Launch [27/02/24]
The IACP Launches Working Therapeutically Online: Practice Guidelines and Competencies
For Immediate Release:
27th February 2024
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy today announced the availability of a new resource, Working Therapeutically Online: Practice Guidelines and Competencies for IACP counsellors, psychotherapists, and supervisors who provide therapeutic and/or supervisory services using technology.
The comprehensive guidelines are now available at iacp.ie for download and provide a detailed framework for therapists and supervisors engaging in online therapeutic work, covering various competencies, legal considerations, and practical guidance. It underscores the importance of adhering to ethical principles, ensuring client suitability for online therapy, establishing clear contracts, maintaining confidentiality, and navigating technological, legal, and jurisdictional issues.
“The dynamic nature of contemporary psychological therapies necessitates ongoing adaptation and refinement, and these guidelines serve as a beacon guiding us towards effective and ethical online therapeutic practices,” said Séamus Sheedy, IACP Cathaoirleach at today’s official online launch event.
Cathaoirleach Sheedy further added, “The utilisation of online platforms for delivering counselling and psychotherapy has witnessed a remarkable surge across various theoretical orientations. Research in this field consistently underscores the efficacy and accessibility of online therapy, with many clients reporting significant benefits from this mode of delivery. The convenience and flexibility afforded by online therapy have rendered it an invaluable resource, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it has emerged as a cornerstone of mental health support.”
As technology is evolving at a very fast pace, the guidelines emphasise the need for continuous professional development, including specialised training in online therapy, understanding the nuances of working across borders, ensuring GDPR compliance, and preparing for emergency scenarios. It highlights the significance of proper risk assessment, especially concerning minors, couples, families, and groups, while emphasising informed consent and meticulous documentation. The guidelines are primarily intended for practitioners, they are equally relevant to anyone, including service managers.
“The IACP strives to excel in providing professional standards and supports for our members, in order to deliver safe and effective counselling and psychotherapy. These guidelines and competencies will be invaluable to therapists when working online with clients and will provide support and direction in developing skills for practising online,” said Lisa Molloy, IACP’s Chief Executive Officer, at this morning’s member and stakeholder event.
“The guidelines stress the significance of self-care for practitioners, supervisory requirements, and the ongoing need to stay updated with evolving technology and emerging research in the field, delivering a structured approach to ensure safe and effective online therapeutic practices, while adapting to the changing landscape of digital therapy,” concluded Ms Molloy.
The IACP thanks its many members for their feedback in drafting the guidelines and competencies and Mental Health Reform for its support of the project. A special note of appreciation to IACP members Mike Hackett and Brian Holohan, who dedicated their time and expertise to the project. Their voluntary contributions exemplify the spirit of collaboration and commitment within our IACP community.
The IACP Working Therapeutically Online: Practice Guidelines and Competencies outlines several key competencies including clinical, professional, technological, and legal necessary for therapists and supervisors engaged in online therapeutic practices, it also covers, training, supervision, and specific considerations for online therapy.
Notes to the Editor:
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the IACP Communications Department at communications@iacp.ie Nicole Mac Dermott - 087 720 6033 or Wayne Tobin.
About: The IACP was established in 1981 to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy. Our work promotes best practice and the development of the profession. The IACP represents more than 5,800 members based in communities all over the country and is the largest counselling and psychotherapy association in Ireland. For more information, please visit www.iacp.ie
News
- Letter on Mental Health and Election Commitments in the Irish Times [04/11/24]
- Press Release [23/10/23]
- Public Event 2024
- Annual Report and Financial Statements
- Letter on Budget 2025 in the Irish Times
- IACP Pre-Budget Submission 2025
- Joint Statement: Renouncing Conversion Therapy
