ABSTRACT
Introduction The new and developing field of online therapeutic work presents exciting new possibilities and challenges to practitioners. Yet, given the ever-changing nature of communication technology, it seems likely that definitive descriptions of the method will elude us. Hardware and software continue to become ever more sophisticated and new information technology solutions to communication barriers continually emerge. Along with exciting challenges and possibilities comes the potential for new and increased risk for clients, not to mention pitfalls for practitioners. It is a seriously under-researched field even at the time of writing in October 2003, although small-scale studies continue to emerge. Yet it seems that, despite the appropriate caution shown by the counselling and psychotherapy profession, increasing numbers of clients are willing to embrace this new method of communication for gaining psychological assistance, a phenomenon which seems likely to increase as future generations become more at ease with technology being part of their everyday lives.
