Online Counseling: A Millennial's Guide For Millennials

If you were born in the 80s, you're probably already very familiar with technology. Computers, tvs, smartphones, tablets...you know all about it. I'd bet money you're the person your parents or grandparents go to when they need help with something tech-related.

​Yeah, I am too. 

You may, however, not be as familiar with this thing called online counseling. You know it has to do with the internet, but what does it do? What's it about? What is online counseling and why should I care?

​I'm glad you asked! 

Online Counseling 101

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. What does that mean? I help people just like you work through emotional struggles. Not feeling great about yourself? I can help. Moving through a breakup? I can help. Trying to male sense of your childhood? I can help. See, I'm specifically trained in doing this thing called Mental Health Counseling. My training and experience allows me to be what we call a guide in helping you move through difficult times. I'm that non-judgmental, objective person you can talk to about what's bothering you. Whether it's your job, girlfriend or  boyfriend, or those pesky thoughts you just can't seem to stop. I'm here to help you find ways to feel better and get back to living your life. 

Thing is, I do it online! That's right. No need to come to some stuffy office or worry about how you'll fit our appointments into your already busy schedule. We can meet right from the comfort of your couch. Sounds good, right?

And yes, your furbade can join, too :) 

​So charge your phone, and let's get started! 

Update Your Device

Before we begin our sessions, there are a few things you'll need to do to make sure our time is maximized. 

First thing: update your device! Whether you're using your phone or laptop, make sure your iOS, Android or Windows OS is up to date with the most recent upgrades; especially upgrades to your video card and camera. If your device isn't up to date, that could potentially make it tough for us to see or hear one another. So just like you do with Instagram, keep your device updated. 

Download The App 

Believe it or not, there are apps for online counseling! Just like Facebook or Instagram LIVE, we use video-conferencing technology to conduct our sessions. You see me and I see you. This part is actually  really important. Being able to see one another helps us to get to build a relationship in a way that can be difficult with traditional texting. Hearing your voice & making visual contact helps me to better understand how you're struggling and how I can be of help to you. Remember, we're doing therapy. This isn't a casual conversation with a friend. Visual cues are important. What you say is important and I need to be able to "see" you as best I can in order to help. 

So before we meet, download the app we'll be using for our sessions. 

*You will be given all the information you need prior to our sessions to get set up properly with the video-conferencing app*

Find A Quiet Space 

This one's essential, so listen up. We're so used to multitasking - talking with multiple people at the same time in a room full of people. Texting, DM'ing, Tweeting.....we/re all doing these things all day long. Even when we're directly in front of people (admit it!) 

But when it comes to counseling, we need privacy and quiet. Find a space where you can be comfortable, alone, that will be free of as many distractions as possible. Set the mood. Prepare your mind and body for our session. Light a candle, use those essential oils, and settle in. Sessions usually last about 50 minutes so let your body relax.

​Get ready to go on a journey of self-expansion and personal growth. 
​

This is just a quick run down of what o expect from online counseling.

AKA modern therapy for a modern society. 

And don't worry. No prior experience is necessary :)