Email counselling is often misunderstood - some therapists worry it lacks depth, feels impersonal, or that clients simply won’t want it.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Chloe Foster, humanistic counsellor, trainer, and founder of Email Counselling Academy, to explore what email counselling really looks like in practice - and why it can be a powerful, ethical, and deeply reflective way of working.

Chloe explains:

• What email counselling actually involves - the structure, boundaries, and timing that make it safe and professional
• How counsellors use their skills in written form to create depth and connection
• Why clients do want email therapy, and which groups find it especially helpful (from neurodivergent clients to parents and shift workers)
• Common objections therapists have — and how to address them
• The risks of offering email counselling without specialist training, including contracting, secure systems, and managing risk safely

Chloe also shares how her passion for accessibility and ethical practice led her to create the Professional Certificate in Email Counselling - a six-month course for qualified counsellors who want to develop these skills properly. You can access the free quiz HERE and details about Email Counselling Academy HERE

If you’ve ever wondered whether email counselling is “real therapy”, or if you’ve been curious about diversifying your practice, this episode offers reassurance, insight, and inspiration.

Key Quotes

“Email counselling isn’t just typing back and forth - it’s a structured, therapeutic exchange with clear boundaries.”

“Clients often go deeper through writing because they have time to reflect and choose their words.”

“The more accessible therapy becomes, the more people we can reach.”

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords

email counselling, email therapy, online counselling training, therapist objections, benefits of email counselling, risks of email therapy, Chloe Foster, Email Counselling Academy, counsellor professional development

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.