Questions and answers
Q: I’m not sure what type of therapy is best suited for me, which one would you advise? A: Please call me to discuss your individual needs. I don’t believe that therapy is a ‘one size fits all’ approach and am confident that there is an individually tailored solution that is just right for you from the integrated style of therapy I use. Q: Will it be a long term course? A: … [Read More...]
I’m Listening!
COUNSELLINGThere can’t be many people now who haven’t either experienced counselling first hand or know someone who has ‘been through’ counselling. However, even with it being so common, the misconceptions about why we need counselling and what it can do are still widespread. So, how … [Read More...]
An Email Alternative
Email Counselling
Counselling via email is a relatively new concept in the therapy world. Counselling belongs in the ‘talking therapy’ field and so emailing a counsellor might seem to be quite a poor solution as conversation takes place BUT it is proven to be very effective.
Counselling at it’s root, is the exchange of words, thoughts and emotions between individuals so there really is no reason that this cannot happen via email.
Is email counselling suitable for everyone? In my opinion, definitely not! But for a large proportion of people who seek counselling in this way, it can be very effective.
Why email counselling?
By seeking counselling you are probably undergoing a period of emotional change, distress or turmoil and are looking for a clear way through your problems. Email counselling provides this in a way that is enjoyed by many. Many people find that by simply writing their problems to the counsellor, it enables them to see the issues more clearly. When we are writing, it opens up different parts of the brain, it makes us use different vocabulary, sometimes we might analyse the situation more clearly when it is written down in front of us.
Many therapies over the years are built on the foundations of writing your problems down on paper. The therapeutic undertaking of writing either letters or journals is taken one step further. In the past you may have written letters to someone who has caused you pain or who you have unspoken thoughts or feelings about.
Because email counselling can take place at any time and from the comfort of your own home, it is a very convenient choice for many.
When counselling by email, it also allows the counsellor to have a very ‘considered overview’ of the situation which might not be possible instantly possible in a face to face setting.
Some people are concerned about…..
Spelling, grammer and vocabulary! You are not back at school…promise. It is the essance of what you are writing that matter’s to me, not the typos and correct use of a tenses. Likewise, I will run a spellcheck before sending to you but if my grammer is a little ‘off-key’, I won’t loose any sleep over it, so neither should you worry about your’s. (Yes, those typos were intentional!)
Security! I know it can be quite daunting to pour your heart out and not be sure what will happen to it at the other end. For your peace of mind, I have a dedicated email address for email counselling. I created it and host it myself so only I have the password. Our email exchanges are totally private and they will be kept confidential with all identifying factors removed from them while our exchanges take place.
How Does it Work?
It is not just an exchange of brief messages that you might have with a friend. There is a structure to email counselling, just as there is with face to face counselling. Once you have contacted me regarding email counselling, I will send you an introductory email with some outlines on how you can get the best out of our counselling.
You will then send me an email (of up to 5000 words) giving me as much detail as possible and I will respond in an email, again of up to 5000 words with my reply. I may seek your clarification on anything I cannot understand from your initial email before I reply.
I will take up to an hour replying to you (the usual length of a counselling session).
How Much Does it Cost?
Email counselling is very cost effective with each email exchange costing £30.
How Long Does it Last?
There are no set times. I would hope that you enter into a series of exchanges to effect real change in your life. Often people use email counselling over a period of say, every two weeks for three months, others will use it as a one off session.
To begin email counselling immediately, please click on the button below and you will be taken to the secure payment site. You will have the option to pay by credit card, debit card or Paypal and we can start immediately.
If you have any questions before beginning email counselling, please send me an email and I will be happy to answer them for you. Email me today adele@adeleotoole.com