Comparing the level of working collaboration in treatment between in person and e-counseling among selected therapists during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

In the counseling process, the move to technological space has created a different meaning to the interaction in the counseling process, which is felt but not fully realized. The person-to-person interaction is regarded as beneficial not only to the authentic counseling relationship but also to various dynamics such as assessment, interviewing, building rapport and physical observation which are key to information gathering on the client’s story and the treatment process.  This study sought to compare the level of working collaboration in treatment between in person and e-counseling among Selected Therapists during the Covid 19 Pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya. Respondents were therapists in Nairobi County. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample. The target population was 324 counselors who have their offices within the Nairobi County. A sample of 100 therapist who practiced both in-person and e-counseling during Covid participated in the study. The study adopted a comparative qualitative design, data was collected using a questionnaire. This study used fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis software for calculations and presentation of solutions (FSQCA) and the results were presented using frequency tables, bar graphs, and percentages. The findings of the study indicated that majority of the respondents 68% felt that distance and physical contact were essential in building a counseling relationship in both e-counseling and physical counseling. The study recommended that there is need for both client and therapist to consider a blended approach when forming a working relationship in both face to face and e-counseling for better counseling experience. Further, the study recommended that the therapist should be empowered to provide a feedback form to the clients to assist in the evaluation of their experiences in the collaborative relationship in both e-counseling and in person to increase sufficiency in building a better relationship.