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health, unqualified counsellors, Singapore, mental health services, Singapore Association for Counselling, SAC, James Chong, Andrea Chan, Carousell"> Health Concerns">
health services, raising concerns of harmful intervention. Learn about the risks and importance of seeking qualified professionals.">
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Unqualified Online ‘Counsellors’ Spark Mental Health Concerns, Experts Warn
The rise of unaccredited individuals offering counselling services online has sparked notable concern among mental health professionals.These unqualified “counsellors,” some found on online marketplaces like Carousell,present potential risks including misdiagnosis,ineffective or harmful interventions,and breaches of confidentiality. Experts emphasize the importance of seeking help from qualified professionals to ensure safe and effective support. The accessibility of these services, sometimes offered at low cost, masks underlying dangers.
Published: [Current Date]
The Dangers of Unqualified Online Counselling
Mental health experts are raising alarms about the increasing number of individuals offering counselling services online without proper qualifications.These individuals, often found on platforms like Carousell, may lack the necesary training and expertise to provide safe and effective support, perhaps leading to negative consequences for vulnerable individuals seeking help. The ease of access to these services, while seemingly beneficial, can mask the underlying risks associated wiht receiving guidance from untrained individuals.
James Chong, Clinical Director at The Lion Mind, a non-profit organization, emphasized that being a good listener does not equate to being a qualified counsellor. He stated:
Being a ‘good listener’ is mistakenly equated with having the qualifications to provide effective counselling.James Chong, Clinical Director at The Lion Mind
The concern arises from instances of unaccredited individuals offering mental health services on online marketplaces. Some offer free counselling, while others charge up to $70 per session. This accessibility, while seemingly beneficial, masks the underlying risks associated with receiving guidance from untrained individuals.
Andrea Chan,deputy Director of Touch Counselling & Psychological Services,highlighted the critical importance of proper training and knowledge in providing counselling services. She explained that unqualified “counsellors” lack the essential foundation to provide safe and effective counselling.
chan further warned of the potential harm that can result from engaging with unqualified individuals:
Engaging with unqualified ‘counsellors’ online can result in harmful intervention, including misinterpreting symptoms, offering unsuitable advice, and worsening existing mental health issues.Andrea Chan, Deputy Director of Touch Counselling & Psychological Services
She emphasized that individuals seeking counselling are already in a vulnerable state and require professional guidance.
Motivations of Unqualified ‘Counsellors’
A search on Carousell revealed numerous listings for counselling services from individuals with varying backgrounds,including self-described “ordinary teenager[s]” and “ex-Psychology undergraduate[s].” These individuals frequently cite personal experiences and a desire to help others as their primary motivations.
One teenager, claiming to have “engaged with hundreds of people,” cited personal experiences with bullying and family conflicts as inspiration for offering counselling services, hoping to make “a meaningful impact on people’s lives.” Others described themselves as empathetic and intuitive, believing they possess a natural ability to guide those experiencing mental and emotional struggles. Many expressed a desire to provide a listening ear and create a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgment.
However, when questioned about their lack of formal training, the teenager admitted facing difficulties when interacting with older clients due to a lack of experience. She also expressed concerns about the possibility of misunderstanding situations and providing advice that could lead to unintended consequences.
Public Opinion and Carousell’s Response
The emergence of these “counsellors” on Carousell has sparked mixed reactions. Some commend them for providing “cheaper,more accessible alternatives” to customary counselling services.A netizen lamented that conventional counsellors “cost an arm and a leg” and that cheaper alternatives in the public health sector often have long waiting lists, deterring individuals desperate for help.
Though, others have raised concerns about the risks of receiving treatment from individuals lacking proper training and the possibility of exploitation. Some netizens highlighted the potential for these online “counsellors” to be scammers who intend to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Carousell stated that the platform is in talks with the SAC regarding listings for counselling services. The spokesperson said:
We take a serious view on the sale of prohibited items on our platform, and adhere to local regulations as well as advisories from authorities.Carousell Spokesperson
They noted that they are currently “not aware of any local regulations regarding counselling services” and will take action to moderate such listings if there are any updates to the relevant regulations.
The Importance of Qualified Professionals and Cognitive Complexity
A spokesperson for the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) emphasized the importance of formal training in counselling, stating that “the counselling process is at risk of being taken over by the help-giver’s personal agenda” when unqualified “counsellors” rely solely on personal experiences.
The Lion mind’s Chong reiterated the need for rigorous training,emphasizing that “true counselling demands cognitive complexity.” Cognitive complexity refers to the number of processes required to complete a task and the ability to perceive nuances. To ensure individuals receive appropriate support, Chong encouraged people to verify credentials through recognized bodies in Singapore such as the SAC.
