Introduction
In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, distance counselling offers a unique opportunity to provide critical support to survivors of sexual violence. A recent scoping review titled Delivery of Distance Counselling to Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Scoping Review of Promising and Best Practices provides valuable insights and practical recommendations that can help practitioners enhance their skills and deliver more effective therapy.
Understanding the Merits of Distance Counselling
The review highlights several unanticipated therapeutic benefits of distance counselling, including:
- Improved privacy, anonymity, and flexibility for survivors
- Enhanced therapeutic effectiveness and client satisfaction
- Increased access to support for underserved populations
These findings suggest that distance counselling should not be viewed as an inferior modality but rather as a complementary approach that can address specific barriers faced by survivors.
Design Considerations for Effective Distance Counselling
To maximize the benefits of distance counselling, practitioners should consider the following design elements:
- Client Choice: Allowing survivors to choose their preferred modality promotes attendance, therapeutic alliance, and a sense of safety.
- Technology: Utilize secure, encrypted, and HIPAA-compliant platforms. Ensure reliable internet connections and have backup plans in place.
- Session Structure: Consider front-loading sessions for information gathering and rapport building. Explore new therapeutic options made possible by distance technology.
- Safety and Security: Implement safety measures such as passcodes, code words, and covert authentication protocols to protect survivor privacy.
Pandemic-Specific Distance Conditions
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for distance counselling, bringing new challenges and considerations:
- Survivor Safety: Address transformed and intensified violence due to pandemic conditions. Expand IPV screening and support to all clients.
- Counselor and Agency Considerations: Support the mental well-being of frontline staff through flexible work schedules, self-care plans, and peer support.
- Global Changes to Access: Recognize the digital divide and advocate for equitable access to technology for the most vulnerable survivor populations.
Future Research Directions
While the review provides a comprehensive overview of current practices, it also identifies several areas for future research:
- Investigate the negative effects of distance counselling, including deterioration, dropout, and unwanted events.
- Explore the needs of historically underserved groups to ensure equitable access to distance counselling services.
- Capture frontline experiential wisdom to develop practical, evidence-informed guidelines for distance counselling.
Conclusion
Distance counselling holds immense potential for improving access to trauma support for survivors of sexual violence. By implementing the promising practices identified in this scoping review, practitioners can enhance their skills and deliver more effective therapy. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Delivery of Distance Counselling to Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Scoping Review of Promising and Best Practices.
