Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the digitization of daily life, including the widespread adoption of teleworking and online education. In the field of counseling, remote modalities have become increasingly prevalent as a means of minimizing in-person contact, with online platforms now commonly utilized for individual consultations. This digital shift has also extended to group therapy and self-help groups, prompting active discourse on both the benefits and limitations of virtual formats.
This study explores the advantages and challenges associated with online self-help group activities, using the case of “Club Minashigo (Orphan) Gathering for the Truly Alone,” which has operated via Zoom since its inception in 2022. The group’s online structure exemplifies the potential of digital platforms to facilitate participation across geographic boundaries and to foster social connection among individuals experiencing isolation.
Findings indicate that the elimination of spatial and financial barriers through online meetings lowers the threshold for engagement, thereby enhancing accessibility. However, the study also identifies several areas requiring further investigation: the difficulty of evaluating therapeutic effectiveness, the limitations in cultivating trust and interpersonal relationships compared to face-to-face interactions, and the complex implications of anonymity within virtual settings.
