Computer technology and counseling

Technological advances and emphasis on time-limited, inexpensive treatment has ushered in counseling through the use of communication via internet. The utilization of technology for health care purposes has increased in popularity and usage in clinical practice. Distance counseling or e-counseling is a method of service delivery with potential to supplement traditional face to face counseling. The challenges of using this mode of communication involves potential technological difficulties, discomfort with technology, relationship development and ethical issues. Advantanges and disadvantanges of this distance or e-counseling will be explored. Although e-counseling will not replace the conventional mode of counseling service delivery, it could be an essential component to improve the profession of counseling.