A note of interest

Quite a few people report they are able to be much more revealing to their online counsellor, because there is no visual connection. They feel safer because they cannot be seen.

Internet Counselling, known also as “e therapy” is a relatively new way of providing counselling which takes place over the internet. This form of counselling is not for everyone and is not intended to replace face- to- face counselling, especially if you are already working with a counsellor. However many find it is just what they need to fit in with their busy lifestyles.

I will describe a few ways you can experience Internet Counselling, one is via chat, known as live/ real time counselling and is appropriate if you want a “right now” response from your counsellor, however this can be a very slow and expensive way of communicating, especially if you are being charged by the minute. Video conferencing, is another method and is the ideal way for counselling to take place, as you and your counsellor can see one another, which gives your counsellor more information, such as visual cues, it also has the added advantage of allowing you to experience counselling in the comfort of your own surroundings. The down side is that internet video technology is not quite good enough yet and is still developing. The most common method is via email and this service is currently available through MAP counselling. The advantages are that you and your counsellor do not have to be online at the same time and your counsellor can take time with your thoughts and write back to you at length, this mode is especially preferred by people who like to write and people who have very busy schedules.

Online counselling is an alternative way of seeking support and listed below are some of the advantages:

• You can speak/write freely to your counsellor about sensitive or embarrassing issues.
• Sometimes the process of writing about your concerns can support you to become more focused and allow things to become clearer.
• You can spend however long you want constructing your email, you are not limited to a 50 minute session where you have to get your thoughts and feelings across in a set time.
• Counselling can take part in the comfort of your own surroundings and you are able to control where, when and how long you would like counselling to go on for, all you need is a computer and somewhere to ensure your privacy.
• It is very accessible, especially if you are unable, for any reason, to leave your home.
• It is very flexible especially if you have issues with arranging childcare or work shifts and lead a very busy lifestyle, it can fit around your schedule.
• There is no need to wait weeks or even months to receive counselling as is the case when trying to access some face to face counselling.
• It can give you a taste of what counselling is about especially if you feel uncomfortable about trying out face to face counselling or are new to counselling.

This is not an exhaustive list but details some of the issues that are suitable for internet counselling. If you require any clarification please contact map counselling on 07825627409 or complete an introductory questionnaire.

• Personal growth
• Different life stages; divorce, birth, separation and employment
• Changes, difficult decisions or adjustments
• Work or life pressures and demands
• Improving relationships with family members, friends or partners
• Living with a chronic illness or supporting someone with an illness
• Fertility

Internet counselling is not suitable for everyone and is not a replacement for face to face counselling or other professional face to face intervention.

• If you have clinical depression
• If you have suffered serious trauma
• If you are suicidal or in crisis
• If you suffer from any enduring mental illness such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder or a personality disorder.
• If you are suffering from a serious eating disorder.
• If you are under 18

Encryption works by scrambling the content of our email exchanges and limits the possibility of personal and sensitive information being intercepting by a third party. Confidentiality and privacy during your online counselling is extremely important and in order to provide a safe and secure exchange of our emails, a secure web based system known as Hushmail has been set up.

Online counselling is not suitable if you are in crisis or in any kind of emergency, such as causing harm to yourself or harm to someone else. MAP Counselling is powerless to intervene while you are experiencing a crisis or emergency because of the delays associated with the use of email and other potential technical issues such as computer malfunction or internet service failure. It is important to realize that because of this you will have to handle these events using your own resources. MAP Counselling can only support you with what happens AFTER a crisis or emergency. For further information on what to do in a crisis or emergency please click on Links Section.