Looking in Florida

[Whorn]

I think online therapy is wonderful for some or maybe most. I have made very little progress and wonder how others compare it to a one one treatment. Bill

[SCC1]

Hi Whorn.

I haven't had experience w/ doing online therapy, but I am seeing a therapist in their office. I prefer to see someone in person, BC I feel the therapist (or doctor), can really get an idea of who I am. They can also see my reactions to their comments/questions, (facial responses and body language, etc.), better in person than from a computer screen. I feel that actually going to see someone, especially a therapist, is a more personal experience.

The answer to your question, may be to experience both methods and see what works best for you.

I hope you find your answer soon!

[designguy]

I've done both online and in person therapy and found both to be helpful. My current therapist uses emdr which I think would require in person at least initially but maybe online after that.

[Babe1213]

There is no therapy available that actually beats a face to face with a counsellor, facilitator, doctor or any other professional within the healing realm. We look for body language, how is the client responding to questions, what is he/she doing with their hands, facial expressions are important, we can also tell when a client is being economical with the truth, and we can question challenge motives immediately. It is far better for us to 'be' with the client, we also listen to every word, pronunciation is important also. We listen for what is left unsaid! You probably know already a person going into see their GP will faff around with little insignificant ailments, then just as they are about to leave, will say, 'Oh by the way doctor, I have X, Y, Z', at which point the real reason for the visit will come out. It's the same with most counselling, and is a human reaction to embarrassment, shame, fear, etc:

Forum's such as this are ideal for someone to write what they are thinking without having to face another human and show their true emotions, they can remain anonymous, say what they like, rant, rave, share without putting themselves in harms way. This is why we choose to use 'aliases.'

When we come on to these forums, we will have some idea why are are using them, but often will not open up until we have 'tested the water' that means seeing if other users are ridiculed in any way + hundreds of other reasons. We will want to see how others are treated before we set ourselves up.

Sometimes we just have to take a chance, and it is in taking that chance that we get the most support from our peers. By opening up and making ourselves vulnerable our peers appear to know where we are coming from (because they have been there and done that, most have worn the T Shirt also) and respond accordingly - usually in a positive way.

My advice Whorn, and anyone else in doubt is to 'take a chance, give us a go.' If you don't like what you see written, don't read it, back out. That is where freedom of choice comes in.

Coming on forums such as this means also that you can write a post as soon as you feel the need - that is as soon as something negative happens to you. As soon as you press the reply button your message will go worldwide, and someone somewhere will be able to read your fears and respond. In the same way a word of thanks for a positive comment comes back quickly.

Hopefully you will see what a great bunch of caring people we are, and in time, become one of us who will help facilitate others satisfactorily. It really is up to you and what you want.

Looking forward to hearing back from you - when you are ready!

[SCC1 in reply to Babe1213]

Hi Babe1213. You have just written my exact thoughts w/ what you said in your msg. I loved reading it, BC it explains exactly how I feel w/ wondering how others think about what I have written, (in either a reply or post). When I read your reply, I felt comforted by the fact that I am not the only one who wonders about what you have said here.

Maybe those are common things to already know, but for me, it was very validating to know that I am not "paranoid"or "weird" for thinking those things (I get anxious from that alone!).

Thank you! xx

[Babe1213 in reply to SCC1]

I will think and pray about your response asking for the appropriate way to reply that is affirming and enabling, then I will reply via Chat! As a starter, You are not paranoid or weird, anxiety will do you no good, this is what we need to overcome - and it can be overcome, I am living proof of that. xx

[SCC1 in reply to Babe1213]

Thank you very much. It would be nice to not have the pressure on me to wonder constantly about that. You are so kind. xx