Online Counseling: Is it right for me?

Written by an iTherapy Provider

Online Counseling: Is it right for me?

Online therapy is scary to some people because it hasn’t been around 100 years like traditional psychotherapy. It’s not the right answer for everyone. It’s certainly not appropriate for someone who is suicidal or in crisis or for certain complex diagnosis.

The only way to find out is to take the first step. An online therapist will refer you to someone in your community if they feel that online services are not appropriate for you.

Online therapy works best for people who are comfortable with technology. If you’re one of those people that would rather text to your friends than call them on the phone, you have successfully jumped the first hurdle. Some people are just plain uncomfortable meeting with someone face to face.

Many of our clients shared that their progress has been much faster than previous face to face treatment because they felt more comfortable sharing their true deeper feelings earlier in sessions, due to the anonymity. Some even said that when working with the most wonderful therapists, they found it difficult to share certain information while sitting five feet away from them.

If you’re someone who needs to travel a lot or have busy schedules that don’t allowed you to make regular appointments in person, being able to connect via your mobile phone or laptop can be a life changer.

One of the best aspects for many people is the anonymity of online therapy. The nosey neighbor never has to know that you’re seeing a therapist. Imagine attending your video and phone sessions on your lunch hour while walking around the park.

People living in remote areas or having limited access to specialists have limited options for therapy. Online therapy provides them opportunity to have access to the best therapists in the country and in some cases, the world.

Online therapy is something that no one even imagined a few years ago. Like so much of the Internet, you no longer have to accept what is available in your local community; you can make your choice based on your needs and wants. It wasn’t that long ago that you were stuck with the selection of electronics available at your local Radio Shack, now you have Amazon, EBay and a million other sites.

If you are not comfortable with the latest online technology you can have your sessions via phone. There was a time, not so long ago, when even talking to a therapist on the phone was considered cutting edge. Although any phone will work, not all phones are created equal. Now, with the ubiquity of mobile phones it seems silly not to leverage them. Not having to lock your office door or being able to take a walk while you go over issues are some of the benefits.

Only you will know if online therapy is right for you, just like you were unsure if sushi was for you. The only way to find out is to try it out and see if it’s what you were expecting.

If you need assistance with technology, we are happy to help get you started and answer any questions, we know trying something new can be intimidating, just contact us via contact request or www.irx.thedotsmedia.com  or call 1-800-432-7996 and we will be happy to help.

September 17, 2013 / Online Counseling / Tags: ,

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