Tips In Dealing With Online Counselor

Are you having difficulty in connecting with your online counselor? Do you think it is challenging to open up to the said professional because of the remote environment? Is it a struggle to make the online sessions advantageous on your part? If you answered yes to these questions, then it is proper to conclude that you are struggling in online counseling. Do not worry because what you are going through at the moment is only a phase.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Keep in mind that everything is just new to you, which is why you have a high tendency to encounter problems in this kind of arrangement. In this article, we are going to provide you on how to make online counseling work on your part. Before anything else, you must understand the fact that everything is not going to happen according to your will. You must know how to follow instructions thoroughly. Use the guidelines below to improve your sessions with an online counselor:

 

Get Proper Introduction

 

Even if your connection with the professional counselor is made only in a virtual environment, it is still best if you will find time to get a proper introduction for each other. Michelle Ward PhD  said, “You want to make sure this is someone who you’d feel comfortable and confident talking to, who you’re really sure will ‘get’ you, and who you feel is worth the investment.” During the first session, do not hesitate to talk to the counselor all the interesting things about yourself. Do not be afraid about what they might say because, at the end of the day, you are the one who is in control of your fate. Moreover, make sure to get as many details about your online counselor so that you can start formulating better ideas to improve your professional relationship.

 

Eliminate Barriers

 

You need to start thinking that everything is possible, especially when it comes to talking to a smart and effective counselor in the online world. “Effective counselors should have excellent communication skills,” according to Ashley Miller, a licensed social worker and psychotherapist. Unfortunately, there are days when you will doubt the efficiency of technology in transmitting messages and calls for online sessions. Such kind of thinking can prevent you from enjoying the perks of online counseling. As such, it is time to let go of barriers such as negativity. Believe that you can still have an excellent session even if you do not have a face-to-face encounter with the counselor.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Be Honest At All Times

 

During the online sessions, be sure, to be honest in everything that you will tell to the professional counselor. Avoid making false statements so that you will not end up being disappointed. Keep in mind that the words of advice from the counselor are primarily dependent on your words. As such, you can never get an honest opinion from him if you will keep on lying. If this continues to take place for a long time, there is a high tendency that the online counseling sessions will fail. Remember that you can always trust the said professional when it comes to your secrets and thoughts. Take note that he is not allowed to divulge any information to third parties.

 

Always Show Up On Time

 

One crucial mistake that you need to avoid in online counseling arrangements is canceling a booked appointment or meeting. Take note that it is unprofessional to do such thing especially if you make such cancellation on the last minute or for a small cause. Keep in mind that you will still be charged for any canceled booking. At the same time, it is also recommended to always show up on time for the online sessions. Do not let the online counselor waiting for you. Take note that once the time starts; you will automatically become obligated to pay for the professional services. There are no excuses at all unless the online counselor himself causes the delay.

 

Conclusion

 

Now that you are aware of the tips and tricks on how to deal with an online counselor be sure to follow them immediately. Consider yourself lucky if you can find a skilled counselor who can provide the best kind of assistance or support. “Clinicians who do online therapy would benefit from some basic research in this area which back up the effectiveness of this modality and ensure the disadvantages outlined above do not hurt clients more than the advantages help them,” said John M. Grohol, Psy.D. As long as you know how to follow the tips, everything is going to be okay. If for some reasons, online counseling fails without your fault, feel free to check for a refund from the company provider. However, be sure to do it calmly. Remember that you can still get what you want without acting disrespectful.

 

Source: pixabay.com