NATURE OF COUNSELING

Counseling is the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles, through cognitive, effective, behavioral or systemic intervention strategies, that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology.

Depending on the needs of the client and the availability of services, counseling may range from a few brief interactions in a short period of time, to numerous interactions over an extended period of time. Brief interventions, such as classroom discussions, workshop presentation, or assistance in using assessment, information, or instructional resources, may be sufficient to meet individual needs. Or, these brief interventions may lead to longer-term counseling interventions for individuals with more substantial needs. Counseling may be delivered by a single counselor, two counselors working corroboratively, or a single counselor with brief assistance from another counselor who has specialized expertise that is needed by the client.

The Practice of Online Counseling

Online therapy is suitable for people who are comfortable with putting their thoughts into writing and are able to do so in a reasonably organized manner (maybe people who has used Messenger, e-mail or chat rooms on the internet).

Online counseling offers the ease of use, convenience, the opportunity to think carefully about what to say, relatively low cost (regular office visits can cost $175 or more - the online counseling we offer is $50), the comfort of home for the client, the ability to avoid the discomfort of face-to-face situation and of speaking out loud about difficult matters.

Online counseling increases access to counseling on the basis of necessity or convenience. Barriers, such as being a long distance from counseling services, geographic separation of a couple, or limited physical mobility as a result of having a disability, can make it necessary to provide counseling at a distance. Options, such as scheduling counseling sessions outside of traditional service delivery hours or delivering counseling services at a place of residence or employment, can make it more convenient to provide counseling at a distance.

Internet counseling involves asynchronous and synchronous distance interaction among counselors and clients using e-mail and chat. Videoconferencing features may be available upon request.

E-mail-based individual Internet counseling involves asynchronous distance interaction between counselor and client using what is read via text to communicate.

Chat-based individual Internet counseling involves synchronous distance interaction between counselor and client using what is read via text to communicate.

WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING/THERAPY

The assistance of a professional can help you identify your needs, enabling you to deal with them faster and more reliably through specialized treatment techniques.

If you needed an antibiotic for an infection, you wouldn't hesitate to go to your doctor for the right treatment. Why deny yourself proper care for your emotional health?

Unfortunately, most people take better care of their cars than their own emotional health. Every once in a while your psyche needs a tune-up too.

Believe me, a good therapist is worth every penny. And you can find some great ones on the Internet.

WHY SHOULD I NOT CHOOSE ONLINE THERAPY

If you have any psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, thought disorganization).

If you are under 18 years old, are suicidal, need intense support or hospitalization.

DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS

No. Though I am a psychotherapist, I do not prescribe any medications. I can write recommendations that you can take to your doctor that can prescribe the correct hormones.

DOES THIS REPLACE FACE-TO-FACE THERAPY

There is a lot more to psychotherapy than discussion of issues on an intellectual level. A lot of it is about the relationship you develop with your psychotherapist.

The advantages of etherapy are that you can relax and take as much time as you like to compose your thoughts and put them down in writing, you can do this in your free time, and in the comfort of your own home. As long as you have a computer or a smartphone - you can access this from anywhere in the world. Another advantage to online therapy is the intriguing combination of distance and closeness that e-mail provides. This usually has a disinheriting effect - many people find it easier to talk online than to talk to someone who's in real space with them. In short - online therapy is flexible and accessible.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE THERAPY

The results can depend a lot on what time and energy you want to invest in the counseling. This requires your personal commitment and a willingness to look honestly at your issues, just as in other forms of therapy.

INTERNET COUNSELING RELATIONSHIP

In situations where it is difficult to verify the identity of the Internet client, steps are taken to address imposter concerns, such as using code words or numbers.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY IN INTERNET COUNSELING

The Internet counselor informs Internet clients of encryption methods being used to help insure the security of client/counselor/supervisor communications.

Encryption methods should be used whenever possible. If encryption is not made available to clients, clients must be informed of the potential hazards of unsecured communication on the Internet. Hazards may include unauthorized monitoring of transmissions and/or records of Internet counseling sessions.

The Internet counselor informs Internet clients if, how, and how long session data are being preserved.

Session data may include Internet counselor/Internet client e-mail, session notes, and counselor/supervisor communications. The likelihood of electronic sessions being preserved is greater because of the ease of decreased costs involved in recording. Thus, its potential use in supervision, research, and legal proceedings increases.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS, LICENSURE, AND CERTIFICATION

Internet counselors review pertinent legal and ethical codes for guidance on the practice of Internet counseling and supervision.

Local, state, provincial, and national statutes as well as codes of professional membership organizations, professional certifying bodies, and state or provincial licensing boards need to be reviewed. Also, as varying state rules and opinions exist on questions pertaining to whether Internet counseling takes place in the Internet counselor's location or the Internet client's location, it is important to review codes in the counselor's home jurisdiction as well as the client's. Internet counselors also consider carefully local customs regarding age of consent and child abuse reporting, and liability insurance policies need to be reviewed to determine if the practice of Internet counseling is a covered activity.

The Internet counselor's web site provides links to websites for all appropriate certification bodies and licensure boards to facilitate consumer protection.

reference: http://www.nbcc.org/ethics

The American Psychological Association states the following in their Vol. 33, No.9 October 2002 Monitor from page 13:

'Research shows that clients are more open and participate more when using online counseling. Clients may feel more comfortable with self-revelation when there is distance.'

Do you need advice and guidance? Feel you need some motivation and inspiration? Counselors and Psychotherapists do all this - our discussion is always tailored to your individual needs. We can be open ended or goal directed - it all depends on the issues you bring and what you would like to achieve.

Whatever your goals the way to get a consultation is to send an e-mail or fill out the contact form. Our discussions are led by you and the subject if whatever you choose.

brandnewdaycounseling@gmail.com