Online counselling

Why online counselling?

If you are experiencing difficulties in your life - whether it's stress, anxiety, marital breakdown, addiction, sexual problems or other issues - you've probably come here looking for help. It may be one of a range of options you are exploring, which could include face-to-face counselling or psychotherapy, or expert advice about a particular issue that's troubling you.

What can online counselling offer me?

In my years of experience, it's become clear to me that some people can benefit from a therapeutic relationship that does not involve face-to-face meeting.

You could feel uncomfortable about talking to a stranger about your deepest feelings.
It may be difficult, or inconvenient, to travel to a counselling service.
The limited time of a counselling session may feel pressurised - as though you need to find the right way of expressing your feelings every time.
Online counselling is likely to be more affordable than other types. For this service, the first session is free, and thereafter £30 for individual sessions (one hour online, or for each detailed e-mail communication).

In short, there could be any number of reasons why online counselling may be a helpful option for you.

How much does it cost? The first session or email exchange is free. This is an opportunity for you to tell me something about yourself and what issues you feel you need help with. It is also a chance to get a sense of the process. Thereafter, if you chose to continue, sessions (email exchange is the equivalent of a face to face session), costs £30.	About the Counsellor My name is John Dodds. I have trained as a counsellor for five years, and I hold a Counselling Certificate (COSCA) . I am currently working as a counsellor in Health All Round, a community health practice in Edinburgh. I am now extending my practice to include online counselling.
Secure Email For many, the preferred method is secure email. This gives you a chance to consider, and write down your thoughts and feelings. And it gives me, as the counsellor, a helpful record of everything you wish to consider. I can then take time to give you a detailed, in-depth response. I recommend secure email, which is encrypted.	Online ChatOnline chat - also known as synchronous chat, where you and the counsellor used chat software to text talk - happens in the moment, so in that respect it has similarities with face to face counselling. This may not suit everyone, because non-verbal communication is missing. However, if you are comfortable with texting, this method, or you are seeking more immediate feedback, you may find this process helpful.
Download Hushmail Hushmail provides a secure, encrypted email accounts, which are free to use. Once you have an account, you email, you then register with the counselling service. We identify clients by a number, though names are filed securely in a separate place.	Download Skype Skype offers a secure chat environment, through text messaging or internet telephone chat. It works in a similar way to Microsoft Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger and other well-known chat software. It's free, and once you have an account, you can register with the counselling service and provide your contact identity.

Therapeutic Touch Clinic

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Why online counselling?

What can online counselling offer me?