This self-access class explores how digital technologies are influencing therapy today, including work with individuals, couples, and families. Professor Terry Hanley examines the growing presence of videoconferencing platforms, wellbeing apps, artificial intelligence, and digital companions, and considers the opportunities and challenges these developments create for therapeutic practice.
The presentation discusses how technology can increase access to support, introduce new ways of working, and shape the expectations Service Users bring into therapy. It also highlights the ethical issues raised by digital tools, including questions about privacy, boundaries, and the nature of therapeutic contact in an increasingly digital world.
This presentation from the conference is now offered as a COSRT self-access class and is a recording from COSRT’s Winter Conference 2025.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe how technology is influencing therapeutic work in current practice.
- Recognise the opportunities and challenges digital tools create for therapists and Service Users.
- Understand key ethical considerations connected to digital communication, privacy, and boundaries.
- Identify ways digital platforms and tools may support or change access to therapy.
- Reflect on how therapeutic models may adapt within digitally influenced environments.
Presentation Structure
- Overview of Digital Developments in Therapy
- Technology in Everyday Therapeutic Work
- Opportunities Created by Digital Tools
- Ethical Questions, Boundaries, and Privacy
- Considering Future Directions for Therapy
About the Trainer
Terry Hanley
Terry is a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society.
He is editor of The Sage Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy (4th and 5th editions) and co-author of Introducing Counselling and Psychotherapy Research and Adolescent Counselling Psychology. His major research focus is the interface between technology and therapy, with extensive work on the development of online therapy and, increasingly, the use of AI to support wellbeing. Terry has published widely on these topics and contributes to policy and practice guidance for digital mental health provision.
