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Online counseling as a method of assisting is currently very popular and widely used worldwide. Although the development of counseling and psychotherapy in an online environment began with the advent of the Internet, it is only in recent times that the online approach to supporting and helping individuals in crisis has been more systematically and seriously implemented. The popularity and significance of online counseling and psychotherapy in modern society are the result of social changes. In light of this, research was conducted to examine the attitudes and experiences of Bosnian citizens regarding online counseling and consulting with experts to overcome life problems. The study surveyed 100 citizens through a questionnaire, and the results indicate their insufficient awareness of the possibilities of online counseling and prejudices toward professionals. Also, a case study was presented – the first online platform for counseling and psychotherapy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as an example of good practice. Through a semi-structured interview, insight was gained into the professional experience of experts in counseling and psychotherapeutic work. The research results can provide insight into the availability of counseling services in an online environment and open up new research questions that could encourage professionals to engage in this form of psychosocial work.

Academic burnout is a condition characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, a distant attitude toward studying, and diminished self-efficacy in academic activities. Preliminary scientific findings indicate that interventions designed to alleviate work burnout also hold promise for mitigating academic burnout, however clear evidence based on randomized controlled trials is still missing. This research protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an online group psychological intervention to contrast academic burnout. Participants with high levels of burnout will be assigned to a psychological counseling group or a waiting list control group. The research comprises several phases: (T0) Screening, Recruitment, and Randomization; (T1) Baseline assessment (pre-intervention); (T2) Outcome Assessment (post-intervention); and (T3) Follow-up Assessment (3 months post-intervention). The primary outcomes include burnout symptoms, general wellbeing, and academic achievement. Additionally, secondary variables such as e [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online counseling became a popular method for delivering counseling services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While traditional face-to-face psychotherapy continues to remain a steady means to offer counseling services, Telemental health is gradually growing with its increase of popularity and clientele. Studying this transition from in-person to online counseling will help augment the preparation of future counselors. Since play therapy requires rich counselor-client interaction, play therapists' experience during COVID-19 provides insights for the transition to online counseling. This study aimed to explore the benefits and obstacles of practicing counseling online. It utilized a qualitative inquiry to understand the experience of online counseling from the perspective of a group of play therapists. Our outcomes reported both the benefits of accessibility and clients' comfort at home and the difficulties in technology use and virtual interaction with clients. Counselors can learn from the outcomes to prepare for online counseling and adjust to the different aspects of counseling in a virtual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Online Psycho-Oncology Counseling (OPC) in reducing distress levels among cancer patients. Methods: The research employs a paired sample t-test analysis to compare distress scores before and after the intervention. The study includes 30 solid tumor patients aged 30-59, undergoing cancer treatment. Distress levels were measured using the Distress Thermometer before and after the OPC intervention. Paired distress scores were computed for each participant, and a paired sample t-test was conducted to assess the statistical significance of the observed changes. Result: A statistically significant reduction in distress scores post-OPC intervention (t-value = 3.657, df = 29, p < 0.05) was observed. The mean distress score decreased from 5.67 ± 1.093 before OPC to 4.77 ± 1.675 after OPC. Importantly, 26.6% of participants shifted from high to low distress levels. The findings suggest that the Online Psycho-Oncology Intervention is effective in alleviating distress among cancer patients. The paired sample t-test provides robust statistical evidence supporting the positive impact of OPC on psychological well-being. Additionally, semi structured interview schedule was followed to explore the feasibility and satisfaction of the OPC program. Likert scale and thematic analysis was followed to analyze the qualitative data. Conclusion: Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up periods is recommended to enhance the understanding of the long-term effectiveness of psycho-oncology interventions in the digital realm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online counseling, an intervention that has evolved alongside technological advancements and become integrated into individuals' lives, has gained even more popularity. At this point, it is essential to investigate the acceptance and usage of online counseling by mental health professionals. This research was conducted with 35 mental health professionals (psychologists and counsellors) who provide both online and face-to-face counseling. In the study, Q methodology was used to better understand the subjective thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs of participants to understand their behaviors regarding the acceptance and use of online counseling according to the UTAUT model. As a result of the research, it was found that factors related to the acceptance and usage of online counseling were grouped into two factors for mental health professionals. The research findings indicate that mental health professionals are grouped into two factors regarding factors related to the acceptance and utilization of online counseling. It has been observed that performance expectations and facilitating conditions influence the acceptance and utilization of online counseling for participants in Factor 1, while effort expectations and facilitating conditions influence the behavior of acceptance and utilization for participants in Factor 2. Additionally, it was found that mental health professionals in Factor 1 have a more positive attitude towards online counseling, whereas those in the second group prefer face-to-face counseling over online counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing use of e-counseling in various institutions in Malaysia has called for more e-counselors with high self-efficacy to carry out ecounseling responsibilities. However, current studies in Malaysia lack empirical data on counseling self-efficacy among this population. Hence, this study identified the influence of e-counseling skills, ethics, and limitations on counseling self-efficacy among e-counselors in Malaysia. A correlational study design was employed, where 233 e-counselors in Malaysia were selected using a simple random sampling procedure. Through emails, the respondents were given an access link to an online questionnaire. The inferential analysis using Pearson correlation reported a positive correlation between e-counseling skills and counseling selfefficacy, as well as between e-counseling ethics and counseling selfefficacy. e-Counseling limitations reported a negative correlation with counseling self-efficacy. A multiple regression analysis was also conducted, and e-counseling skills was found to be the best predictor of counseling self-efficacy, followed by e-counseling limitations. The findings from this study are pertinent to support research that investigates e-counseling in the Malaysian context. It also provides suggestions for professional counseling associations, counseling program providers, and counseling educators to improve the higher education training and delivery of e-counseling services in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and youth from lower subjective socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are at a heightened risk of mental disorders. Online counseling is a valuable tool to reach those less likely to seek professional help, but its success across different SES backgrounds remains unclear. This study explores the association between subjective SES and online counseling outcomes. Children and youth (N = 2139) between 10 and 24 years-of-age received chat-based online counseling and reported on SES, negative feelings before and after the chat, and perceived helpfulness of the chat via an online assessment tool. The results of a latent change score model showed a significant association between SES and negative feelings before chatting, indicating that lower SES predicted more negative feelings (r = −0.26, p

