Online Counseling And Therapy

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E-therapy, e-counseling, or cyber-therapy are terms used to refer to online counseling does not occur in an office setting with both counselor and client in the same room or office but across some distance. What was once termed as an "alternative" to traditional therapy is now becoming more commonplace and possibly reimbursable.

With computer technology rapidly advancing and allowing further innovations within the mental health fields, many social workers and other therapists have adopted the technology) and it may soon be seen that counselors who are slow to incorporate available technologies will be left behind as the differences and short comings between face to face an online counseling are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

Clients typically seek out online counseling services for the same reasons that people seek professional help through traditional channels; however, it may be especially appealing for individuals who are unable or unwilling to see a mental health professional in person due to various reasons. Online counseling has proven ...
... itself as a viable option for many clients time and again as it sometimes allows clients to present a stronger voice. It also allows access to multicultural counselors.
The most-often cited reason why people use online counseling services is convenience for clients and counselors alike, and participants may engage in the counseling process from the comfort of their homes or offices. Schedules are often tight and online therapy allows client to send an email at 3am or schedule a phone conference at 8am.

One more very important reason is the sense of anonymity provided by the internet. Many individuals are more likely to disclose their personal problems when they are not in physical presence of another person. This phenomenon, called disinhibition can prove to be a boon for many.

Online counseling can also be cost effective as compared to the traditional face-to-face interaction. As there is no requirement for either the client or the counselor to travel nor does the latter need an office or clinic. Medical prescriptions can also be sent via mail. And payments can also be made online itself.

Shortcomings of online counseling: the absence of verbal cues and observance of body language does prove to be a barrier for online counseling. Many critics argue that this new method cannot take the place of the traditional way of conducting healing sessions as it does not hold that warmth in the interaction. They believe this warmth is responsible for most mental and emotional healing sessions to be successful.

Also the security or the sheer lack of it can lead to many problems that can wreck havoc in individual lives. Problems such as credit card fraud, identity theft are becoming more and more common occurrences as many-a-time; individuals trust their counselors too much and easily reveal vital personal information.