Online services, such as coaching, is growing quickly and becoming a great support for people seeking emotional, psychological, & even physical help.
Before deciding if online services will be best for you and/or your family, please review some of the benefits of online video chat, phone, text, or email counseling.
***Affordability – Online video chat, phone, text, and email coaching has shown to be more economical for many people. There are many individuals and families who have financial difficulties, or who may find it difficult to travel to and from face-to-face appointments. Further, because coaches do not have to travel to appointments, they are able to charge fees that are more reasonable than those fees applied for face-to-face visits.
***Accessibility – Our services are easily accessible to all who need help but are not able or choose not to seek assistance outside of their homes. There are many barriers that prevent individuals & families from receiving necessary services and/or resources that will benefit their future, one of which can be eliminated if provided online via video chat, by phone, text, or email. Because so many people are more comfortable at home, this type of service has shown to be effective in encouraging more of them to receive help.
***Convenience – Online video chat, phone, text, and email counseling allows both the person seeking assistance and the coach the ability to communicate at more convenient times. Unlike a traditional setting, the coaches and clients are more likely to find scheduling much easier; this can be a great incentive for individuals and families with no transportation, hectic schedules, and/or family obligations.
***Social Stigma – Let’s face it, we all know that there is a social stigma attached to the need for help outside of family, religious groups, etc. There are some individuals who may be uncomfortable with the idea of being seen getting any kind of "help". Now individuals and families can receive the services they need in the privacy of their own homes, eliminating the chance of being seen by others. Services can be received without having to concern one’s self with the opinions of others.
***Privacy – Not having to have an actual face-to-face conversation with the coach, one may find it easier to speak more openly about their struggles. Not having to worry about the bias of race, age, gender, or physical appearance, as well as the shame or fear of sharing is a great incentive for utilizing online, phone, text, and email services.
***Comfort – This is a great method of service for those who are not comfortable having face-to-face conversations about their struggles, or for those suffering from social phobias, agoraphobia, or anxiety. ***Optional Ways To Communicate – Research indicates that writing during a time of distress is a great way for people to receive a form of emotional ‘healing’. Chats, emails, and texts can serve two purposes, 1) sharing one’s struggles with hopes to get encouragement through feedback and support; and 2) an opportunity to write and receive a form of healing and growth. It has been found that individuals actually share more when receiving services via these avenues.