ONLINE COUPLES COUNSELING
/No couple is immune to conflict and struggles with communication, but few couples can take time off from their schedules to seek help. With online couples counseling, help is available where and when its most convenient for the couple.
Online counseling, also known as e-therapy, e-counseling, teletherapy, or cyber-counseling, is a new development in mental health in which a licensed counselor provides professional services through video conferencing. Online counseling is not appropriate for everyone, but it offers many benefits when compared to in-person counseling:
Convenience - Online counseling can take less time away from a person’s workday or home life. There is no need to worry about traffic or traveling miles to see a counselor. All that is required is a stable internet connection, reliable webcam, and a motivation for growth.
Comfort - Online counseling is perfect for individuals who us technology often and prefer meeting with a counselor from their laptop or phone while remaining in the comfort of their own home, during their office lunch break, or while away on a business trip.
Closeness - Online counseling can provide access to individuals who are unable to get to an office. In rural areas the nearest counselor may be a long-distance drive away or individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities may be unable to drive or leave home at all.
When individuals choose online counseling they are able to create for themselves the right environment for counseling. They may want to sit in the arm-chair at home where they feel most comfortable or on the sofa next to their partner. They might enjoy their favorite photos and mementos surrounding them as they work towards building a healthier relationship and life. Whatever makes them feel most relaxed and comfortable will create a more productive environment for change and growth so they can return to living their lives.
With online couples counseling there is a greater degree of privacy. There’s no need for individuals to make up excuses or feel obligated to tell their boss or coworkers why they need to leave early the same day every week for their couples session. There is no need to include nosy neighbors or family in order for them to pick up or watch the kids while in session. Instead, couples can join their session from their homes after the kids have been put to sleep. There is no need for the couple to sacrifice their privacy in order to get help. Then, when their relationship is back on track, they can move forward knowing their former struggles remain a private distant-memory.
Online counseling can be a wonderful option for many individuals, but it is also important to understand the limitations and potential dangers of online counseling when provided by some large online agencies or untrained individuals offering professional services.
In recent years, many large online mental health companies have begun offering discounted online counseling services through false advertising of services. These companies offer low weekly or monthly rates with promises of access to a trained counselor 24/7 through text or email. In reality these counselors review client messages once or twice a day after completing hours of back-to-back sessions during their day jobs. If individuals are interested in live video or phone sessions it is only provided after an additional fee.
Additionally, online services are often offered by minimally trained or unlicensed ‘therapists’ and ‘counselors.’ Professional mental health services can only be trained by licensed professionals such as a LMFT, LCSW, LPC, or a psychologist. Individuals that advertise themselves as Life Coaches or as providing life coaching services have received minimal instruction or brief online certification course and should not be confused with a fully-license professional with a master’s or doctoral degree, several thousand hours of clinical experience, and supervision from an additionally trained professional. At Here & Now Counseling Services, our counselors are all fully-licensed mental health professionals with advanced training in the world renowned and research-based—Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Individuals seeking counseling of any form should always request information regarding a counselors credentials.
Licensed mental health professionals must only use HIPPA compliant software to conduct online counseling. Beware using video-conferencing software such as Skype or FaceTime because they are currently not HIPPA compliant, therefore it is not secure or private. At Here & Now Counseling Services, our counselors only use HIPPA compliant video-conferencing and management software.
There are many important things to consider and be aware of before deciding to start online couples counseling, but there are a number of benefits to be gained from participating in counseling. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, etc.. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Counselors can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or relationship
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while they may have successfully navigated through other difficulties they’ve faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when someone needs it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. They are taking responsibility by accepting where they are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking counseling. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, providing tools to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and helping to overcome life’s challenges.
With an online couples counselor at Here & Now Counseling Services, you're going to have an experience similar to that of meeting a counselor in person. Our counselors are as qualified, and at times, more qualified than the counselors in your area. Services are offered during both early mornings and late evenings to provide flexible appointments that meet the complex and busy schedules of our couples. Click here to meet our counselors and learn more about their specialities and advanced training in the world-renowned and research-based—Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Choosing Here & Now means finding someone who values your comfort and time, someone with the training and experience to meet your needs, and never limiting yourself because of proximity
