Setting up an online counselling service

• By Nicola Higgins

Working within Ethical Frameworks

• As a practicing counsellor online it is important to work within an ethical framework for the safety of your clients, yourself and your practice.

• I have chosen to use two guidelines for working online to ensure I work ethically and safely with my online clients and supervisor.

• These are the BACP’s ‘Guidelines for online counselling and psychotherapy 3rd Edition’ and also the ‘Professional conduct and code of ethics set out by ACTO – the association for counselling and therapy online’.

Equipment for online work• When thinking of the equipment needed to set up an

online counselling service it may be useful to consider:• Have a computer in a private area where there will be no

other users or distractions while working online• Have a high level of security on your computer including

password protection, encryption and anti virus software.• Consider a portable hard disk drive to store and secure

any information regarding your ongoing work.

Know Your Limits TechnicallyBe aware of your own proficiency in

working online.Are you capable of helping a client

who does not have good online skills?

Can you keep up with a client who is technically minded and can confidently use online resources and language?

Do you know what to do if there is a technical fault, have you got a back up plan?

Know Your Limits Ethically• It is important to start any online (and

face to face) counselling with a good contract which clearly states what you are able to offer and how you work.

• Have regular supervision and maintain regular training and development within online counselling.

• Do you have the ability to assess a client’s suitability for online counselling?

• Are there issues you may or will not be comfortable working with online?

Ways to work online• Synchronous (eg. live msn sessions)• Asynchronous (email exchanges)• Use of Smiley’s and emoticons• 2nd life (virtual world)• Drawings online using whiteboard• Abbreviations and text language• Colour, size and font of text• Can be used to compliment as well as replace

face to face counselling

Where to Practice• Locally, to compliment face to face counselling within a

setting and/or practice• Nationally, within your own country or state (non UK

practitioners)• Internationally, open to all who are open to access

counselling on the world wide web• Research of the legal requirements for chosen way of

working online is important before setting up an online counselling service.

Thank You• Although there is more

information I would like to provide for you on setting up an online practice, I feel that this presentation provides you with a good foundation in which to choose your own way of building a future online service.