NAVIGATING ONLINE PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING: INSIGHTS FROM PROSPECTIVE COUNSELORS ON CHALLENGES, BENEFITS, AND TRAINING GAPS

Authors : S. Burcu Özgülük Üçok, Merih Uğurel Kamışlı, Özlem Erden-başaran, Hilal Seda Yıldız, Zehra Yeler

Pages : 1305-1321

Doi:10.35379/cusosbil.1613702

View : 145 | Download : 440

Publication Date : 2025-10-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Online counseling has become a popular method for providing mental health services with the integration of technology into our everyday lives. Despite the fact that it offers many opportunities, it has also brought certain challenges. This qualitative exploratory case study research aimed to gather in-depth perspectives of 23 prospective counselors (aged between 20-32; 20 women and 3 men) on online psychological counseling via focus group meetings through the use of the Tricky Topics (TTs) technique. Initially, group interviews were conducted. The data collected from concept maps, audio recordings, and behavioral observations during these group sessions were analyzed by the researchers. Communication, technology, ethics, education, and environment were the five themes that emerged from the content analysis of the data. The discussion focuses on the implications and recommendations improving psychological counseling and guidance program curricula in order to facilitate effective online counseling practices and client experiences.
Keywords : Çevrimiçi psikolojik danışma, Etik, Teknoloji, Terapötik ilişki, Zor konular tekniği

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