If you decide you want to talk to someone in private practice, what then?
Counselling and Therapy in Your Area
Online Private Practice
There is a rapid rise in online counselling and online therapy platforms. These platforms provide a list of counsellors and therapists, so the good thing is that you’ll find there are many options available to you.
But in a sense, that’s a bad thing too because you can end up quite confused about what might help you.
How do you find out what's right for you?
For a start, you may want to know the differences between the various online platforms.
These online platforms offer a list of counsellors / therapists, some of which may also offer a service in your area.
While meeting in-person allows for a more personal form of counselling or therapy, many consider online counseling / therapy to have significant benefits. However there are things to consider when meeting online.
5 Important Tips to Consider!
I’ve reviewed most, if not all of the main UK online platforms that provide a list of counsellors and therapists.
I’ve evaluated them based on a range of factors, including the sign up process, free trial session, pricing, support, privacy and required qualifications.
Free Trials
Subscribing
APPS
An App is for busy people. You can message a counsellor or therapist when you’re on the go and when it’s convenient for you, anytime and anywhere.
It’s like having your own pocket therapist! If you are engaging in counseling or therapy through an App., a pin code should be supplied on entry; so anyone else with access to your phone can’t just access your private messages.
accreditation
Some online platforms have advanced filter for finding a counsellor or therapist who speak in a language other than English.
Some online platforms have a filter for Gender, which makes it easier to find a gender specific counsellor or therapist.
Security
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) sets the standard for protecting sensitive data. Any company that deals with Protected Health information (PHI) must ensure that all the required physical, network, and process security measures are in place.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of talking to a counsellor / therapist online?
Advantages
- Sits well within the ethos of talking therapies: Online counselling and therapy removes the barriers, such as waiting times, travel and having to work appointments into a busy schedule. In other words, easy access.
- Lower costs: Online counselling and online therapy can be cheaper than face-to-face.
- Level of anonymity: Extremely useful for people who prefer not to speak with a counsellor or therapist in person and avoids any stigma of seeking help.
- Convenience: Finding time for a 50-minute appointment once a week is often a struggle. With online counselling and therapy, users can choose to communicate anytime and anywhere.
- Easy access: Many people live in rural and remote areas and are geographically isolated from accessing counselling or therapy services. Online talking therapies solve this problem.
- A diary-style log: Research shows that keeping a diary has therapeutic benefits. Something about writing allows people to be more forthcoming and a deep and personal connection can be formed.
DIsadvantages
- Cannot Respond to Crisis Situations: Online counsellors and therapists are distant from the client and therefore may find it difficult to respond quickly to an emergency situation.
- Sometimes Lacks Important Information: In many cases, online counsellors and therapists cannot see facial expressions or vocal and body signals. These signals can be quite telling and can give the counsellor or therapist a clearer picture of your feelings, thoughts, mood, and behaviour.
WHERETOTALK WAS FOUNDED BY DR ZARA KAY BENAMOR. CHARTERED PSYCHOLOGIST. CPSYCHOL.
'Securing Public Trust'
www.wheretotalk.org