Many clients are considering choosing an online counselor online because of the current COVID-19 infection control measures. Yet, there are many great reasons for choosing this as the delivery form for your therapy.
Clients are more familiar with face-to-face counselling and associate telephone with helplines. However, it offers the same psychological support delivered by a skilled therapist you would get by visiting their office.
Flexibility
Many people who need counselling for mental health issues don’t get counselling due to time constraints. They keep going through life without any mental health support even though their mind feels heavy with stress and anxiety. This does not need to happen.
Online counselling lets people choose the date and time for scheduling online counselling sessions at their convenience. This kind of flexibility makes it more convenient for people to get online therapy for mental health issues.
Choosing an online therapist
For many reasons, someone might choose online therapy (aside from a global pandemic). Experienced therapists will tell you that those who choose an online counsellor often do so because of everyday concerns such as convenience or access.
Online therapy: making a connection with your therapist
Online counselling can mean a variety of contact methods. Although most people think of it as video calls, it could also be by text or email. Usually, before you start counseling, you and your counselor will talk about how counseling will work. This will help you both establish what might be expected and the limits that there might be.
You need to be comfortable with your counselor. Do not be afraid to ask questions, good therapists will welcome the opportunity to talk about any concerns you have. They will be keen for you to have the right therapist (even when that isn’t them!)
Going through a few counselors before settling on the right professional is always better than working with someone who doesn’t understand your mental health needs.
For instance, would you prefer interacting with someone of the same gender? Or would you be more comfortable talking to someone older, younger, or more or less your age? Something that you may also want to consider is sexual orientation. There are many counselors who are queer affirmative and offer pride counselling online. Thus, look for a counselor whose background is aligned with your therapy goals to make this process easier.
What does an online session look and feel like?
- How long will you be receiving therapy online?
- How much does an online session cost?
- What are the cancellation policies and steps for rescheduling a session?
An online counselor’s ability to assist you with your emotional turmoil can be determined after a quick discussion of the problems and symptoms you’re currently dealing with. As a result, you have more clarity and are prepared for your online counselling sessions.
Scheduling and availability—Online counselling is a good choice if your schedule is unpredictable. To make it convenient for you both, you might wish to find out your online counselor’s availability and schedule. Depending on how busy your day is, you can select a weekend session or probably after-work online sessions. For instance, some people may prioritise weekly sessions, while others may prefer to only attend a few sessions each month.
- Do not disclose your personal information through email or text
- Does not acknowledge you, the client, first outside of a therapeutic setting
- Do not divulge session information to a third party without your consent
So, what you say stays in the session.
But there’s an exception to this. Counselors can break confidentiality in some circumstances when:
- There’s a threat to your life, or someone’s trying to physically harm you
- You’re a danger to someone’s well-being or intend to assault them, and
- You’re a threat to yourself or have thoughts of self-harm
In situations like these, your online counselor will notify your emergency contact, who can help ensure your safety and seek hospitalization if necessary.
Final thoughts
There are of course differences you will need to consider when working on0-line or by telephone. It’s worth giving some thought to these before you call the counsellor because they may affect your choice. For example: Normally the counsellor’s office offers a safe and confidential space where you are not disturbed. Yet, when you choose online therapy, you must create that space for yourself.
It offers a chance to talk to qualified counselors. They have the skills to help with a range of mental health and psychological issues, where perhaps there were artificial barriers or limitations of access in the past.
In conclusion, if you are considering online therapists, and especially if there is good reason that you cannot visit the counsellor’s office, you can still access good quality counselling. When you choose an online counsellor, there are simple steps that you can take to find a therapist who can help you meet your needs.
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