By Christine Murray
As I’m in the midst of launching Start Here Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted to set up both the counseling and the consulting aspects of the practice. I'll save more thoughts on the consulting side of the practice for other posts, but in this post, I’m sharing why I’m so excited to be focusing exclusively on offering virtual counseling, at least for now. When I graduated with my Master's degree in 2002, and then my doctoral degree in 2004, never would I have imagined some of the advances that have happened in the counseling field between then and now. Over two decades later, we've seen how technology has had some detrimental effects on people's mental health, especially when they use social media in ways that contribute to anxiety and feeling less-than in comparison to the seemingly-perfect lives of others. At the same time, new technologies have emerged that have truly revolutionized the delivery of mental health services and helped to break down barriers to access to mental health services in a way that I could never have imagined would be possible back when I was in graduate school and first entering the counseling profession. I still really believe in the value of in-person counseling. In my own life, I have sought counseling at different points in time, and I've experienced both in-person counseling services as a client, as well as online counseling services. I know that many clients still prefer and, in some cases, require in-person counseling support. The value of in-person counseling will never go away, because there can be so much value in sitting in the same room with somebody who is right across from and sharing space with you. And, some clients just are not comfortable with seeking counseling virtually. And so while I am embracing online counseling as my service delivery approach for Start Here Counseling and Consulting, I will never completely abandon my belief in the value of in-person counseling and services. While I deeply value traditional in-person counseling, there are many potential benefits of online therapy for clients. Here are some compelling reasons why virtual mental health services can be a game-changer for many clients:
Overall, online therapy offers many potential benefits that can empower clients to prioritize their mental health on their terms. The value of in-person services will never go away, and the best cast scenario is that clients will continue to have a lot of options for seeking services in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and responsive to their unique needs. The flexibility, accessibility, and personalized experience of virtual counseling can make it a valuable and impactful option for individuals seeking support and growth. If you're considering virtual counseling services, you’ll find a few additional links below to learn more:
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AuthorThis blog is written by Christine E. Murray, Ph.D., Founder of Start Here Counseling & Consulting, PLLC. Archives
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