What do you think about online professional counseling?

Question:

Hi. I am a professional counselor and I am home a lot in the evening with nothing to do while I wait for my fiance (from India) to come online. So, I looked into it and there are a few sites where you can join to help people online. I know a lot of people don't want to go into an office or they just have simple questions...so I thought it would be really neat to do it a couple hours a week. I'd love to help more people. The link to my profile on the site is: http://www.kasamba.com/hannah-merton... so, if you're willing to go look at it and then tell me what you think, that would be great! We online counselors can use phone, webcam and voice...so it's not like you're talking to some phantom...I think it's neat but I also can see how some people would be skeptical. So, I'd like to know your opinions.

Answers:
I think it as effective as an online self surgery procedure but unlike my idea it will actually sell.

honey we counsel here on answers most times it is common sense we need to hear

sounds like an excellent idea...i suffer with anxiety and ocd...and it makes me feel alone...with a need to talk to someone for comfort...
im sure this site will be a great success

I just think that i would rather talk face to face with a counsler.
I do with mine and I wouldnt have it any other way. You cant get the same feeling over the internet than you can seeing someones expressions and actions.

I don't know about this. I was in therapy for four years for depression and co-dependency, and a lot of what was theraputic for me was the love and validation I got from my therapist. Our relationship face to face is what enabled me to gather enough courage to make changes in my life that have allowed me to find the love of my life, and live as I never thought I could.

Maybe for just quick answers it would be good, but how do you counsel someone if you can't see their reactions to questions. A lot of communication in therapy is non-verbal.

very thought provoking.

I think it's a great thing for some people. You're right in saying that some people don't like going into offices. So ya...it's good that there are counselor's online.

Think your trying to plug your service.

on line therapy is for wannabe phycosis people.
If you have a "real" problem, seek professional help not the Internet

If health insurance companies accepted it, I don't think it would be a bad idea. I'd rather keep paying my copays.

A place to go for simple question-answers would be great.

As for myself, I could have used something like this just this week.
Having been through years of therapy, (that was a few years back), I am facing a medical proceedure. We had to re-schedule it because my dissociation and PTSD came on too strong. In prep for there-scheduled medical proceedure I sought a "refresher course" with a single therapy session, so I can stay grounded and get through it with the least negative symptoms possible.

Another possible use for the service,
Caregivers sometimes need some coaching to help get through the tense moments with their family member who is suffering from thoughts or emotions out of the ordinary.

What do you think about online professional counseling?

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