Online Counselling I strongly believe in being a ‘fully informed’ consumer, so please take some time to read this page. It provides you with information that will explain the importance of this service and the manner in which you can access it. Increased popularity The growth in online counselling for mental health services and relationship issues has led to the foundation of Online Societies such as ISMHO http://ismho.org/join-ismho/ the International Society for Mental Health Online. This dramatic rise in the availability of online health care has led to a need for information and guidelines for community members interested in receiving counselling services via the internet. What is it and who is it for I provide professional, evidence-based counselling that is effective, practical and client-centred. In addition to ‘face-to-face’ counselling services, we also offer online counselling sessions via email or through a range of secure video platforms (Skype and Zoom) for clients throughout Australia. Online counselling service is part of our commitment to ensuring accessibility to high quality counselling services for all members of the Australian community, regardless of location. For the past 10 years I have been providing online services to clients in the rural areas of Australia, domestic, interstate, nationally, and abroad. There are a number of reasons people access online services and this is due to geographical distance, families living in rural Australia who have limited or lack of counselling services in their area or region, fly in fly out, lack of time, or other reasons including people who are uncomfortable with the traditional model of ‘face to face’ counselling, people with disabilities, people suffering from serious mental health conditions, such acute anxiety, agoraphobia, or social phobias. Online video counselling is effective, secure and easy to access. One of the major benefits of video and Skype counselling is that it’s a visual medium. Live video counselling enables you and your counsellor to speak with and see each other throughout your session, which helps to build trust and a sense of connection. Video counselling also enables your counsellor or psychologist to provide visual demonstrations of evidence-based wellbeing skills- such as mindful breathing exercises for anxiety, or body-based stress management strategies. Advantages: Anonymity: Some people feel safer and are able to be more open online Convenience: Greater flexibility and options in appointments Time efficiency: You don’t need to take time off work or travel anywhere Accessibility: Offers increased access to services from rural and remote locations or to people who are unable to leave their homes or travel Location, you can be anywhere in the world … across town, across the nation or on the other side of the planet Cost-effective: Costs can be less than face-to-face counselling, and travel costs, child-care costs etc can be eliminated. Language, you may live in a country where you are not a native speaker Hearing impaired clients may appreciate the option of typing through messenger and email. Disadvantages: Online communications may ‘truncate’ the communication which may lead to misunderstandings. We both would probably say more in a face to face situation than you might when you are online. Non-verbal cues normally present in a face to face conversation are not as accessible, increasing the risk of misinterpretation for both you and I. Counsellors/therapists are trained in how to communicate tone, feeling, humour etc, but these can more easily be misinterpreted. Sometimes you have to say “out loud” what I would be able to deduce if I were in the same room. Technologies may fail to function properly at times. And, safeguards must be considered to protect your privacy. Services include individual, couples and family and relationship therapy. Specialist services available include: Anxiety & anxiety-based disorders Isolation & loneliness Low mood & depression Fear Grief & Loss Pain Stress Self esteem Anger management Chronic & autoimmune conditions Drug & alcohol issues Disabilities Life transition & adjustment Parenting Separation & divorce Relationship conflict Families (ie: blended, adopted) & related issues Couples (ie: heterosexual, same sex, cross-cultural) & related issues Cultural issues (cross cultural relationships) Migration and settlement Sexual issues Sex and intimacy Sexual, gender & cultural identity Transvaginal mesh related issues COVID-19 virus & related issues **This list is not exhaustive. How to access it: Once you’ve contacted us accessing our secure counselling service is straight forward. When your appointment is booked, your counsellor/therapist will call you at the agreed time. All you will need is: A computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera and microphone Access to the internet A free Skype or Zoom account Online video counselling is effective, confidential and convenient. All video calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality are maintained in every session. Do I need a referral? No referrals are necessary for you to access online services. Once the appointment has been scheduled, you can access counselling immediately. Some flexible appointments may be available including same-day appointments, evenings and weekends. Please make contact to discuss further. To make a booking or enquiry, please 0400 518 626 or email: deisy.insightcounselling@bigpond.com or you can make a confidential online enquiry via the contact form. COVID-19 COVID-19 and the rise in infected cases has impacted the community in a myriad of ways and at many levels, physically, socially, relationally, and mentally. Further to this, social distancing & self-isolation has led to an increased need for online/telehealth counselling services ONLINE THERAPY- TELEHEALTH On the 29 March, The Australian government, announced a package to support family violence and mental health through Medicare-subsidised telehealth services resulting from COVID-19 This means qualified mental health practitioners will be able to provide telehealth/online counselling services under the COVID-19 program to Australians affected. If therapy was important before to help you manage mental health issues, therapy becomes paramount today, to help you manage and best cope with the rapidly evolving mental health effects of COVID-19 & the measures to curtail it including stress, anxiety, social distancing and isolation. To find out more about how to access Medicare rebated services, contact me on: deisy.insightcounselling@bigpond.com or PH: 0400 518 625 be safe, keep well & stay connected Look forward to hearing from you! CONSENT FOR TELETHERAPY For payment details contact me directly.
