Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ's )
What exactly is Online Counseling?
Online Counseling is a two way counseling process with Mrs. Jones, M.A. that occurs through email, or on the telephone.
What are the Advantages of Online & Telephone Counseling?
Advantages:
It is Convenient: Online counseling and telephone counseling allow clients to send, receive messages or talk on the phone at a time which is convenient to them, with a Christian Counselor in the privacy of their own home, office or car.
It is Accessible: Online and telephone counseling is more convenient for some people, due to geographic location or physical limitations. There are some people who live in rural areas where there are no Christian Counselors available to you. With online telephone or email counseling, that barrier is removed. Since there is no waiting period of the counselor being booked up for weeks, the help comes more quickly. I'll respond to you within 24-48 hours.
It is Anonymous: Some people find that receiving counseling online or over the telephone brings them help without others finding out about it. This means they can do this in complete privacy without interference from others who might try to stop them from getting the help that they need. ( In the case of a woman who is seeking help from an abusive man, this anonymity is imperative. )
Writing things down has great benefits: Online counseling can be ideal for people who keep journals/diaries or find it helpful to write about their feelings. Writing can be a healing experience and it can serve as a tool for reflection, self-exploration, and insight into oneself and one's difficulties. It also gives one more time to think about what they want to say without the pressure of a face to face 60 minute session in a counselor's office.
More time is available to reflect: Email counseling allows the Christian counselor and the client to have time to reflect and compose thoughts and responses carefully without time limitations.
When Is Online Counseling not Recommended?
If you are thinking of committing suicide or having suicidal thoughts, you need immediate help that online counseling or telephone counseling cannot provide. If this is the case, stop reading and call the National Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784-2433; or the American Suicide Foundation: 1 800 531-4477; or Crisis Help Line (for any kind of crisis) 1 800 233-4357.
If you are in physical danger or in danger of being physically or sexually abused, please contact the following. Call 911 or Crisis Help Line (for any kind of crisis) 1 800 233-4357; or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 800 799-7233
If you are having thoughts of hurting someone else, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 800 799-7233
If there is actual or suspected physical or suspected abuse of a child, call 911 or Child Abuse Hotline 1 800 540-4000
If you are unwilling, uncomfortable or unable to express your feelings in written form.
If you are under 18 years of age. You must be at least 18 to legally consent to use my services.
Questions to ask yourself:
Have you spent a great deal of time during the past few weeks thinking and worrying about this issue; are you unable to get it off your mind?
Have you experienced a sudden weight loss or gain recently? Loss of appetite? Sleeping difficulties?
Have you experienced difficulty concentrating or an inability to focus on the task at hand?
Have you experienced prolonged feelings of hopelessness and despair?
Have you begun to use alcohol or other drugs excessively, perhaps to self-medicate?
Have you noticed a decrease in your patience and ability to manage frustration and an increase in the frequency and intensity of anger?
Have you noticed a change in any behaviors in your spouse or other close family members which trouble you?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, you may benefit from speaking with a professional Christian counselor.
What if I am not Christian?
My services are for Christians and non-Christians alike— My heart is to help as many people as possible. Because I am a Christian my perspective on life and it's difficulties will always reflect my Christian beliefs. However, I also know that each individual comes to a relationship with God in only ways that He can lead and understand.
I am open to answering your questions about God or your doubts about His existence, and I will offer you several opportunities to observe the Christian viewpoint. If you choose to not believe in God or have a Christian viewpoint, I am still available to help you however I can. But please know that I will help you from a Christian viewpoint and I will not waver from my Christian beliefs.