Chong stated:
Local registration is notably crucial because it ensures that counsellors are held accountable to standards and regulations that are specifically designed for Singapore’s unique cultural and legal habitat.James Chong, Clinical Director at The Lion Mind
The SAC is the professional body representing over 2,000 counsellors, psychotherapists, counselling educators, and students in Singapore. Membership in the SAC varies depending on an individual’s professional experience and qualifications. The association also maintains a list of recognized programs that provide formal training, including a minimum of 100 hours of practicum with 10 hours of clinical supervision.
Individuals are also required to complete a minimum of 600 postgraduate clinical hours and 60 supervision hours following any SAC-recognized program to qualify for SAC Registered Counsellor status. The SAC has a Code of Ethics that members must adhere to, with misconduct resulting in a complaint procedure and penalties. The spokesperson noted that the “counsellors” on Carousell are likely not members of the SAC and therefore cannot be held accountable.
the Perils of Online Counselling: An Expert Interview on Unqualified Practitioners
Is the allure of readily available,inexpensive online mental health support masking a dangerous trend? Millions unknowingly risk harm seeking help from unqualified individuals.
Interviewer: Dr.Emily Carter, a leading psychologist specializing in online mental health services and ethics, welcome to World Today News.The recent surge in unqualified online “counsellors,” particularly on platforms like Carousell, has raised notable concerns. Can you shed light on the gravity of this situation?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. The issue of unqualified individuals offering online counselling services is indeed alarming. It’s a critical matter of patient safety and ethical practise. The ease of access to these services, frequently enough advertised at low costs, masks serious potential risks. These untrained individuals lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional boundaries to provide safe and effective mental health support. This is not simply about a lack of experience; we’re talking about the potential for significant harm to vulnerable individuals already struggling with their mental well-being.
Interviewer: What are some of the most significant risks individuals face when seeking help from unqualified online counsellors?
dr. Carter: The dangers are multifaceted. Unqualified practitioners may misdiagnose conditions, offer inappropriate or ineffective interventions, breach confidentiality, and even worsen existing mental health issues. Misinterpretation of symptoms is especially critical.A seemingly casual remark could be misconstrued, leading to inappropriate advice and potentially harmful consequences. Furthermore, these unqualified individuals may lack the understanding of ethical boundaries, creating additional risks to patient safety and well-being. Let’s also not forget about the risk of exploitation; vulnerable individuals, who are already struggling, can be easily taken advantage of.
Interviewer: The article mentions individuals citing personal experiences as qualifications. How dose this compare to actual professional training in counselling?
Dr. Carter: While personal experience can be valuable for building empathy, it’s absolutely insufficient as a substitute for rigorous professional training. Professional counselling requires years of dedicated study,practical experience under supervision,and a deep understanding of therapeutic techniques. Empathy alone is not enough. qualified counsellors are trained in various therapeutic modalities, crisis intervention strategies, and ethical guidelines that ensure the safety and well-being of their clients. This level of training is crucial to accurately assess and address complex mental health challenges. These “counsellors” may well-meaning but lack fundamental theoretical grounding.
Interviewer: The article highlights the response from Carousell. What role do online platforms play and what responsibilities do they have?
Dr. carter: Online platforms like Carousell have a significant responsibility to protect their users. While they may not be directly responsible for the qualifications of individuals offering services, they should actively monitor listings for potential harmful or deceptive practices. Proactive measures, including clear guidelines for advertised services and robust reporting mechanisms, are essential. The platform’s failure to effectively regulate these listings creates a climate where unqualified practitioners can thrive. They should be actively engaging with regulatory bodies and ensuring compliance with safety and ethics standards.Collaborating with professional organizations such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) is critical.
Interviewer: What steps can individuals take to protect themselves when seeking online mental health support?
Dr. Carter: It’s crucial to verify the credentials of any online counsellor before engaging their services. Here’s a checklist:
Verify Qualifications: Check if the therapist is registered with a reputable professional body like the SAC.
Look for Experience: Seek out professionals with proven experience and validated client feedback.
Clarify Approach: Understand their therapeutic approach, qualifications, experience and how it aligns with yoru needs.
Check for References: Request client references or check for online reviews from verified sources.
* Professional Boundaries: Observe professionalism in how they handle communication, client information, and fee structures.
interviewer: What is the long-term impact of this issue on the mental health landscape?
Dr. Carter: The proliferation of unqualified online counsellors has the potential to erode public trust in legitimate mental health services. This can deter individuals from seeking necessary professional help, potentially leading to delayed or inadequate treatment and worse, long-term mental health impacts. Furthermore, the proliferation of unqualified practitioners can create a distorted market, devaluing the vital work of qualified professionals while endangering vulnerable populations.
Interviewer: What’s your final takeaway for our readers?
Dr. Carter: The pursuit of affordable and accessible mental health support is essential. However, we must never compromise on safety and ethical practice. Prioritize professional qualification and verification when seeking help. The consequences of choosing an unqualified practitioner can be severe and far-reaching.Do your research, ask questions, and remember that your mental well-being deserves the highest standards of care. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s have a conversation about responsible online mental healthcare.