can foster a more conducive environment for meaningful exploration and growth.
Co-regulation in the Face of Adversity
One of the most significant challenges of online counselling lies in the ability to establish and maintain co-regulation – the synchronisation of emotional states between the counsellor and the client. In in-person settings, counsellors can rely on a multitude of non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, to gauge a client's emotional state and respond accordingly. However, in the virtual realm, these cues may be obscured or lost altogether, making it more difficult to achieve co-regulation.
To address this challenge, counsellors develop heightened attunement and sensitivity to subtle verbal and non-verbal cues that may be present in the online environment. Additionally, they actively encourage clients to verbalise their emotional experiences and provide feedback on their perception of the therapeutic rapport. By fostering open communication and actively working towards co-regulation, counsellors can bridge the gap created by the virtual medium and provide a more holistic and effective therapeutic experience.
Conclusion
While the transition to online counselling has undoubtedly enabled the continuation of vital services during challenging times, it is crucial to recognise and address the fundamental differences between this modality and traditional in-person counselling. By acknowledging the disinhibition effect, implementing robust safety plans, guiding clients in creating safe therapeutic spaces, and actively working towards co-regulation, counsellors can navigate the unique challenges of the virtual realm and ensure the delivery of high-quality, effective support for their clients.