- IACP Statement: Palestine and Israel Conflict
- Breda Farrell Honoured with Prestigious Dublin Regional Award [12/06/23]
- IACP Statement Regarding RTÉ Investigates Programme
- Patricia Wilson Honoured with Prestigious Southeast Regional Award [05/06/24]
- World Mental Health Day 2022
- Kathleen Byrne Honoured with Prestigious Northeast Regional Award [28/05/24]
- CORU Update
- Midlands Regional Award [10/11/23]
- IACP's Letter to the Editor Budget 2023 [26/09/22]
- Southeast Regional Award [06/11/23]
- Anita Lynch Honoured with Prestigious IACP Midlands Regional Award [23/05/24]
- Tom Meade Wins IACP Southern Regional Award [01/11/22]
- IACP's Pre-Budget Submission 2023 [31/08/22]
- Southern Regional Award [01/11/23]
- IACP Podcast - Essential Conversations with the IACP
- Dublin Regional Award [27/10/2023]
- Michelle Caulfield Honoured with Prestigious IACP Western Regional Award [17/05/24]
- Séamus Sheedy Wins Midlands Regional Award [27/10/22]
- We stand with the people of Ukraine
- West North-West Regional Award [26/10/23]
- A letter to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly
- James O’Connor wins Public Inspiration Award [25/10/22]
- Public Inspiration Award 2023 [26/10/23]
- Carl Berkeley Memorial Award 2023 [26/10/23]
- Jayne Leonard Honoured with IACP Research Excellence Award [26/04/24]
- IACP 40th Anniversary Video [10/11/21]
- Neil O’Connor Wins Research Excellence Award [24/10/22]
- Don’t Choose Between Your Head and Heart This World Heart Day [27/09/23]
- Liam Neville Honoured with Prestigious West North-West Regional Award [25/04/24]
- Midlands Regional Committee Seeks New Members [01/11/21]
- Eamon Fortune Wins Western Regional Award [21/10/22]
- IACP Pre-Budget Submission 2024
- Complaints Committee Urgently Seeks New Members [26/10/21]
- The IACP Highlights Crucial Budget Priorities to Enhance Accessibility of Mental Health Support [29/08/2023]
- IACP Honours Audrey Flanagan with the Carl Berkeley Memorial Award [24/04/24]
- Letter to the Editor [02/06/23]
- IACP Statement on Budget 2022 [14/10/21]
- Linda Breathnach Wins IACP North East Regional Award [21/10/22]
- IACP Applauds Cabinet Approval of Counselling in Schools Pilot Programme [30/05/23]
- IACP Signatories on Mental Health Reform’s Letter to Taoiseach about Mental Health in Budget 2022 [04/10/21]
- Blezzing Dada Honoured with the IACP Public Inspiration Award [24/04/24]
- Regulating counsellors and psychotherapists [08/03/23]
- Maureen Levy Wins IACP Dublin Regional Award [19/10/22]
- The IACP's Pre-Budget Submission 2022 Campaign [03/09/21]
- IACP Attend Mental Health Reform's Photocall for Budget 2022 [01/09/21]
- HSCPA Statement on Recruitment Embargo [17/04/24]
- Poem - Script by Stephen O'Connell [21/10/21]
- Carl Berkeley Memorial Award [19/10/22]
- The Counsellor by Audrey Farrell [24/05/21]
- Lisa Molloy's Letter to the Editor - Irish Examiner [13/11/20]
- Essential Conversations on Blindboy Podcast [13/05/21]
- Launch [27/02/24]
- Research Excellence Award [21/11/2023]
- Level 5 Restrictions Update for IACP Members [20/10/20]
- Joe Heffernan on Today Show Show [11/05/21]
- IACP Research Strategy 2021 - 2025 [27/08/21]
- Letter to the Editor The Echo [12/10/22]
- IACP Vice-Chair Bernie Hackett Irish Times Interview [17/10/20]
- Joe Heffernan MIACP Talks About Essential Conversations on C103FM [04/05/21]
- Dublin Regional Committee Needs Volunteers [18/08/21]
- Letter to the Editor Irish Examiner [10/10/22]
- Meet The Board: Peter Ledden [22/07/20]
- Essential Conversations with IACP [29/04/21]
- In Memoriam - Aideen Biggins [16/08/21]
- IACP Vice-Chair Séamus Sheedy Interviewed in the Irish Times [15/02/21]
- Budget 2021 [14/10/20]
- IACP CEO Lisa Molloy on Win Happy Podcast [28/04/21]
- JigSaw National Clinical Recruitment Campaign - IACP Membership Now Recognised [03/08/21]
- IACP Chair Ray Henry's Interview in the Irish Sun [20/07/20]
- IACP welcomes new plan to provide counselling in primary schools [03/10/22]
- IACP Chair Bernie Hackett in the Journal.ie [27/04/21]
- IACP Meet with Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association [21/07/21]
- IACP Publish Pre-Budget Submission 2021 [23/09/20]
- Northern Ireland Regional Award [15/11/23]
- IACP Meets with Mark Ward TD [12/02/21]
- Exam Results Advice from the IACP [07/09/20]
- "You Are a Miracle" by Carmel Gaffney [22/04/21]
- Western Regional Award [14/11/23]
- IACP is 40 Years Old [10/02/21]
- IACP Chair Interview That's Farming [13/07/20]
- Ghosting by Cathy Kerwin [21/04/21]
- IACP CEO Appointed to the Social Care Workers Registration Board [25/06/21]
- Meet the Board: Séamus Sheedy [03/09/20]
- Meet the Board: Liz O'Driscoll [19/08/20]
- Holding the Candle Til the Light Comes On Poem [20/04/21]
- Covid-19 Online/Tele Counselling [11/03/20]
