Online Counseling - Is It For You?

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Online Counseling - Is It For You?

Author: DaveTuro-Shields,LCSW,CEC Total views: 9 Word Count: 600

Ten percent of the population struggles with an issue that could be helped by a counselor at any given time. Some issues are simple and take only one session to get help for. While others are more serious, including obsessive compulsive disorder, other chronic anxiety issues or maybe depression that has lasted for more than a few weeks. Some wait too long to reach out for help. They don't realize that it's not an issue of "weakness." Stigma is still really strong and many avoid seeking online counseling because they have the notion that one must be critically mentally ill.

If you have a loved one who needs help, and they're not ready to do it on their own, there is a lot you can do in seeking online counseling yourself to learn how to help a someone who's still is in denial. Online counseling takes several forms. You can do online chat, VOIP, email consultations or phone.

In some ways online counseling is better than face-to-face counseling. It offers a high degree of privacy. No one has to know you're doing it. You do not have to make big schedule changes to travel to and from appointments. And you still receive the wisdom and training of a professional counselor.

The flexibility of online counseling is appealing to many of the individuals who utilize this service. When polled, over 95% of those who have sought online counseling would do so again if the need would arise. Again, it's fits 'your' schedule and 'priorities' making it a great service for those in need.

When you use online counseling you are accessing the same level of expertise as if you were sitting with a professional. One cautionary statement - always make sure the counselor you are considering working with has a credentials check available as a link off their site. Each of the states in the US have a licensing body. Make sure your counselor is certified to help you and don't fear picking up the phone or emailing and asking questions as you need to.

There are some difficulties that cannot and should not be addressed through email or by phone. For instance, if you are contemplating suicide you should definitely be seeing someone locally so that proper hospital referrals can be made if the need arises. You are compelled to do your homework for online counseling and the specific therapist you're considering working with. It's very easy to fool individuals online and you want to make sure of two things. First, your counselor should be trained in the area you're struggling with and you should also have a phone number to call and make sure you're working with a professional and not some sophomore psychology student who's trying to make an extra buck.

Even reputed online counseling professionals, who are otherwise good, might indulge in underhand practices. Like providing multiple online counseling sessions to several people while charging each of them exclusive rates. And finally, the nature of the internet, and especially of information transmitted over it, could prove to be a threat to your online counseling experience. Care must be taken to ensure that your personal information does not fall into untrustworthy hands.

Whatever you choose however, do remember that online counseling is one of the ways in which you could help yourself or a loved one deal with issues. Use it with care as you would any other medical or mental treatment. And there is no reason why you should not benefit from online counseling.

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About the Author

Author and Online Counseling Pioneer Dave Turo-Shields. Go with 10-years online counseling experience. Learn more at: http://www.CounselingPros.com

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