Online Counseling: a perfect fit for teens
For teenagers, choosing to begin counseling may be difficult for many reasons. Sometimes parents may suggest counseling when a teenager does not feel he or she needs/wants help. Other teenagers may want help, but are unsure about how their peers will react if they attend. For parents of these children, helping the individual to attend therapy may be frustrating. Fortunately, online counseling is one option that may help adolescents have a successful therapeutic experience.
Online counseling at the Leavitt Institute is conducted through web-cam based applications. This type of counseling allows for real time interaction similar to traditional counseling, but with greater convenience. This type of counseling may be especially appealing to teens, as this modality may seem less intrusive and awkward than traditional counseling.
Online counseling minimizes intrusiveness by providing a familiar modality of communication. Many teenagers are already accustomed to talking to friends and family online, which may make opening up to a therapist easier. This initial advantage may lead to quicker gains in the therapy process than traditional face-to-face counseling.
In addition, online counseling takes place in a familiar setting. There are many anxieties surrounding the beginning of counseling for any client. Clients may worry about anonymity, or may find the counseling environment to be strange or uncomfortable. Online counseling alleviates these concerns by allowing counseling to take place in one’s own home or other comfortable location. The removal of these worries may be enough to allow concerned individuals to try counseling, even if they are initially unsure about attending.
Finally, adolescents may consent to online counseling more readily than traditional counseling because of its convenient nature. Instead of committing to a therapy session plus travel time, online counseling allows greater flexibility. School, social, or sporting activities need not necessarily be missed to attend counseling appointments. Instead, counseling appointments can be accomplished from home in as little as one hour per week. Online counseling also makes it easier for parents who may have had to make arrangements to drive their child to sessions.
Beginning any new process can be overwhelming. However, many of the concerns about counseling can be minimized through online means. If you think that online counseling may be a good option for you or someone you know, please contact us for more information.
References
King, R., Bambling, M., Lloyd, C., Gomurra, R., Smith, S., Reid, W., et al. (2006). Online counselling: The motives and experiences of young people who choose the Internet instead of face to face or telephone counselling. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 6(3), 103-108.
