Why Online Relationship Counselling Fails? Must Read Article

When you decide to meet an expert to resolve your relationship pitfalls, rejuvenate your marriage and bring emotional wellbeing to your family, you may search the web to find an ideal counsellor and counselling model. There you may find endless online counselling options along with options for physically meeting a real counsellor.

There are many online counselling options available on the internet; some offers online interaction with experienced counsellors and some offers very cheap fees that looks lucrative for the first time counselling experience. So what mode of counselling you should decide? When should you go for online counselling over meeting a counsellor in person? 

Today Delhi’s eminent psychologist and Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares important insight on online counselling.

Counsellor Shivani shares that many times, counsellors offer online counselling at a reduced price with privacy and secrecy for client information. But irrespective of price and location advantage, online counselling has really not beaten face to face therapy across the world – still physical meeting with a counsellor is considered a top choice far and wide. This is because of the following reasons:-

1.       Absence of verbal and nonverbal cues

There is an absence of verbal and non-verbal cues in video chat counselling. Human beings in general use just 7% of words in their communications rest it’s comprised of 55% of body language and 38% tone of voice. Hence limitation of a person’s visibility on a computer or mobile screen, an electronic voice that’s clarity is dependent on network connection; limited audibility of voice tone on different devices– limits the success rate of counselling. Hence when it’s a matter of relationship that is so important for you it is advisable that if you are not staying in a remote location, try to meet the counsellor in person.

2.       Confidentiality and security

Mental health practitioners have an ethical responsibility to protect and maintain the confidentiality of their clients. In the era of malware, computer viruses, data stealing, hacking and online blackmailing, online therapy can put the security of the client's records and information in jeopardy and confidentiality is at greater risk of being inappropriately breached given the written nature of the medium.

Although most sites strive to have security systems to protect confidentiality, it is as good as the latest version of the security software used. Practitioners will have to continuously upgrade their technology to prevent security cleft.

3.       Poor success rate

Professionals and laypeople alike have continuously questioned the effectiveness of online therapeutic interventions. There is currently little research supporting the lack of effectiveness of counselling that is provided solely through such a medium. The lack of face-to-face interaction could increase the risk of misdiagnosis by the therapist. Because of this, online therapy is currently deemed inappropriate for diagnosis of clinical issues.

4.       Technological difficulties

It is not unusual for computers to fail and internet connections to falter. For example, those who live in far-flung areas may have less than perfect network connection that drops out regularly or there is always the possibility of software crash/hanging. The ability to benefit from online therapy is also partly determined by the client's computer & mobile skills and knowledge, especially if the communication setting involves installing and learning new software and/or hardware. This may disrupt the session and can potentially be distressing for the client.