CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO ONLINE COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE SYSTEM OF CRISIS PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE

Abstract

The article examines conceptual approaches to online counseling and psychotherapy in the context of crisis psychological assistance, focusing on the specifics of organizing remote work under challenging life circumstances, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. Key features of online interaction between a psychologist and a client are considered, including the importance of the therapeutic alliance, the adaptation of traditional methods to the digital environment, and the technical and ethical aspects of practice. The study highlights the specifics of working with different client groups: children, adolescents, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons, as well as the need to adapt communication strategies and therapeutic techniques to the characteristics of each group. Emphasis is placed on the crisis dimension of online counseling, which involves rapid assessment of the client’s condition, mobilization of internal resources, and ensuring safety under conditions of limited information. The article also discusses the prospects for the development of remote psychological assistance, including the integration of artificial intelligence for primary screening, the creation of specialized platforms and automated support systems, as well as the development of quality standards and protocols for working in crisis situations. The study underscores the relevance of developing professional competencies among psychologists, including proficiency in digital technologies, knowledge of the specifics of online interaction, adherence to ethical principles of remote counseling, and crisis intervention skills. The findings indicate the effectiveness of online counseling as a tool for psychological support, capable of providing access to assistance in challenging conditions, and emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to the development of online psychological services, combining technical, methodological, and organizational aspects to improve their quality, accessibility, and safety.