Examining a therapist’s profile or website can help you find a good fit and understand what to expect from your first session. The internet is an excellent resource for finding an experienced online counsellor.
On a therapist’s profile, look for the following information:
Availability: Check to see if they have a waiting list or if they are accepting new clients, then see if they have appointments at times that suit you. Also, what types of online or phone sessions do they provide?
Tone: Read between the lines to get an understanding of their personality, counselling approach, and whether they say things that strike a personal chord with you.
Experience: Find their background, where they’ve worked, and jobs they’ve previously held.
Credentials: Certain credentials can assist you in locating a therapist who can meet your specific requirements (for example, a family or couples therapist, a psychologist for personality testing, an addiction specialist for treating substance abuse, or a psychiatrist for medication).
Specialities: Look for issues such as grief, anxiety, or trauma, as well as specific types of counselling such as couples counselling or CBT.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Starting Online Therapy?
Most therapists provide phone or video consultations to answer questions and assist people in determining if they are the right person to help them. I offer a free introductory session for counselling and psychotherapy. The consultation call can help you choose a therapist who is a good fit for you and is most likely to be able to help you achieve your goals.
Following are some queries to consider asking during a consultation call:
• What experience do you have in assisting people suffering from __ (for example, depression)?
• What is a typical session like?
• Could you tell me a little bit about the methods you employ?
• On average, how many sessions are required for people to see progress?
• How would we organise online meetings?
• Is this a safe platform?
• Is it possible to meet in person in the future?
An experienced counsellor will need to gather information from you during the first session, including questions about your personal life, background, and mental health. You may be given a diagnosis at the end of the appointment, which your counsellor will explain to you. If there is time, you may also collaborate with the therapist to develop a treatment plan that includes therapy goals.
What to Consider After 3-4 Weeks
Keeping track of your own development and how well you’re getting along with your therapist when working with a new counsellor online is vital. You can ask yourself numerous questions to help you decide whether the therapist will be right for you.
Progress Report
The majority of progress in therapy occurs early on in treatment. Most people detect changes after only a few sessions. By around the eighth session, they have made half of their overall progress in therapy. If your problems are more complicated, it may take longer to notice results, but you should still feel better after treatment.
Therapy progress can take many different shapes. The markers you use to demonstrate progress can vary depending on your goals.
Here are some changes that may signal therapy progress:
• Your symptoms have lessened in severity or frequency.
• You now better understand yourself, your life, and your emotions.
• You’ve discovered better techniques to deal with stress and destructive emotions.
• You can communicate more effectively and establish boundaries.
• You have a more positive outlook on yourself, life, and the future.
• You are less distracted and accomplish more.
• You’ve identified bad habits, devised a plan, or taken the first steps toward positive change.
Has my therapist provided me with any new insights or skills?
You should talk to your therapist if you don’t feel like you’re progressing or getting anything out of treatment after three or four weeks.
As an experienced online counsellor, I welcome input. I am eager to make changes to ensure you get the most out of your sessions.
Don’t hesitate to contact me about my online counselling services and arrange an initial free consultation.
