What to expect from online counselling...
Email counselling is suitable for anyone who is either not comfortable with face to face counselling or who does not have the time or ability to get to a counselling room. Counselling in any form is only successful when the counsellor and client build a good relationship. So email counselling will only be successful if you are comfortable with relating to people in writing. Some people find it easier to type their thoughts and feelings, they can be more free and can spend time getting it right.
A limitation of online counseling is the absence of a face-to-face relationship, where cues such as body language and facial expressions can be seen and tone of voice heard. Online counselling is a relatively new method of counselling and if you are uncertain, we encourage you to attend face-to-face counselling first.
Online counselling does not offer a quick fix, but this not the purpose of any form of counselling. It is about developing a strong therapeutic relationship that can offer support for the problems or concerns you are dealing with.
Online counselling is not suitable for group or family counselling. Furthermore, counselling of any sort is also generally not considered suitable for people with a diagnosed mental illness. If you have been diagnosed with a recognised mental illness then you should be seeking the advice of a suitably qualified doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist. Any counselling you do seek should be done with the full knowledge and approval of your primary practitioner.