Citation

Harrison L, Wright J. Br. J. Guid. Couns. 2020; 48(4): 576-591.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03069885.2020.1742873

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this study, we attempt to provide an understanding of the experiences of four UK-based person-centred counsellors working with suicidal clients online using text-based therapies and the impact of their clients' suicidal ideation upon their "way of being". The counsellors were selected purposively; each was working as a person-centred counsellor online, was encountering suicidal ideation in their clients, and was a member of a professional organisation. A narrative approach was taken, using unstructured interviews and a stanza format of representation. We found that participants had developed a way of being online that may be distinct from their in-person practice. Challenges included being more directive, lacking physical presence, lacking confidence in assessing risk and questions about empathic understanding. Working online with risk raises specific challenges for person-centred practitioners in line with what is indicated in the little relevant research currently already available. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; “way of being”; online counselling; Person-centred; text-based therapy