Counselling has evolved a lot in the past two years to accommodate the changes brought on by the global pandemic. Throughout it all, the focus was always on maintaining connections between clients and their counsellors. As we move into a new year, counselling will continue to evolve with the state of the world — but the focus on connection will be central to client-counsellor relationships. We’ve examined counselling in 2022 and broken down what counsellors can expect.
Hybrid counselling — online and in-person
While 2020 forced counsellors and their clients to an online-only format, 2021 offered some breathing room. As pandemic numbers went down, clients who were comfortable going back to in-person counselling were able to do so. Many clients find the in-person, face-to-face interaction much more engaging than a video call, while others like the convenience of online. Offering more choice is key. That being said, with variants like Omicron on the rise, counselling may go back to strictly online, so counsellors should be prepared to make changes.
Emphasis on digital solutions
As the industry and it’s clients embrace virtual counselling, digital tools like Therachat are essential to ensure clients are staying on-track between sessions and meeting their goals. Therachat is an innovative digital homework tool that counsellors can use to support their clients from a distance. It offers features like daily homework reminders, skill-building activities, emotion tracking, and mindfulness exercises. It’s a way to stay connected to your clients and support them as they meet their goals.
Stay flexible
Though we’ve had some experience with the pandemic, no one can fully anticipate what’s to come. Counselling will continue to evolve with the global situation. That’s why flexibility is key. Counsellors who offer the ability to provide both virtual and in-person sessions allow clients more opportunity to show up and do the work. Whether they work from home or in an office, lead busy lives, or have open schedules. Counselling in 2022 is all about meeting clients where they are.
Counselling in 2022 will continue to evolve
2021 offered even more lessons for counsellors and their clients to take into the new year. In 2022, counsellors can support clients by staying flexible with online and in-person options — which will allow for resilience when it comes to global changes. Counsellors can also stay connected to clients between sessions by incorporating digital tools into their practice, allowing for more check-ins between sessions.
Are you ready to integrate digital tools into your practice? Therachat can help. Find out how we can support your practice in 2020. Learn more.