Ever noticed how difficult it sometimes is to crack open a walnut? The shell is knitted onto the insides so tightly, that you've got to apply much force to be able to access what's inside. Counseling is somehow very similar to that.
Most people find it extremely hard to open up to their counselors, who often have to try different tricks to break into people’s minds, habits, and problems. And every so often, there comes a person who’s nearly impossible to get through, much like the proverbial “tough nut to crack!”
Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash | Counseling can often be tough, especially if a person is an introvert
To ensure that you don’t turn into that tough nut and your counseling sessions stay fruitful, you’ve got to follow a few simple tips that will help both you and your counselor immensely. In this post, we're going to share a few such tips with you, along with finding out if online counseling is nearly as good as the good old personalized sessions.
First things first – A brief look at online counseling
Ever since the pandemic hit, professionals in every field have had to adapt to an online working mode, and counselors have been no exception. Of course, it hasn't been easy for many since establishing that connect with people over video calls is more challenging than doing it in person. But, for others, it has been quite rewarding.
Tinna Sigurðardóttir, a speech therapist, says moving her services online has helped her save time and allowed her to pay more attention towards her job. No doubt, like every other person, Tinna also had initial insecurities about the potential workload and intensity of online sessions. But thankfully, all of those doubts and worries have now been left behind.
Christin Hume/Unsplash | People who find it difficult to open up to their therapists face-to-face, can find online sessions more comforting
Here are a few tips Tinna (and other counselors we consulted) thinks can help people make the most of their online counseling sessions.
#1 – Seekers should pick the right medium
Today, various kinds of online counseling modes are available, including phone, text, video, and email. Multiple counseling platforms too have emerged, like BetterHelp and Talkspace, which offer amazing mental health counseling at a highly affordable price. People should try and shed their inhibitions by picking any mode which seems most comfortable to them.
#2 – The right spot and time matters
Experts advise choosing a time and place at home which poses the least distraction to counseling seekers. Therapy isn’t something you can hop into at any time of the day or squeeze in while you're cleaning your house, preparing dinner, or exercising. It can be hard sometimes; therefore, it requires your full concentration in order to make it more effective and worth your time.
#3 – Patience is key
Online therapy can make you feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, but the key lies in trusting that it will get better with time. It's a totally different experience as compared to in-person counseling, but with the right time and effort, you can make the best use out of it. In fact, some people find online counseling a lot more exciting and practical, as you get to take part in the session while being in the comfort of your home.
Iva Rajović/Unsplash | To make online counseling sessions most fruitful, people should be patient in addition to staying distraction-free
To sum it up
When it comes to counseling (whether in-person or online), consistency and discipline make the most progress. Thus, always try to be consistent concerning your sessions and make sure you give the therapeutic relationship a fair chance. If you feel the need to change your therapist or your e-counseling platform, find a better fit. But don't leave it behind once you have started this journey.
