ABSTRACT
Some recent developments are, however, worth pinning down on the basis that, first, they are consumer driven: clients are sending us emails and asking for help. What is the evidence that we can offer a therapeutic relationship online? Second, some of the fundamental concerns raised by practitioners will be under discussion long after we’ve moved from text-based (typed) computer-mediated correspondence with clients to voice-activated correspondence and beyond. For example:
• Is it counselling? • Can we guarantee confidentiality? • Is it cheaper for providers and clients than face-to-face counselling? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of a text-based ‘virtual’
relationship for counsellors and clients? • What is the evidence for the efficacy of this form of helping?
