I occasionally get asked about the future of internet (Email) counseling.. What do I think about it? How effective is it? Have I conducted internet counseling?
Internet counseling can serve as an effective method of counseling in many situations. Often times, a person is simply looking to quickly and anonymously gain emotional stability regarding a challenging situation and having an online therapist to email is often an ideal solution. Therapists are emotional compasses and can often help provide some objective levity or help the patient gain an alternative perspective.
Lack of eye contact with internet counseling can often promote less perceived judgement by the patient which often lends itself to faster problem resolution. For example, for those diagnosed with Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia, the anonymity afforded by email-type counseling is a welcomed nuance.
With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, some obsessions that have an overture of fantasies to kill, harm, rape, etc, internet counseling can be particularly effective…especially in the beginning when the patient is speaking of his or her obsessions for the first time.
And, there is the matter of cost. With internet counseling, one doesn’t have to drive, secure child care, pay for parking, take time off from work, etc. Isn’t it nice to know there are choices?
If you are interested in internet counseling, Private Message me or call 208.258.3510 today. Why wait any longer?

 

~Lisa Schiro, M.S., LPC-5494