Online counselling is a boon for modern mankind, thanks to technology. Though technology has been held responsible for some of the problems being faced by mankind, it is the same technology that has become a tool for providing professional counselling services to people. Online counselling, an example of optimum utilization of technology, allows people to use counselling services from any corner of the world; saves time and ensures the same anonymity as provided by face-to-face counselling. An understanding of the nature, process and importance of counselling is warranted before an examination of the significance of online counselling.

Counselling

Counselling is a form of talk between a client (person seeking help) and the counsellor (the person providing professional psychological services). Counselling is a discussion about the problems faced by the client and is aimed at finding solutions and helping the client cope with the associated stress.

Counselling begins with the wish or intent of the client to seek help for the problem(s) that were not resolved either by self or with the help of family members, friends or co-workers. The client then asks the counsellor to provide time and space to share feelings and experiences and find solutions to the problems. The counsellor builds a relationship that provides the client an opportunity to speak without inhibitions and confidentiality is assured. The client is allowed to voice his/her experiences and feelings that have been silenced. The counsellor sets aside his/her own needs or positions on issues brought by the client,