COUNSELLING SERVICES IN THE DIGITAL ERA: IMPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COUNSELLORS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the counselling services in the digital era: implications and opportunities for counsellors in Nigeria. Innovation became a necessity and a challenge for guidance and counselling. The era of disruption demanding each profession must be innovating because changes happen very quickly. School counsellors in the digital era are challenged to work hard and have a strong commitment to making creativity. Guidance and counselling have great opportunities in innovating with many generations the millennial while the majority of the counselees are Generation Z who are born between 1997 and 2012. These two generations are born in the digital era and they are known as dynamic groups to changes, quick to adapt, fast receive, and very vast in using technology than any generation that came before them and that is why counselling services in this era must be digitalized for the smooth running of counselling services. Digital counselling services for clients are of great benefits in this era; challenges of digital counselling services for counsellors include; access to pornography and porno-action making children experience mental changes, excessive internet use etc digital counselling in this era has brought about many opportunities for counsellors. It was recommended that counsellors should be trained on how well to use the equipment to facilitate effective and efficient counselling services so also the Government should help digital counselling work effectively by providing proper cybersecurity in ensuring the confidentiality of the clients.