Distance Counseling . . . √ has advantages √ works* √ has limitations √ is not for everyone "On line" therapy/coaching gives you the choice to work with someone you would not otherwise have access to; it provides you with more choices. This may be very important in areas which are underserved. You need not travel to and from appointments. It saves time; it may be more convenient. It allows individuals who find it difficult or impossible to get out an opportunity to access desired services. People who spend much of their time traveling may find distance counseling expedient and be able to keep on-going appointments. People who are very introverted or shy, celebrities, or the socially phobic may find unique advantages to distance therapeutic activities. It is sometimes easier to work with someone you won't see "face-to-face" if you are concerned about your privacy, you find it difficult to address some of your concerns or are embarrassed about them for some reason, and/or if you wish to avoid inadvertently meeting the counselor/coach in person in a different setting. You are somewhat anonymous. . . works* GET STARTED Clients have reported self-perception of increased autonomy, improvement in decision-making and interpersonal relationships, and more taking of responsibility for self-help and interpersonal engagement. Powerful therapeutic relationshiops have been established and immediate emotions expressed in demonstrated case studies. Comparison of face-to-face sharing with online sharing in a weight management group found that members shared more openly online due to feelings of shame, fear of rejection, and avoidance of intimacy or emotional expression in person. Using a number of online resources provides many differing avenues in which to provide access and multimedia facets will be incorporated in the future; much is already available in most areas of the USA. *Information from A 3rd-Year Report from ISMHO’s Clinical Case Study Group. Copyright 1996-2004 International Society for Mental Health Online. . . has limitations It is impossible to read body language and facial expressions with distance counseling. With e-mails, the voice inflections are also lost. Therefore, it is very important to say or show an icon to let me know as exactly as possible your feelings/emotions as we work together. Both the provider of the service and the client may have concerns about the “true identity” of the other. Intentional deceit is rare. My credentials can be verified. The potential for deceit does not negate the potential for providing help by remote access. Safeguards to protect privacy are as safe as having information in a therapist’s office or home that could be broken into. (Neither is a likely occurence.) It is best to use a land-based phone and/or computer so that others are less likely to gain access to your information. It may be necessary for one of us to use a cell phone at times; when this is the case for me, I will tell you ahead of time. All e-mails should be encrypted. Geographical limitations are due only by the access to the technology by the client. However, I cannot serve distance clients from California because of their licensure restrictions. . . is not for everyone You must be 18 years of age. If you are younger and have worked with me face-to-face, we can get parental permission and then use distance technology. If you are a new potential client, we may be able to secure your identity and permission from parents. You must be able to speak and write (American) English quite well so that I can understand exactly what you are communicating and so that you can understand my questions and responses. It is not for someone who has psychotic problems which need to be closely monitored or those in danger of harming themselves or others. If you want to maximize your sessions, please be as honest as you can be. Do not withhold important information which might be helpful for your welfare if known and/or would help me to understand your situation.