Clinical Work with Support Groups Online: Practical Aspects

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the empirical, practical, and clinical aspects of group counseling online. Specific recommendations for planning, starting, and managing a peer group online are presented. The major benefits of online groups are enhancement of a participant's sense of wellbeing, confidence, control, and social and emotional support. In self-help communities, members voluntarily seek support and may not screen themselves for depression, suicidality, or other mental health problems, and there may be limited or absent leadership in peer groups. Many leaders do not have training in mental health or group facilitation and experience in professional mental health, therefore they can benefit from training. The chapter explains the risks, potential benefits, and conflict resolution strategies, and provides clinical examples.