What is Online Counselling?
The fact that you are reading this information from the Atlas Counselling website suggest that you are already ‘online’ – that is, you know something about the Internet. To state the obvious, ‘Online Counselling’ is providing counselling services over the internet using an internet enabled computer or device. This is sometimes referred to as e-Counselling. Depending on what kind of online counselling you choose, there may be additional requirements. Atlas Counselling provides online counselling Australia wide using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
What are Some Advantages of Online Counselling?
A key benefit to online counselling is that it makes counselling services accessible to those that are restricted by time, proximity, or mobility. It also means that clients have the flexibility to work around other obligations such as family, work and social commitments without having to also factor in additional travelling time. Further to this, online counselling may prove to be more cost effective as there may be no need to arrange childcare or take time off work in order to make it to an appointment, as well as saving on travelling expenses.
Another benefit that may apply to some clients is that online counselling affords someone who has not experienced a counselling relationship before, the opportunity to slowly introduce themselves to counselling in a way that might be easier and less intimidating than presenting to a counselling room. At Atlas Counselling, we acknowledge that some people may find simply making the appointment both confronting and challenging. This can sometimes stop a person from seeking the support they want or need. Putting 100% of the control over the process in the client’s hands, right from the first stage of making the appointment, may help in easing some of a person’s concerns.
You may be seeking support but are reluctant to reach out within your own community. Perhaps you don’t want to bump into your counsellor at a social gathering or the supermarket. Perhaps you live in a small town or community where most people know each other and you don’t feel comfortable talking freely about things that are concerns for you, because you know who knows whom. While you can rest assured that your confidentiality will not be compromised by Atlas Counselling (except under the conditions outlined under ‘Limits of Confidentiality’), by choosing Atlas Counselling online, you can access Atlas Counselling from anywhere in Australia, or indeed, the world, which may give you some peace of mind.
Potential Disadvantages of Online Counselling.
Some disadvantages of online counselling relates to the communication of non-verbal cues. Most notably is that in order to be seen as making eye contact during a video conferencing, one must be looking at the actual camera. By looking at the camera when speaking, you are unable to look at the person to whom you are speaking – either the counsellor to the client or the client to the counsellor. As a result, non-verbal cues may be missed and the feedback loop may be interrupted. Furthermore, without eye contact, people can sometimes feel like they are not being given the undivided attention they can come to expect from a counselling session. The natural progression from video counselling sessions would be, where possible and appropriate, to try face-to-face sessions. Of course, these potential disadvantages may not present themselves to any significant extent, if at all, though it is important that they are considered if you are thinking about engaging in video counselling sessions.
On balance, it is worth considering that, with regard to online counselling, sometimes it is case of better something than nothing. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact Atlas Counselling to discuss which option may be most suitable for your needs.
When is Online Counselling Not Appropriate?
Your safety is the single most important consideration at Atlas Counselling. As a result, online counselling is not a suitable option for you if your personal safety is likely to be compromised. Some examples of this might include if you are in a domestic violence situation, or if you are suicidal. If you feel like your personal safety, or the safety of someone else is at risk, you are advised to phone the most appropriate of the Emergency/Crisis numbers listed at the bottom of each page. These numbers can also be found on the ‘Emergency/Crisis Contacts’ page.
Additionally, if you are in a crisis situation and require assistance, online counselling is not an appropriate solution. In these situations, you are advised to phone the most appropriate of the Emergency/Crisis numbers listed at the bottom of each page. These numbers can also be found on the ‘Emergency/Crisis Contacts ’ page.
Furthermore, if you suffer from a diagnosed mental illness it is recommended that you read the information on the page ‘What is the Difference Between Psychology, Psychiatry and Counselling ‘. It is important that you understand the difference between counselling services, psychology services, and psychiatric services. Atlas Counselling provides counselling services. Therefore, our services may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances. Atlas Counselling is able to refer you to other services that may be more appropriate to your needs, however, if you are in a crisis situation or if your safety or the safety of someone else is at risk, you are advised to phone the most appropriate of the Emergency/Crisis numbers listed at the bottom of each page. These numbers can also be found on the ‘Emergency/Crisis Contacts’ page.
Similarly, if you are suffering with a physical condition that requires specific and specialised medical attention and/or treatment, online counselling is not an appropriate solution. You are advised to contact your medical practitioner/specialist. In the case of an emergency, dial 000 and request the appropriate emergency service(s).
Finally, if you are unable to communicate via text (live-chat via Zoom) or by voice (video-chat via Zoom), online counselling with Atlas Counselling is not an appropriate counselling solution for you. Atlas Counselling may be able to assist with face-to-face appointment. Alternatively, Atlas Counselling may be able to refer you to other services that may be more appropriate to your needs, however, if you are in a crisis situation or if your safety or the safety of someone else is at risk, you are advised to phone the most appropriate of the Emergency/Crisis numbers listed at the bottom of each page. These numbers can also be found on the ‘Emergency/Crisis Contacts’ page.
Further Information About Online Counselling
You may want to learn more about the effectiveness of online counselling. You can do an internet search using keywords like: online counselling, e-counselling, e-therapy, or internet counselling. You might also include keywords such as ethics, or issues.
For references and information on some of the publications that have been used in the development of some of the information contained in this site, refer to the page ‘Publications, Resources and Information About Online Counselling’.
Emergency Contact List
Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 65 64 63
Australian Emergency Services: 000
(Police, Fire, Ambulance)
For other options, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines