Research presents mixed findings regarding the experiences of fathers of children with cerebral palsy (CP). While many fathers actively engage in their children's daily care and relationship-building despite demanding work obligations, others face significant emotional and practical challenges. Fathers often fulfill essential caregiving tasks such as bathing, feeding, and administering medication, demonstrate empathy, employ creative problem-solving strategies, and seek relevant information to support their children. However, studies suggest that fathers of prematurely born children with CP may suppress their emotions, struggle with treatment-related tasks, and hold high expectations, leading to additional stress. Given the ongoing challenges associated with CP, fathers require tailored support to navigate their caregiving roles effectively. Due to limited time availability, online counseling emerges as a practical and accessible therapeutic approach. Online counseling, or teletherapy, delivers professional mental health services via digital platforms, providing flexible and personalized support. It offers a safe space where parents can receive guidance, emotional support, and specialized resources tailored to their needs. This study examines the critical role of online counseling in empowering fathers of children with CP. This qualitative study included 30 fathers, aged 28–58 years (M=45.5, SD=7.02). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis. The findings underscore the multifaceted role of online counseling in supporting fathers of children with CP. Participants primarily described online counseling as satisfactory (40%), guiding (26.7%), necessary and essential (20%), and a unique support experience (13%). Online counseling offers significant advantages, including greater flexibility by eliminating the need for travel (43.3%), saving time and money (30%), and facilitating the management of urgent and emergency situations (26.7%). However, challenges remain. Fathers highlighted concerns such as the lack of meaningful direct contact and interaction (46.7%), impersonal communication between therapist and client (26.7%), difficulties related to internet connectivity (16.7%), and the extended duration of therapy (10%). To enhance the effectiveness of online counseling, fathers emphasized the importance of fostering a trusting and interactive relationship between therapist and client (40%), implementing a structured and systematic counseling process (33.3%), and increasing training and specialization for counselors in online therapy (27.7%). The main conclusion of this study was that online counseling provides flexible, accessible support for fathers of children with CP, helping them manage caregiving challenges.

Keywords: Online counseling, fathers, cerebral palsy (CP), benefits, challenges, recommendations.