Thoughts on online "counseling" website - "7 Cups of Tea"

[psych0000]

Do any users have experience with / opinions on the website 7 Cups of Tea, or other similar free or for-fee online counseling websites? Part of me wants to get involved in something like this, and the other part of me is inferring that it could hurt the reputation of the psychology profession (I am an aspiring grad student, no formal clinical training) and is perhaps unethical to label this kind of active listening service as counseling.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3026967/...ontroversial-mission-to-revolutionize-therapy

I''m interested to hear what this forum thinks -- the good and the bad

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[Justanothergrad]

My thoughts on them.

1. Without personal information, I question how effective interventions can be in high risk cases. If something does go wrong (e.g., the person identifies suicidal or homicidal risk), I would not want to be part of any service where I am unable to take all needed steps to keep someone safe. The ability to have services that focus on provision using the internet does not need to be like this, in my mind. Tele-medicine can open all sorts of doors for readily available service using qualified professionals in rural, under-serviced areas. This is difficult with anonymous services in my mind.

2. There is some emphasis on making sure those talking to the individuals (those that I assume are in need of actual clinical services) are working to minimize harm. Risk occurs when people are not able to give good, scientifically based support (note, not advice on scientific practice but training on rapport and support). It is also a problem when they are not aware of the potential pit-falls, such as their own reactance. An intention to do good is not a guarantee that it will be done. It concerns me whenever someone without training is working with someone with actual need. As with any suicide line or what-have-you, I would be curious to know more about the training models that the folks are getting to help make sure they are providing strong supports with minimal risks. With CEU's as bad as they are, I suspect not all training is up to snuff.

3. I'm all about the idea of increased social support networks as well as wider utilization of the internet as a medium for doing so. I dislike calling that services "counseling". That does a disservice to the public because it conflates what psychology does by emphasizing EST/EBP with non-directive support, which is what these sites offer from all that I've ever seen.

If you are interested in getting involved in something, I would encourage something with a physical space and location.

 

[Aestheticism]

I actually signed-up for this my freshman year in college (Fall 2014) and I did speak with lots of people on there with issues.. I spoke to a girl that was depressed from her appearance, and another one where she had family issues.. I do agree with the post above about not wanting to be apart of some suicidal incident. I think it helps you practice talking to other people and become more aware of other issues that go on. It is overwhelming because it is ALOT of people on there but it was rewarding. Right now, I just stick to counseling my friends and classmates LOL and signing up for psychology associations.

 

[Justanothergrad]

My concern would be that although you are getting practice, you may not be getting practice at the right skills. I suspect you get very little feedback (if any) making it hard to ensure you are building the most helpful practice habits even as a supportive listener.

Can you tell me a bit more about training, support, etc that they offer you as a listener? I'm curious what it's like from that end

 

[Aestheticism]

Well by practice I meant for yourself. I don't remember that the company did any training honestly. Now that I am thinking about it (As I am older), the website could be very dangerous. They do not do background checks, I don't remember answering any questions based on my interests, educational background, or such. My memory is a bit foggy because it was a while ago but I do think they give some type of certificate for having lots of positive feedback and reviews.

 

[deleted343839]

If you find you're not cut out to be a professional listener, you could always try the cuddling trade...

http://www.certifiedcuddlers.com/

 

[CheetahGirl]

For anyone interested in pursing doctoral studies, psychologists working with patients also abide by the hippocratic oath ('above all do no harm').

If you open a wound (albeit, an emotional wound) and do not close it up properly or attend to it in an effective, safe manner, the wound will fester, could lead to sepsis, and eventual death. I am being dramatic, but the reason I advocate for some volunteer programs (usually ones that are city/state approved) is because the training is solid. And when you enlist in one of these "legitimately state-certified agencies (not saying they are all great, but there are checks & balances), you get on-going support, sometimes clinical coddling - which is necessary without the formal training.

I would err against personal involvement. Too risky. Sure, someone has to help the users, but I hope they could reach out for more appropriate services once they realize they are speaking with someone with no formal training.

 

[WisNeuro]

Not the Hippocratic Oath, we have our own, more rigorous code of ethics, although some in the APA have chosen to forgo it. I think we're covered under the general principles, probably Beneficence and Nonmaleficence in this case.

 

[CheetahGirl]

This is what I meant to say...😉

Not the Hippocratic Oath, we have our own, more rigorous code of ethics, although some in the APA have chosen to forgo it. I think we're covered under the general principles, probably Beneficence and Nonmaleficence in this case.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Agreed that strictly for social support (e.g., potentially decreasing feelings of isolation and thoughts of, "I must be the only person with these problems"), the internet can be ok. It can also be horrible, especially if it's your only source of social support, and can perpetuate maladaptive behaviors.

But for provision of actual interventions, no. You need formal safeguards in place (e.g., a tech at the facility where the patient is being seen) in the event of emergencies, tech problems such as dropped connections, etc. And practicing across state lines...I don't even know how that'd work, such as if you needed to involuntarily hospitalize someone.

 

[bmedclinic]

If you find you're not cut out to be a professional listener, you could always try the cuddling trade...

http://www.certifiedcuddlers.com/

I knew health psych wasnt right for me; finally thanks to you I've found my true calling!

 

[ClinicalABA]

And practicing across state lines...I don't even know how that'd work, such as if you needed to involuntarily hospitalize someone.

This topic came up in another thread (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/online-counseling-how-is-it-legal.1193865/), which prompted a search of rules in my states (and a few others). Basically, some state boards have published guidelines to the effect that providing any kind of psychological services to someone physically located in that state requires that you be licensed in that state, regardless of where you are at the time of the service. Combine this with other board positions stating that if you are licensed eligible in the state and do anything that could be perceived as providing psychological services (including using your doctoral level credential) while not licensed in the state, you are in effect practicing psychology without a license, and are thus subject to sanction.

As a psychologist or trainee, I'd stay away from such things. Firstly, your behavior should be guided by the empirical literature, which- AFAIK- just isn't there. Secondly, the anonymity of the client presents many problems- as others have mentioned, who do you "refer up" to if you determine that the person needs more than just phone based social support? How do mandated reported laws come into play, such as if the person on the phone suggests abuse of a child, elder, or disabled person? How do you even know what laws you may be subject to if you don't know where the person you are talking to is physically located. Thirdly, participating in such activities may actually be against state regulations or practices, subjecting you to sanction. As a licensed practitioner, it's just too risky. As a trainee, there are more structured way to get experience, with actual ongoing supervision.