Online counselling as the delivery of therapeutic and counselling interventions using technology has grown exponentially in recent years. Since COVID-19, the virtual delivery of many services has been on the rise, and because of the increased use and reliance on technology for online therapy, the ethical risks and benefits need to be known by the practitioners. There is a growing number of clients who seek online psychotherapy and therefore the therapists must then consider the related ethical issues. Whereas online counselling has grown and is in use by many people, counselling practitioners were trained mostly in the traditional methods of therapy that involved primarily face to face interventions. This means that there is a need for training, orientation and development of practitioners to adapt effectively to this mode of intervention. Although there are benefits such as convenience, accessibility and flexibility among others, there are also ethical issues that need to be considered in the practice of online counselling. Practitioners should know that online counselling presents both challenges and innovative opportunities. The workshop will highlight the benefits of online therapy as well as reflect on the ethical risks and issues and how to implement ethical online psychotherapy.

NB: The attainment of CEUs or CPD points does not license any professional to practise outside of their scope or competency. CPD training is intended to broaden the knowledge of professionals and does not constitute professional training. The responsibility to practise within their relevant scope remains with the professional, regardless of what CPD training they attend.