Reasons To Use E-Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the counseling?

Counseling can help you get to the root of what brought you to counseling in the first place. If you’re having relationship issues, experiencing anxiety and depression, being bullied or dealing with some other issue that you can’t quite manage on your own, counseling is a safe place to talk about it. A licensed mental health professional who is trained and has the experience in what you’re dealing with can help you better manage your issue or even resolve it. In a way, one can think of counseling as a short cut to feeling better. It’s important to keep in mind that although this might be a short cut, it requires commitment, patience and determination, especially when dealing with difficult aspects of whatever is troubling you.

What are the benefits of online counseling?

Online counseling can be more affordable, even for those who don’t have health care insurance. You can meet with your therapist at a time that fits into your schedule and wherever you feel most comfortable. Some people like to have counseling sessions in their homes, while others feel more comfortable talking to a therapist in their car (parked, of course).

With online therapy, you can meet your therapist by video, text messaging, chat or phone in real time or asynchronously via text messaging or emailing. You can choose how you want your therapy delivered that is most comfortable and convenient for you. You also are not restricted to seeing a local therapist, which in some areas, therapists might be scarce.

Whereas traditional therapy requires traveling to a therapist’s office, sitting in an office and discussing sensitive issues, people who use e counseling can have therapy from the privacy of their own homes or wherever they feel is most private. They don’t have to factor in drive time to and from a therapist’s office or running into someone they know while waiting to see the therapist.

In addition, chatting, text messaging and emailing are ways to discuss sensitive issues that might otherwise feel shameful or embarrassing if sitting across from someone.

As well as considering benefits, cons of online therapy also exist. One con is needing a strong internet connection while another con is using technology to access therapy.

 How does e Counselling work?

E counseling works by offering different modalities to access therapy. You can use audio (phone) or video to meet with your therapist. Or, you can use text messaging or meet with your therapist in a secure private chat room. You can even communicate with your therapist via email.

These are more flexible with regard to scheduling, so more than likely you’ll be able to meet with your therapist when it fits into your schedule. Online therapy is also cost effective. In sum, e counseling is both affordable and convenient.

What is the meaning of e Counselling?

E counseling or online therapy uses the internet to reach people or to put it another way, for people to access mental health care. E counseling has been gaining in popularity because of its affordability and easy access. From people living in rural areas to youth in the city, e counseling can help people deal with their mental health conditions like eating disorders and bipolar disorder or any issue.

By using a variety of methods (ex. video, text messaging, and chat) to receive counseling, people can feel more comfortable treating their mental health needs, especially if they have a busy schedule or feel embarrassed about seeking help for their mental health needs.

Which online therapy is best?

There is no one best online therapy. Do your research to see what a company offers. For example, do they offer video as well as secure chat rooms? Are they HIPAA compliant? Are all the therapists and counselors licensed? Do they offer a free trial? Are there different plans or a flat monthly rate? Do they accept health insurance? Do they specialize in one type of counseling, such as marriage counseling? Or, do they offer a variety of counseling like counseling for anxiety disorders or sleep disorders?

Doing a good, old fashioned pros and cons list of 5 companies will help you to narrow down your options and then finally settle on one that best suits your needs.

How do you do online Counselling?

Usually, you’ll first fill out a questionnaire. Based on your answers, you’ll be matched with a therapist. Then, you’ll have a consultation – a meeting so you and your therapist can get to know each other better. This is where you’ll get a feel for the therapist to see if they’re a good fit for you and vice versa. You can ask the therapist questions, such as their education, expertise, and training. The therapist, likewise, will ask you questions. For example, why you’re seeking therapy and what your therapy goals are. After the initial consultation, you’ll have meetings with your therapist based on how you want to go about receiving therapy online (ex. audio, video, or online chat). Over time, you’ll develop a therapeutic relationship with your therapist – one in which you’ll feel safe and supported and not judged.

If you’re therapist isn’t working out for you – sometimes this happens – you can switch to another. It’s best, though, to give yourself 3-5 sessions with a therapist before you determine that the therapist isn’t a good fit for you.

Is online therapy secure?

Generally, online therapy or online counseling is secure. Your information is kept confidential by your therapist, and encryption is used for financial transactions. The mental health professionals are licensed, and the platform is HIPAA compliant. Always do your research, though. Check with the platform to make sure the site is secure before registering for therapy or making a financial transaction. The company should make ethical and legal practices a priority.

What are ethical issues in therapy?

Some ethical issues in therapy could be when a therapist tries to be your friend rather than the professional therapist you hired. A therapist who crosses boundaries by sharing at length their issues is a sign that a professional line has been crossed. Therapists will, from time to time, relate to what their clients are saying by sharing a personal story of their own. This is okay and can even be therapeutic for the client. However, if this sharing happens often or if the therapist asks you for advice, it’s time to find a new therapist and report the old one.

Therapists need to be upfront about billing – how you’ll be billed and for how much. This should be made clear before you begin therapy, so that there are no surprises. Also, a therapist should set an approximate timeframe for the start and end of therapy, such as 6 weeks or 3 months and how many times you’ll meet (ex. once a week or twice a week).

What you tell your therapist is confidential. They legally cannot share that information with anyone. Under certain circumstances, however, your therapist might need to report suspected abuse, for example. Therapists are mandated reporters, and if they suspect a client will harm themselves or someone else or if abuse is happening to a known child, they have to, by law, report this to authorities. Aside from these circumstances, if a therapist does not maintain confidentiality, this could result in legal issues for the therapist.

How do you get therapy if you can't afford it?

There are some sites that offer forums, such as Huddle, where you’re connected with people going through similar experiences. This can be an opportunity to find relief from hearing other people’s stories and to have people relate to and validate your story. A word of caution: Never give out personal information. If someone is pressuring you to do so, contact the person in charge of the forum you’re participating in. Another site, 7 Cups, allows you to talk to a trained listener. Although the trained listener isn’t a therapist, you can unburden yourself and possibly find answers to your own questions by talking out your problems. Although forums and trained listeners cannot provide the same emotional support as a licensed mental health professional, you can still continue to grow and learn ways for how to manage your issues like stress and anxiety.

211.org is a website where you put in your zip code and state to retrieve local resources. From there, you might be able to find nonprofits, religious organizations, or other organizations that offer free therapy. If not free, then the cost of therapy could be determined using an income-based scale for mental health services.

Do I really need therapy?

Only you can determine if you need therapy. One thing to consider, though, is if you are having difficulty performing your day-to-day activities. If this is the case, then seeking a licensed mental health professional might be of benefit. A therapist can help you explore what you’re feeling and experiencing and how these are affecting you and possibly, your relationships. From there, you and your therapist can come up with a treatment plan to manage or even overcome those difficulties, so you can begin to feel better and get back into life.