- IACP Vice-Chair Séamus Sheedy Interviewed in the Irish Independent [02/02/2021]
- Trust in You by Fidelma Fitzgerald [15/04/21]
- The Highs and Lows of Online Counselling [16/06/20]
- IACP CEO on Kildare FM [08/07/20]
- Meet the Board: Izabela Morris [19/08/20]
- IACP Vice-Chair Séamus Sheedy in the Irish Independent [16/06/21]
- IACP Staff Remote Working Arrangements – Covid-19 [21/08/20]
- Meet the Board: Michelle Coyne [14/04/21]
- Summer 2019 IJCP is Now Available to the Public [06/12/19]
- Autumn 2019 Edition of the IJCP is Now Available to the Public [08/06/20]
- IACP Launch Look After Yourself Campaign [07/07/2020]
- Meet the Board: Eamon Fortune [17/08/20]
- IACP CEO Lisa Molloy's Letter in the Irish Times [07/06/21]
- Statement Regarding Covid-19 [10/03/20]
- IACP Chair Bernie Hackett Article on the Journal.ie [08/03/21]
- IACP CEO Lisa Molloy Letter in the Irish Times [08/06/20]
- IACP Chair Ray Henry Interview on Kildare FM [02/07/20]
- In Memoriam: Ger Byrne [17/08/20]
- IACP Feature on Empwr.ie [24/06/20]
- IACP in Tech Central [11/05/20]
- We're Hiring: Accreditation Officer [05/03/21]
- IACP Chair Bernie Hackett's Article in the Irish Independent [18/01/20]
- Meet the Board: Bernie Hackett [14/08/20]
- IACP on Q102FM [16/04/20]
- IACP Meet with Senator Annie Hoey [03/03/21]
- IACP Board of Directors' Member Jade Lawless on RTE.ie [27/11/20]
- Holiday Opening Hours [10/12/19]
- Meet the Board: Jade Lawless
- IACP CEO Lisa Molloy Letter in the Irish Times [13/08/20]
- Covid-19 Online Supervision [11/03/20]
- IACP Feature on Irish Tech News [11/05/20]
- Mental Health Awareness Week [18/05/20]
- IACP Meet with Purple House [24/02/21]
- Meet the Board: Ray Henry [13/08/20]
- Joe Heffernan MIACP Speaks About Self-Harm on C103FM [25/05/21]
- Margaret Parkes, MIACP on KFM Radio
- Love is Not Just For St. Valentine's Day [14/02/20]
- Launch of ‘Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone’ for the period 2020-2030 [18/06/20]
- The COVID-19 Project
- IACP Calls on the Government to Kickstart Pathfinder
- IACP Meet with John Lahart TD [24/02/21]
- Beat the January Blues with some advice from the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) [20/01/2019]
- Meeting with Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler, TD [11/08/20]
- The IACP Offers Advice to Parents and Students Moving Away to College for the First Time [09/09/19]
- IACP Feature on Her.ie [25/06/20]
- IACP Encourage Men to Mind Their Mental Health on International Mens' Day [18/11/19]
- Government Announce Mental Health Helpline [28/11/19]
- IACP Board Member Offers Advice on Asking Loved Ones for Help
- CEO Lisa Molloy Speaks at UCC Law Society Conference 2019 [29/10/19]
- IACP Staff Remote Working Arrangements – Covid-19 [13/03/20]
- IACP CEO Letter in Irish Times [03/04/20]
- IACP Pre-Budget Submission 2020
- IACP on This Week on RTE Radio 1 [06/04/20]
- Spring 2019 Edition of IJCP is Now Available to the Public [25/11/19]
- IACP Offer Advice to People Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder [24/10/19]
- Government Announce €3 Million Community Health Fund [02/12/19]
- IACP Supports Appointment of Counselling and Psychotherapy Board [01/03/2019]
- IACP General Election Manifesto 2020
- €3m Funding for Mental Health in Sporting & Community Funding [04/12/2018]
- Oireachtas Joint Committee on Future of Mental Health Final Report [17/10/18]
- IACP at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit 2018 [11/10/18]
- Lisa Molloy's Article Features in the Journal.ie [21/05/20]
- World Mental Health Day [10/10/18]
- The IACP Offers Students Mental Health Advice for Dealing With Disappointing Results [12/08/19]
- Advice to Parents' of School-Starters [22/08/19]
- IACP Takeover That's Farming's Instagram Story [10/07/20]
- IACP Meet With John Brassil TD [04/12/19]
- Home Insurance vs Professional Insurance [28/03/2019]
- IACP Release Results of 2019 General Public Survey: Mental Health and Counselling/Psychotherapy in Ireland: Public Perceptions and Attitudes [11/12/19]
- Winter 2019 Edition of the IJCP is Now Available to the Public [09/06/20]
- IACP CEO Lisa Molloy calls for co-ordinated approach to mental health in schools
- Important Notice Regarding IACP Events [12/03/20]
- IACP Article in Eolas Magazine [02/01/19]
- Covid 19: Tips from the IACP [30/03/20]
- IACP Members' Survey Launch 2018 [19/02/2019]
- IACP Condemns Practice of 'Conversion Therapy' [06/03/2019]
- IACP Offer Guidance to LGBTQI+ [25/06/19]
- IACP at National Ploughing Championships and School Summit 2019 [20/09/19]
- IACP Meet the Children's Ombudsman [13/11/19]
This website uses strictly necessary session cookies only. Session cookies are requred to ensure members can access the members area and associated functions reliably. Session cookies expire automatically upon exit.