In 1972, Stanford and UCLA simulated a therapy session on the computer for the first time ever. Today, this is referred as the very start of online counseling. Online self-help groups, mental health hotlines, and “Ask Abby” discussions made their rounds on the internet. And they are still very much alive today, but there is another prominent form of online mental health help: online counseling.
Online counseling is pretty self-explanatory. It’s working with a counselor in an online environment, such as over the phone or video. This is the big difference between the traditional in-person counseling approach and the online counseling approach. Both types of therapy prove effective and are valuable options if you’re looking for mental health services.
Success as a therapist is not found in doing something for the client, but rather in being someone for the client. –Ili Rivera Walter
Thriveworks Tennessee has seen an important need for online counseling. In fact, many people prefer online counseling to in-person counseling as the world evolves. For example, our clients enjoy the comfort and the convenience that online counseling can offer them. They don’t have to worry about rushing to the office to make it to their appointment in time; they don’t have to worry about sitting in traffic and running late. Online counseling makes counseling easier, and in some cases, offers greater benefits. If you are weighing your counseling options, consider online counseling at Thriveworks Tennessee. We have counselors who can meet with you via phone or video now.
How Does Telephone Counseling Work? What About Video Counseling?
You might feel intimidated by this new counseling option, but it’s simple! Both telephone counseling and video counseling only require a simple device—such as a phone or computer—that allows you to call into your sessions. In addition, you’ll need internet access as well. Once you’ve checked those two boxes, you’re all set to meet with your online counselor!
Telephone counseling and video counseling could both be viable options for you. You’re welcome to try both option out and see which you prefer. Or, maybe you already know that you’d prefer one over the other. For example, you might prefer video counseling if…
- You value that face-to-face interaction
- You like the in-person feel without having to travel
Or, on the other hand, you might prefer telephone counseling if you’d rather not meet with your counselor “face-to-face,” would like a greater degree of anonymity, or you’re looking for the absolute most flexible form of counseling.
How Can an Online Counselor Help Me?
An online counselor can help you in much the same way as an in-person counselor. The virtual environment does not serve as a barrier to working through hard problems and making meaningful progress in counseling. In fact, some people find that online counseling empower them to make greater, quicker progress than in-person counseling because they feel more comfortable talking to their counselor from home or via an online medium.
If your mental health and/or emotional wellbeing are suffering as a result of any of the following, an online counselor at Thriveworks Tennessee Counseling can help:
- Depressed thoughts and feelings
- Out of control anxiety
- Jealousy, miscommunication, other relationship conflicts
- Unhealthy dynamics in one’s family
- The loss of a beloved friend or family member
- The loss of a job
- Lack of fulfillment
- General discontent or unhappiness
Whatever it is you’re dealing with, Thriveworks Tennessee Counseling will pair you with the provider who has skills and experience specific to your mental health challenge. This helps to ensure that you find the help and support you’re looking for.
Schedule an Online Counseling Session at Thriveworks Tennessee
If you live in the state of Tennessee, Thriveworks Tennessee would love to help you find more happiness or fulfillment in your life than you have ever experienced before. How? We’ll help you address challenges—new challenges and those that have been looming for quite some time—and determine areas of improvement. Sometimes, we settle for how our life is currently and don’t take initiative in determining how we can make it 10x better. A counselor or life coach can help you with this important mission, too.
To schedule online counseling at Thriveworks Tennessee Counseling, just call our office. We’re here to help you now or when you need it.
