New Zealand Counselling Psychologists' Views and Experiences of Using Telepsychology in Clinical Practice

ABSTRACT

The use of telepsychology has become increasingly prevalent in the professional practice of psychology worldwide, particularly so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselling psychology adopts a pluralistic epistemology that values the diversity of perspectives and takes a critical approach to research, theory and intervention, including recognition of the importance of debating the issues and understanding alternative views on telepsychology integration into the clinical practice. The current study sought to explore New Zealand counselling psychologists' views and experiences of using telepsychology. Thematic analysis of seven semi-structured interviews with counselling psychologists identified themes around the perceived benefits and limitations of telepsychology, the fit of this approach with counselling psychology, telepsychology as an adjunct, and the need for training. Findings from this study have contributed to the knowledge base on the use of telepsychology amongst psychologists and in particular counselling psychology.