What is the theory behind this Online Therapy Worksheet?

The use of current technology to conduct psychotherapy has recently become a popular practice. Owing to the recent COVID pandemic situation, it was considered the most feasible option considering the circumstances. However, there are certain guidelines that must be followed by therapists and counsellors to ensure their clients can receive an equally ethical experience of therapy from the comfort of their homes  

How will the worksheet help?

The worksheet will help provide a summarised version of some important guidelines for using technology to conduct online therapy sessions. It can help therapists and counsellors to evaluate and review their practices and make any necessary changes. 

How to use the worksheet

Read through the guidelines and use them as a checklist to review your own practices. It can also be used as an introductory worksheet to online therapy for mental health professionals who are planning to venture in this area. 

Online Therapy Worksheet

• Following are the modes of technology that can be used for therapy: (It is important that you are using a facility that is readily available to you and you have a good command over it)

• Telephone (any form)
• Video Conference
• Video Recording that is shared with a supervisor
• Text messages
• Emails
• Live supervision via video call of an in-office session

• Things that the informed consent must include:

• Issues regarding confidentiality of sessions and related data
• Protocols in case of technical issues
• Benefits and risks of using the chosen technology
• How online sessions will differ from an in-office session – Make sure client understand the limitations of using technology
• A plan for a mental health emergency crisis

• Some important things to consider:

• Make sure the technology you are using is password protected and secured with no risk of privacy breach issues
• There should be a backup plan in place for any technological issues
• Make sure a secure WiFi connection is being used
• Make sure your internet speed is good enough to minimise any connectivity issues
• Use of headphones (if applicable) will ensure good audio quality
• Make calls or video chats in a secured room. 
• In case of exchange of text messages or emails, therapist must be well equipped with identifying and understanding subtle cues that may be portrayed in the clients writing style
• Use encryption software where applicable to maintain privacy
• Proper protocol must be in place for storing, archiving and destroying recordings or messages

References

Schell, D (2019) Guidelines for the Uses of Technology in Counselling & Psychotherapy. Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. 

You can download this worksheet here.