Academic burnout is a condition characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, a distant attitude toward studying, and diminished self-efficacy in academic activities. Preliminary scientific findings indicate that interventions designed to alleviate work burnout also hold promise for mitigating academic burnout, however clear evidence based on randomized controlled trials is still missing. This research protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an online group psychological intervention to contrast academic burnout. Participants with high levels of burnout will be assigned to a psychological counseling group or a waiting list control group. The research comprises several phases: (T0) Screening, Recruitment, and Randomization; (T1) Baseline assessment (pre-intervention); (T2) Outcome Assessment (post-intervention); and (T3) Follow-up Assessment (3 months post-intervention). The primary outcomes include burnout symptoms, general wellbeing, and academic achievement. Additionally, secondary variables such as effort-reward imbalances, satisfaction/frustration of basic psychological needs, intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation, coping strategies, and social support will be examined. The psychological intervention strategies will encompass psychoeducation, self-awareness enhancement, cognitive restructuring, and promotion of social support. This research protocol is an initial step toward evidence-based psychological interventions to treat academic burnout.

This study aimed to reflect on mental health professionals' experiences with online counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their perceptions and recommendations for the future. The method of qualitative research with semi-structured interviews was used. The sample consisted of 17 mental health professionals working in the public or private sectors. A framework analysis revealed four main themes, namely (a) the evaluation of online counseling; (b) comparing in-person and online counseling; (c) factors influencing the effectiveness of online counseling; and (d) suggestions for the future use of online counseling. Most therapists reported that their overall experience with online counseling was positive. The main advantages cited were the accessibility for everyone and the reductions in time, money, and distance. Its primary drawbacks included less nonverbal communication, the inability to employ certain therapeutic tools, problems with confidentiality, lack of experience, and technical difficulties during online sessions. Its effectiveness depends on contextual factors and factors related to the therapeutic process itself. Organizational planning, training, and a solid implementation strategy may help ensure that this communication medium is used to its fullest potential. In addition, the possible utilization of remote counseling combined with in-person psychotherapeutic intervention methods will provide solutions for the future, especially in crisis situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Jurnal Edukasi: Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling is the property of Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rapid growth of online counseling (OC) services for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted concerns regarding its effectiveness compared to in-person counseling. Psychologists have expressed uncertainties about OC's efficacy and doubts about their competence in using it. As a result, psychologists have been hesitant to embrace OC methods and supporting technologies. Therefore, it has become crucial to study the factors that influence the acceptance and use of OC technology, enabling psychologists to develop the necessary skills and confidence to utilize inpatient treatment effectively. This study used quantitative research with survey research to study factors influencing 406 Thai counselors' use and acceptance of technology in online counseling, and the model was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed that IOC are positively influenced by SI (β= .413, p

Studies have demonstrated the importance of online activities to wellbeing, especially in later life. The present study seeks to determine whether and how online religious counseling can improve the wellbeing of older believers. A six-month qualitative study was conducted with a group of Orthodox Jewish older adults (N = 26, aged 70-96) who manifest various types of age-related distress. The participants were home trained to use a dedicated, accessible online platform featuring religious questions and answers (Q&A). Data were collected through netnographic observation, monthly online inquiry and in-depth interviews with counselees and counselors alike. Analysis indicated that online spiritual Q&A for the elders are characterized by unique content, types and styles of discourse. Their variety reflects the heterogeneity of needs, areas of interest and worldviews among older religious adults. Participation in online religious counseling provided them with numerous religious, intellectual and social rewards. At the same time, their counselors—six rabbis that volunteered in this project—gained religious, communal, professional and psychological benefits from the opportunity to share their knowledge and advice. Anonymity, asynchronicity, digital literacy and types of questions were identified as issues that may have opposite effects on the experiences of participants and counselors, respectively. Although some factors may delay and/or diminish positive contributions, involvement in online religious counseling appears to promote wellbeing in later life. This service is particularly beneficial to Orthodox older adults with detrimental health conditions whose use of online religious Q&A helps them cope with the difficulties they face and maintain their enjoyment of life.