Top 10 Benefits of Online Counseling

Rethinking the Way to Receive Counseling

Imagine yourself going to a counselor.  

The first step: find a good counselor.  

Second step: make an appointment - getting an appointment may take 1 - 3 weeks.  

Third step: mapquest directions to the office.  

Fourth step:  meet with the counselor - face to face.  

Today counseling methods are being rethought.  Advances in technology have opened doors so counseling can be provided through the internet, email, chat and on the telephone.  Online counseling has been around for over a decade.  Counselors are rethinking online counseling and realizing it is a viable method of providing therapy to their clients.

Why is online counseling becoming more popular?

On line counseling allows flexibility

I think it is because we have come into an age where the internet and social media are primary methods of communication.  Let's face it, old and young are now connected to mobile devices.  It is the norm to have a cell phones.  We live in a world of smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, Facebook, Skype, IM, Twitter, Wii, etc.  There is an increasing consumer  demand to provide services through the internet. 

After several years as an "in person only" face to face counselor,I have rethought my methods of providing counseling.  Today, I primarily provide online counseling.   My focus is as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Online counselors have a variety of specialties. 

You, or someone you know, may be interested in learning more about online counseling.  I created a list of ten benefits of online counseling. 

On-Line Counseling . . .

1. provides counseling with a professional counselor.

2. is available for isolated and mobile populations.

3. allows anonymity. 

On line counseling is helpful if you live in a rural community. 

4. is convenient and flexible - you can send an email question or schedule an appointment on your time schedule.
5. may include email allowing you to ask thought out questions and receive answers that can be read . . . . over and over. 
6. websites often provide free resources you can view on your mobile device.
7. is great for the person who enjoys the written word and video interaction. 

8. uses convenient and secure payment through online payment and PayPal.
9. is cost friendly - especially since you do not have to travel to meet with your counselor.

10. is a comfortable and relaxing way to interact with a counselor.

It is important to note that online counseling is not for everyone.  
For example, it is not for the person in crisis or suicidal, or who requires in person care.  

If you are looking for a counselor and you travel, live in a rural or isolated community, are shy, home bound, want to avoid social stigma, and wanted flexibility online counseling may be for you. 

To learn more about online counseling, to schedule a free 30 minute consultation or view free resources on recovery topics check out my web page: www.stages2change.com.

 

Changing the Stinkin' Thinkin'

From Shame to Truth

I went to the gym yesterday.  I have known for sometime that I need to get back into shape.  

I can blame my new weight gain on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Birthdays . . . but in reality I have become undisciplined in my eating and exercise habits.  

At the gym I had a young buff trainer named Jonathan.  He probably thought I looked like his mother.  He showed me how to maneuver the weights and the seats so I could find the best position for me as I attempted strength training.  He showed me how to use the tread mill.   I had to be attached with a clip - in case I fell off the tread mill  it would stop. 

The tread mill was cool, I could wear headphones and watch CNN or Fox News at the same time I was walking.  The second day I used the tread mill, I realized I could also see myself walking. The four tread mills were set along a mirrored wall.   I watched myself walking.  At first I did not recognize myself.  Who is that middle aged, sweaty and overweight lady?  

I carry an image of what I look like in my head.  The image in the mirror that day was not the same picture that is in my head.  I see myself as much younger, much less wrinkled, trimmer and there are no gray hairs.  

What image do you carry of yourself?   Does it match the one in the mirror?  

My father is a youthful 80 year old.  He is active, sane, witty and healthy.  One day I asked him what it is like to be his age. How do you see yourself?  

He said, "I see myself as a 25 year old man." 

Sometimes a person with a beautiful and healthy body sees themselves as ugly and fat.  Again there is a discrepancy between the true image and the imagined self image. 

In the dictionary shame is defined as,

"A painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace."

When a person experiences negative shame - they will feel unrealistic guilt or a sense of "badness" about them self.  Statements like:

* "I am bad."

* "I am unlovable." 

* "I am garbage."

* "I am not worthy." 

are all shame based statements.  They are simply not true statements.  To overcome negative shame a person must begin to see and embrace the truth about themselves. 

For an aging person, they may need to embrace the fact that they are no longer young. That does not mean they are not beautiful. Beauty comes from the inside.  For the person who is young and attractive yet feels they are fat and ugly - they may need to learn that they are not ugly - and they are worthy.

Replacing old tapes with new messages - that is a first step in overcoming shameful thinking.  Taking the stinkin thinkin' (as the 12 step programs call it) of "I am bad and unworthy" and saying to yourself 

"I have made mistakes, yes, however I am worthy and I have purpose."

As a person takes steps to recovery they will consider their thoughts and begin to replace negative thinking with truthful thinking. To learn more about overcoming addiction check out the free resources at www.Stages2Change.com