The provision of health care information has been a significant area of growth in the internet applications. As a result, many people have turned to the internet for support and information regarding their problem situations and personal growth. Online counseling seeks to provide this support as a relatively new medium. Online counseling is not for everyone and is not intended to replace face-to-face counseling. The fact however is that many find this mode of counseling as just what they need to fit in with their lifestyle, and still receive support for their problem situations and issues.
Reasons why online counseling may be most appropriate for you
- You may be simply worried about seeing a counselor face- to –face , or you may not want to wait longer for an appointment
- Perhaps you are very busy, working long hours or you travel a lot and are unable to commit yourself to regular face-to-face appointments
- You may be housebound for some reason, perhaps with a disability, or caring after people you can’t leave behind, for example small children, the elderly, just to mention but a few
- If you are a deaf person, online counseling saves the need to seek an interpreter, and may also be useful if you or the counselor does not use sign language’
These are just a few of the circumstances for which online counseling is appropriate. Most people find it easier to put down their thoughts in writing as this allows for reflection on what has been written. They are then able to look back and evaluate their progress
Individuals for whom online counseling is not intended
- Those with severe and enduring mental health difficulties
- Those who are actively suicidal
- Those in a crisis and may need an immediate response to their email
- Those who are already working with a counselor or therapist face-to face
- Those under the age of 18
Advantages of Online counseling
- You can speak freely about sensitive issues or those that you may find embarrassing.
- You can engage at a time that suits you, day or evening, and also in the comfort of your home or a location where you can have access to a computer
- It is easily accessible
- As the client you have time to reflect on your writing and the responses given, and you also get to keep the email exchanges from the online counseling
- Its affordable, and one does not have to wait for an appointment which at times can take weeks to arrange for private face to face counseling