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Published in:
2016 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
Counselling in Online Environments
Authors : Rachel Harrad, Nick Banks
Published in: Applied Cyberpsychology
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
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The Internet is no longer regarded as a world separate to our physical existence, but rather exists more as part of individuals’ everyday lives as a method to interact with others (Wellman & Haythornthwaite, 2002). The Internet has changed the way individuals obtain information, explore, and expand relationships with others in ways not contemplated until relatively recently (Skinner & Zack, 2004). It is being explored for both legitimate professional and charlatan therapies by practitioners, potential practitioners, clients, and conmen alike. One feature of the Internet that has developed in recent times is that of online counselling (Mallen et al., 2011). It is therefore important to consider academic theory and research in relation to online counselling methods to help further our understanding of the possible effectiveness of online therapies, and the factors that impact this effectiveness in order for clients to gain the best clinical outcomes.