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Online Counseling - It's What's For Dinner

Author: DaveTuro-Shields,LCSW,CEC Total views: 11 Word Count: 546

The research is clear, in America 1 in 10 people are in need of mental health services at any given time. Most online counseling issues are common stresses in life, but for some the struggle is more serious as in chronic depression or marital struggles. But not everyone is ready for counseling and go it on their own, often for far too long.

Some could be in denial while still others could be plain embarrassed. At times like these, when offline counseling is not a viable option, one could consider what has come to be known as online counseling. Online counseling, as the name suggests is counseling offered by professional practitioners online. It could take the form of e-mail correspondence, chat sessions, voice calls or even video conferencing over the Internet.

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.

This is especially good in cases when your problem might embarrass you and you prefer the anonymity that a web based or online counseling offers. And since you undertake online counseling from the convenience of your home, there is less stress from travel, traffic, meetings and time wasted.

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.

But online counseling has its cons as well. The anonymity that the net offers you could in fact prove to be a liability. Unless the online counseling you undertake is from a credible source, you could be taken for a ride. The so called professional providing you with online counseling could very well be a student out to make some money on the side. While the quality of online counseling you might get from such a person will necessarily not be the best, it could in fact do more harm than good.

Online counseling is relatively new to the internet. Even seasoned therapists who begin to offer this service need to be aware of their professional associations ethical guidelines in providing this type of service. Most professional associations now have a separate ethical guideline for offering help through this new technology. For example, if your therapist is a licensed clinical social worker, don't hesitate to go to the national site for NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and read over their Standards for Technology Assistance.

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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