I have been doing online counselling since September 2006.\u00a0 That\u2019s six years and six months [but who\u2019s counting?].\u00a0 Amongst other questions, I often get asked, \u201cwhat do you enjoy about doing counselling this way?\u201d<\/p>\n
Well, there\u2019s a lot I enjoy about it.\u00a0 Where do I start?<\/p>\n
Flexibility- I love that my schedule can be flexible. \u00a0\u00a0Online counselling isn\u2019t the only thing I do for a living so it\u2019s nice to be able to schedule my online sessions around my other contracts. \u00a0I don\u2019t always have to be at my desk either.\u00a0 \u00a0Nor do I have to dress up.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Disinhibition Effect \u2013 Clients tend to tell me way more about themselves more quickly in an online environment than they do in-person. There are moments when I want to say, \u201cWhoa\u2026how did we get here so fast?\u201d.\u00a0 I have found this can be used to the client\u2019s advantage. \u00a0Deeper work can happen more quickly.<\/p>\n
Writing – I enjoy writing and I believe that my writing in general has improved as a result of doing this work. Every time I write a session I learn more about how to use writing to effectively communicate ideas, empathy, non-judgement and describe abstract mental health concepts. \u00a0I also learn from my clients about the power of words to heal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Best part of all? Meeting and working with such fabulous clients from various professions and backgrounds all across the country. \u00a0Given where I live I would not have had the opportunity to work with such an amazingly diverse clientele in-person. \u00a0\u00a0I have learned about life in large urban centres, small towns, and remote locations.\u00a0\u00a0 I have learned about the pressures and stresses in large corporations and small companies.\u00a0 I can\u2019t name the types of organizations but the diversity there has been fascinating. I have \u201clistened\u201d to people tell their stories \u2013 each one unique and inspiring.<\/p>\n
My clients have taught me a lot [thinking all counsellors have this experience] and it\u2019s been a privilege to walk with them for a while on their journeys [virtually speaking].<\/p>\n