What is Online Therapy?

Online counseling is simply communicating with a qualified, professional counselor/therapist by email or chat through your computer. If you have a microphone, we can speak to each other through the computer and if you have a webcam, I can see you as we speak. Services such as MSN or Yahoo messenger allow for instant messaging and there are secure chat rooms available on the internet as well.

Whether you choose only a few email exchanges or on ongoing diaglogue with the therapist over time, you have the opportunity to share your concerns, pose questions, and gain further insight into the problems you are addressing.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE COUNSELING

There are advantages and disadvantages to online counseling as opposed to face-to-face counseling. Anonymity appeals to a lot of people because some may be more comfortable sharing very personal information about themselves such as victims of abuse and trauma or when it comes to revealing experiences that involve shame. Having all the time that is needed to write emails may help some people clarify the issues being addressed and help them focus toward resolution. The convenience of online counseling is a big draw for many as well. People's lives are so hectic at times that it may be impossible to schedule daytime appointments. Distance or disabilities could prevent some from being able to access the therapist of their choice in person.

The most significant drawback of online counseling is not being able to interpret body language, facial expression, tone of voice, and so forth - with the exception of microphone and webcam use. The client, however, may add emotions that they are experiencing in brackets as they go along (ie: smiling now, feel like I am going to start to cry now). Some problems cannot be resolved online. For example, someone who is suicidal should seek immediate in-person assistance and someone suffering from a serious mental health disorder or requiring medication would need ongoing treatment with a face-to-face therapist. Due to the technical nature of this new form of therapy, complications regarding complete confidentiality may arise and servers may go down which would affect access and response time.

WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS

Completing the Life History Questionnaire will provide the counselor with pertinent information about your background and the nature of your concerns/issues. There is no charge for this assessment.
The next step is to share your thoughts and feelings about these concerns and ask any questions you may have. I will help you to understand your behaviour and reactions, to explore the roots of these issues, and help you find ways to overcome these difficulties. Sometimes, people just need someone to care about the pain they are feeling and I can offer caring support to validate what you are experiencing. Other times, people need some assistance in understanding why they have low self-esteem or why they repeat negative patterns of behaviour in relationships, or why they can't break unhealthy habits. I can offer suggestions to help you with greater self-awareness and then on how you can deal with the problem in a healthy manner with positive outcomes.

E-MAILS VS. INSTANT MESSAGING

Instant messaging is in real time for those who prefer the counselor's immediate response. This is enhanced by the use of microphones and/or webcams and saves typing. Emails, on the other hand, are preferred by those who would like to really think out what they want to say, those who wish time to study the counselor's response, and emails may be written whenever convenient for you. Both venues can provide record keeping of the discussions between you and the counselor and both offer counseling in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

Couples need not be excluded from online counseling. Each person could email the therapist separately or together as a couple. Another method is for the couple and therapist to meet in a secure chat room.