Online Counselor- Benefits
As an Online Counselor I would like to point out some of the benefits available to you when you are seeking Online Counseling Services as well as explain how online counseling works. Online counseling is also know as e-counseling or tele-counseling, is a fantastic option for those whose actual physical, geographical or time period restraints make it difficult or impossible to take part in face-to-face therapy. While technology now allows us to connect with people worldwide for free, the use of interactive video conferencing software programs such as Skype has become the choice for many clients to participate in online counseling.
Types of Online Counseling
Typically there are two services that are offered online: assessments and therapy. Online assessments are often self-scored tests that are used to help individuals identify a specific issue they are dealing with, such as anxiety or depression. These tests can be useful for individuals in order to help them put a name to what may be going on for them so they can further explore the issue.
The two main types of online therapy include email counseling, or real time online chat (either written or verbal) between a client and counselor either with or without a webcam. Email counseling works well for clients who prefer time to process questions and respond at their leisure. Online counseling such as skype, or other software programs that allow real time connection, allows for a more similar interaction as what one may experience in a face-to-face session.
What are the benefits of Online Counseling?
Online counseling or e-counseling has grown more and more appealing for individuals who have to travel for their jobs and, whose schedules make it difficult for them to access conventional therapy services. Depending on the reason one is seeking counseling, it is usually most beneficial initially to have some continuity with sessions. Long gaps between sessions can often disrupt the flow of the change process, which often becomes a obstacle for those with busy schedules when utilizing face-to-face therapy. Online counseling allows a much more accessible option for people with busy schedules as there is more flexibility when it comes to the times sessions can be booked. Often online counselors are able to book into the evenings and on weekends, which is often not the case for in-person counseling. There is also no hassle of commuting and parking with online counseling.
The various forms of online counseling may also work well for individuals who are seeking some professional help on an occasional basis. It can be great for those who may want to contact a professional for advise every now and then but don’t want the hassle of calling a counselor, waiting to hear back, making the appointment, sorting schedules, etc. It allows for a much faster response time, and at times can even be immediate if the clinician is online already.
Online counseling is also more cost effective than traditional counseling. Clients save on gas and parking costs and, most online counselors charge less for this type of therapy since there is no need for the fees associated with office space.
Another benefit is the sense of privacy experienced compared to traditional therapy. Some clients are concerned about being seen by someone they know on their way to the counselors office or when leaving. Being able to have a counseling session in the comfort of your own home often allows clients to feel more at ease right from the very first session.
What is needed to engage in online counseling?
You need a laptop or desktop computer that’s associated with a high quality high-speed connection to the web. Most computers have built in speakers, microphones, and webcams now but, if it doesn’t you will need this in order to do online video counseling. Some clients prefer to just do phone counseling or skype counseling as a form of online counseling without the use of webcams. This is another great option for those who feel some anxiety about counseling or who don’t want to be seen.
If you don’t already have Skype on your computer, you would be required to follow the very easy steps to download this free software program onto your computer. Once this is completed you would add your counselors skype name. Typically clients contact the counselor via email initially to set up the first appointment. Many counselors will have clients fill out forms prior to the session which include a confidentiality agreement/limitations to confidentiality, sometimes a brief assessment and other legal forms needed in order to conduct a professional counseling session. Once this is established it is as easy as a click and you are then connected with your counselor for a timed duration. As an online counselor, I always make sure my clients know that there is a potential for technical difficulties and if such a thing were to happen, they would know who we deal with this.
What you should look for in searching for an online counselor
It is very important that you do your research when selecting an online counselor. An online counselor should be registered or licensed and in good standing as a member in their particular association. Don’t be afraid to contact them for a brief discussion to ask questions you may have prior to booking your first session. Some online counselors will offer a free consultation in order for you to get a sense of what the online counseling would be like and to give you a chance to ask questions. I personally feel this free 30 minute consultation is imperative to see if this modality is appropriate for the presenting issue as well as to find out if the client is comfortable with the online format.
How you should prepare for an online counseling session
You should pick a place in your home where you are comfortable and won’t be interrupted during your session. Shut down tv’s, cell phones, radios, etc., and if there are others in the home it would be wise to request you not be disrupted. Often clients will use a headset if others are in the home and this makes it more private.
Recent studies about Online Counseling
Quite a few recent studies about online counseling explore the benefits of online counseling for issues associated with anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, and relationship difficulties. While face-to-face therapy will not fade away, the many benefits of online counseling seems to be on a rapid climb. More and more clinicians are starting to offer this form of therapy and the much of the research that is being done shows promising outcomes. Many Employee and Family Assistance Providers (EAP) are contracting Registered Clinical Counselors and requesting they use both phone and e-counseling in order to reach a larger number of their employees. I use to work for an EAP company and provided a lot of phone counseling to clients nationally.
Does it work?
If we are going to ask this question, we can do so in regards to therapy either in-person or online. In both these cases you will find that there are those who believe counseling is effective and helpful, and others that simply do not believe it is at all. However, if performed ethically and with full disclosure of the strengths and weaknesses involved, online therapy can most certainly be an effective alternative to traditional therapy. As a Registered Clinical Counselor(RCC) in good standing; I was pleased to see that the BC Association of Clinical Counselors came out with a “New Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards for the Use of Technology in Counseling.” This can be viewed publically at http://bc-counsellors.org/general/code-of-ethical-conduct-and-standards-of-clinical-practice#technology.
Could Online Counseling be for you?
With the introduction of high-speed online connections as well as the prevalent introduction for built-in digital cameras coupled with microphones on notebooks or desktop computers, it is currently possible for an experienced therapist and their clientele to engage in a therapeutic process. The only way of really knowing if online counseling is something you may benefit from, is to try it.
If you are interested in exploring an issue you are struggling with or that is causing you distress, contact Candice Hague, M.Ed, RCC at nirvanacounseling@shaw.ca for more information or to book your first free consultation.
By: Candice Hague, M.Ed, RCC / Email: nirvanacounselling@shaw.ca
Nirvana Counselling- www.nirvanacounselling.com
Facebook- Online Counselor