How does email or internet counseling work and how do I begin?

You'll start by choosing a Counseling Service and filling out the Counseling Request form. I send you some detailed questions right away, usually within a few hours. You send back your answers and then get a response that contains the following:

1. A clarification of the problem, which can go a long way towards finding the answer.
2. Individualized advice about your specific issues. There are no preset formats - each person is unique.
3. Exercises to get you thinking and to start changing any patterned behaviors and thoughts.

4. Tools that you can use to continue growing on your own.

When you start your session, take the time to present your situation clearly, including as much detail as you can. If you're not sure what kind of information to include in your request, read the suggestions for making a request.

How long is a session? Can my problems be solved in one session? 

It really depends on the situation and how open you are to changing your beliefs. Some people find that one longer session is all they need. I suggest you try one and then if you wish to continue, you make that choice. Just talking openly about your issue without feeling judged makes a big difference. I give you a safe space to do just that.

This can be a one time internet counseling session, daily, a few e-mails a week/month, or for a longer period of time, whatever you prefer. OnlineCounseling.org does ask that if you decide to discontinue therapy to let us know.

The length of the my response depends on the Counseling Service you choose, which can be from 15 minutes to a total of two hours or unlimited internet counseling for one month. The response time is based on the time it takes to read what you write plus the time it takes write back to you.  

What kind of issues do you deal with in an internet counseling session?

Just about anything, whether you need relationship help, coaching, business or personal advice, guidance, motivation, or inspiration. The session is always tailored to your individual needs or to the needs of two individuals in a relationship. It all depends on the issues you bring to the table and what you would like to achieve.

If you are not sure, please email me with your questions about whether or not your situation is one that is appropriate for internet counseling.

When is email or internet counseling a good choice?

Email or internet counseling is ideal for people who are comfortable with putting their thoughts and feelings in writing; for people who want anonymity, privacy, convenience and easy access, flexibility, to save time, get fast responses, and effective results. Many people find that writing answers to the questions and doing the exercises to be revealing and thought provoking.

It is a good choice for people who have difficulty getting to a counselor, are isolated, have a busy schedule, who are uncomfortable or anxious about face to face counselling, have physical limitations, prefer the privacy, or just prefer e-mail as a convenient and relaxed mode of communication.

Because you receive written responses, you can refer back to the advice repeatedly, saving you money in the long run.

When is internet counseling not a good choice?

While there are many benefits of internet counseling, it is not appropriate for everyone and cannot replace existing therapy or medical treatments. It does not allow for interpretation of voice tone, body language, and other forms of non-verbal communication that are a part of traditional therapy. There may be technical difficulties, which may delay responses. Do not use email or internet counseling:

a. If this is an emergency, if you feel suicidal, homicidal, or like you want to hurt yourself of someone else, IMMEDIATELY call 911 or your doctor, or go to the nearest emergency room!

b. If you have any psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, thought disorganization).
c. If you need intense support, phone contact, hospitalization.
d. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol or if you have a psychiatric illness.

e. If you need a medical diagnosis or a prescription. 

If you have used my services and I am unable to help you for any reason, I will refund your money and assist you in finding someone in your area to help you.

How is the communication in internet counseling confidential and private?

OnlineCounseling.org uses the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association to maintain the strictest confidentiality. All names and personal information are never given to other parties for any other use, including marketing and promotional purposes. The only exception is danger to self or others, as is true in any case where you see a therapist.

When you submit your question it's electronically sent to a secured area, from where it's immediately retrieved. After you end your session, your account is held for 60 days, in case you choose to have another internet counseling session, before being closed and all information is removed from the computer system. No information is stored after that time other than your email address. A request can be made at any time to fully remove the account.

The only information you need to provide is your name or pseudonym, email address and your situation. Within the limitations of security inherent in e-mail communication, internet counseling is just as confidential as "regular" counseling. For full details, please see the Privacy Policy.

How do I pay and what will this session cost me?

You can make your payment by using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discovery, PayPal or bank account. Using PayPal is free and signing up for an account is optional. PayPal accepts payment in other currencies including Euros and Yen. 

OnlineCounseling.org does not have access to your financial information. I only get notification of your payment and this also serves as verification of your identity to prevent fraudulent use of your card or account.

Fees range from $20 for 15 minutes of counseling to $300 for a month of unlimited counseling. These fees are described in detail on the Counseling Services page. You can choose the service that best suits your individual needs.

Will insurance cover internet counseling?

I didn't get an initial response within 24 hours. What do I do?

If you have not received an initial response within 24 hours, my email has been stopped from being sent into your inbox. Please contact us immediately at info@onlinecounseling.org or onlinecounseling@yahoo.com. 

The situations where this can occur is either an email server may block my email to you or if you have spam software, my email may be filtered into a folder other than your inbox. In the meantime, add us to your trusted list of senders, contacts, address book, friends or white list. You can also try to contact us through a Yahoo or Hotmail email account.

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