Yes, if you haven’t heard by now, I do offer confidential counseling programs via virtual programs. It is an easy way for my busy clients to find time to work on themselves and their issues. You can find a list of my programs, along with some video blogs, by clicking here: https://thejoyofliving.co/programs/

According to an oversight of the impact online counseling makes (within the last three years), one Yale study discovered the following: “When combined with Cognitive Behavior Therapy, online counseling can be used effectively on a variety of clinical issues. Web counselling refers to counselling services through the internet and includes, for example, emails, chat rooms and web cameras. This type of counselling goes by so many names such as cyberspace counselling, e-therapy, e-counselling and tele-counselling.

Web counselling is easily accessible to all those who wish to use it. Online therapy overcomes barriers that may preclude others from seeking therapy. For example, individuals residing in rural or remote areas where there is no counselling services can benefit from the accessibility of online counselling. Those that are physically disabled or unable to leave their home can also easily access such services with little inconvenience. Those that have visual and hearing impairments can also benefit from such services. Web counselling has also shown to be effective in encouraging children and teenagers to receive therapy as they seem to be more comfortable with using the internet.”

I agree and there are more benefits than just reaching out to those who don’t have the ability to leave home. I have found more and more people are willing to see me in the virtual landscape vs. traditional “in-office” counseling. Why? Well, when I do ask it is usually an issue of both social stigma and affordability. There is more of an anonymous process or feeling to my online services vs. driving to an office park where you may bump into someone you know (which is a whole separate issue when it comes to social stigma and positive mental health services).

The issue of affordability is a big one. Since counselors don’t have to rent space, pay for utility, cover accident insurance coverage fees, and so on- they can be more flexible with rates when it comes to working within a virtual landscape. The savings is passed on to clients who are more likely to be proactive with their health and mental affairs when the bill is less expensive.

If you’ve been considering online counseling, please contact me. I offer a free initial session and your privacy and data is of the most importance to me.

Maryanne Nicholls