Ethical issues in internet counselling

This paper examines the advantages and difficulties associated with using the internet as a communication medium for counselling. Access to the internet is increasing rapidly and counselling services are starting to be offered to clients. Such services may be particularly attractive to clients who may not be able to find such services locally. The disadvantages of using the internet for counselling include the loss of the non-verbal communication level. The paper addresses the ethical implications of counselling in this medium. It concludes that there is a need for more guidelines in professional codes of practice.