How to provide counselling and Psychotherapy in the digital space
The lockdown experiences resulting from the global COVID pandemic catalysed the delivery of therapy into the online space on a mass scale. This has finally given more access to clients who, for many reasons, find working in-person and indeed engaging a therapist, difficult or even impossible. Counselling agencies around the country are realising that those “hard to engage” clients are not only engaging now but are remaining engaged through the digital space.
What could possibly go wrong? It’s just the same as in-person, right? The answer to those questions is “A lot” and “No”: it’s not the same therapeutic environment, it’s different. As therapists we need to think through how to provide an online service safely and ethically, mitigating risk through sound clear contracting. The online phenomenon of the disinhibition effect is another major factor which distinguishes the online environment from the in-person therapeutic environment. Many past participants of this course state that all therapists working or intending to work in the on-line space need to do this course.
“…the online space doesn’t become therapeutic on its own, but through the ongoing work of the therapist in building a welcoming, safe container for growth, where therapy can take place. While there are similarities to in-person work the online space is uniquely different.”
Amber Reyne, June 2022 participant
In this four-part dynamic and interactive training learn more about the nuances of how to use digital technology in your work as a therapist. Work out your limits and boundaries as well as new possibilities for clients to access the support they need. Decide how you choose to establish the way you work therapeutically in the on-line environment, how to contract for this unique therapeutic environment and which modes of delivery fit with your therapeutic style. Participants will experience the on-line environment firsthand exploring the issues and differences that arise, such as:
- the benefits and challenges of the on-line therapeutic space
- how boundaries, modalities and strategies are impacted
- how to facilitate group work and supervision
- ethical considerations and necessary contracting for positive client outcomes in the digital space.
- professionally network, learn from other’s and share your knowledge in break out rooms
Participants will be asked to undertake compulsory reflective questions in order to solidify the learning outcomes and to successfully complete the course. Participants will also need to attend a minimum of 3 out of 4 sessions.
*Attendance at Session 1 is Mandatory to complete this course successfully. If you cannot attend Session 1 you will need to book into a later Course.*
This is a eight-hour online course which covers the following areas via 4 x 2 hour interactive webinar sessions from 3:00pm-5:00pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
3-5pm Tuesday 4th April
3-5pm Tuesday 11th April
3-5pm Tuesday 18th April
3-5pm Tuesday 2nd May
Trainer: Fiona Griffith
Fiona Griffith is a Clinical Counsellor and accredited Supervisor. She works with a wide range of clients and as Supervisor, has a particular interest in supporting Counsellors in educational settings. Originally an English Teacher, Fiona went on to teach in the counselling post graduate program at the University of South Australia in Adelaide, Hong Kong and Singapore until 2010. Fiona designs and facilitates professional development for counsellors, other therapists and supervisors using an experiential and collegial framework. Fiona was the deputy convener of the PACFA College of Counselling Leadership Group for several years and was on the board and secretary of AAOS.
Members $260 (inc. GST) for PACFA members
Non-member $320 (inc. GST).
The course counts as 8 hours of Category A CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
Event Cancellations
Customers seeking to cancel their registration more than 5 working days (for courses) and 48 hours (for webinars) prior to the event date may request a credit to be applied to their account. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Cancellations made with less notice than this are non-refundable or exchangeable. Credits will be accessible through the PACFA Portal and are valid for up to a year from the purchase date. This policy is at the discretion of PACFA and may change.