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Online Counseling
~a note to people interested in online counseling from Laurie Heikkenen,
LICSW
Online counseling, via email and private chat rooms,
is a new and untested form of treatment. I am skeptical about it as
a responsible form of treatment except under specific and limited circumstances.
Online counseling might work well for clients who:
~are interested in personal growth and insight
~have mild problems with depression or coping with life transitions
~would benefit from a therapeutic approach which includes journaling
and
~live in very rural settings or
~work odd-hours shifts or
~are homebound for some reason
~have good keyboard skills
~have access to the necessary computer equipment and internet
services
I would not provide online counseling for people who:
~are in crisis
~have moderate to severe problems
~have a major mental illness
~are suicidal
~have a history of childhood trauma
~are not willing to meet face-to-face with the therapist initially
and at intervals
I believe that people who are facing major difficulties will benefit
best from face-to-face contact with a therapist. If you are in crisis
or suicidal now, please go to the resources listed here: Suicide--Walla
Walla Resources
If you are interested in corresponding with me about
online counseling, email me at laurie@palousecounseling.com.
Copyright Laurie Heikkenen, 1999
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