Is eCounseling for you?
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
The internet has become a busy and complex place with providers in just about every type of service profession. Mental Health providers are no exception to the rule. eCounseling offers a new twist on the old traditions associated with therapy. Instead of the stereotypical couch discussion, the meeting occurs in an internet chat room, or sometimes even via email. eCounseling offers advantages of traditional counseling in that it is available anywhere the internet is. It is convenient, no need to find a sitter for the kids or even leave your home (a big problem for patients with social phobias). Instead you can discuss things from within the comfort zone, thus patients may remain more relaxed and open up more easily. eCounseling may also offer a protective wall that allows a patient to discuss something that may embarrass them or make them feel ashamed.
While it is true that eCounseling may not be for everyone and some patients would be better served to participate in face-to-face counseling, eCounseling does offer options to individuals who may have been unable to get help in the past. Expanding the role of access to health care and mental health treatment, regardless of how unconventional the treatment may seem, can only be seen as a good thing. After all, it’s all about reaching out and helping people and the internet is a great tool for doing just that.
Tags: