Transformative online groupwork in a large not-for-profit organisation in Australia

Community services groupwork significantly changed throughout COVID-19 due to the use of online practice. Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW), a relationship and counselling service in NSW Australia, found that the same level of client feedback and outcomes were achieved using online groupwork as compared to in-person groupwork. Often the problems with online groupwork occur when practitioners use the same skills as those commonly used in a webinar. An engaging group space is created when cameras are continually used, everyone is always unmuted, and strong interpersonal links and connections are facilitated between the participants. In online groupwork, there is a greater expression of disinhibition. While this may be problematic, it also presents a greater reflective space for change. This article reviews what is online groupwork, and the processes and techniques used to ensure that online groupwork delivers similar results as in-person practice. It is then the client’s choice as to what mode of service delivery is the most useful and beneficial to them.