Some people feel so debilitated by their struggles that they can’t bear to say them out loud, and some people’s problems feel so vague that they are worried about being able to vocalize them on the spot. Virtual counseling can assist you with all of these problems.
Virtual counseling can take place over the phone or over e-mail. With the increasingly digital world, however, we are finding more and more people who are available to help through online tools. There are many reasons why this is beneficial. It takes the pressure off having to describe your struggles within a set time limit. It is more convenient because you can write down your issues from the comfort of your own home. Many people feel more comfortable writing about problems rather than speaking about them, especially ones that they feel might be embarrassing or “unnatural”–though this isn’t usually the case, of course. Writing allows you more time to really discuss the problems you are encountering in your day-to-day life, and it also allows your counselor more time to really delve into what you are saying, and find you the resources and advice that are going to best assist you.
When hiring a virtual counselor for your psychotherapy treatment needs, make sure to hire someone who has lots of experience, and make sure to validate their credentials. There are a lot of people out there who could try to take advantage of your struggles, so be proactive. Get the virtual counselor on the phone at least once, and check for references of other people who have used them. Once you are comfortable that he/she is qualified, feel free to start working every day to get your “down” moods back up!
By David Boudreau