Monday, December 31, 2012

What Is Online Counseling

As life becomes more demanding it can be difficult to find the time and energy to focus on yourself, to recharge your batteries, and to pursue a healthy lifestyle.  A healthy lifestyle isn't just about going to the gym and caring for your physical health.  It is also about taking care of your mental health, learning how to reduce stress and anxiety in your life, and improve relationships.  Online counseling gives you the tools to make positive changes in your life without the inconvenience of trying to fit in appointments with a traditional therapist.  You get all the benefits of counseling without ever having to leave your home.

When someone talks about going to counseling or seeing a therapist, most people immediately picture lying on a couch talking while a therapist takes notes.  For many people that traditional type of counseling is extremely beneficial; however, for others it can be hard to find the time, energy, or financial means necessary to attend traditional counseling.  For those people online counseling may be a better option.

But what is online counseling?  It is actually very similar to traditional counseling except it occurs in a non traditional setting.  Appointments occur while you are in your home or other private setting and the therapist is in their office.  Appointments occur by telephone or online by email, Skype (or other web cam type service), or instant messenger.  They are scheduled at times that are convenient for you, can occur at night or on weekends, and they are significantly more affordable than traditional counseling.  All sessions are confidential unless the therapist feels you are a threat to yourself or others or you disclose a situation of abuse of a child.

Online counseling is not intended to diagnosis or treat major mental illness, but is best utilized to help people learn how to manage stress and anxiety; cope with grief and loss; parent more effectively; improve communication skills; deal with issues related to family, marriage/relationships, job/employment, deployment; receive support as a new parent; and/or serve as an objective third party or sounding board.

Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year.  After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel.  The cost is $30 per exchange.  An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response.

The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing.  It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed.  The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes.  A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings).

The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue.  It is available by appointment.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated.  The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes.

Video chat sessions through Skype are also available.  This session is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most beneficial.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time.  The cost is $50 per 60 minute session.  A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225.

If you are interested in making positive life changes in 2013, are struggling with an issue, or know someone who is struggling please do not hesitate to contact Serenity Counseling Online.  Help is only a click away.  Schedule your appointment now.

Serenity Counseling Online is committed to providing affordable and professional services in an environment that's comfortable for you.  Online counseling is easy to use, convenient, and confidential.  In addition, Serenity Counseling adheres to the latest ethical practice guidelines suggested for online counseling services. Your personal information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party providers or companies. Your private communications and all credit card information is safe and secure with Serenity Counseling.  The word counseling will not appear on your credit card statements.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year.  After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel.  The cost is $30 per exchange.  An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response.
The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing.  It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed.  The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes.  A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings).
The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue.  It is available by appointment.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated.  The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes. 
Video chat sessions through Skype are also available.  This sesssion is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most benefical.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time.  The cost is $50 per 60 minute session.  A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225.    

Serenity Counseling Online is committed to providing affordable and professional services in an environment that's comfortable for you.  Online counseling is easy to use, convenient, and confidential.  In addition, Serenity Counseling adheres to the latest ethical practice guidelines suggested for online counseling services. Your personal information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party providers or companies. Your private communications and all credit card information is safe and secure with Serenity Counseling.  The word counseling will not appear on your credit card statements.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year.  After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel.  The cost is $30 per exchange.  An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response.
The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing.  It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed.  The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes.  A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings).
The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue.  It is available by appointment.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated.  The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes. 
Video chat sessions through Skype are also available.  This sesssion is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most benefical.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time.  The cost is $50 per 60 minute session.  A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225.    

Serenity Counseling Online is committed to providing affordable and professional services in an environment that's comfortable for you.  Online counseling is easy to use, convenient, and confidential.  In addition, Serenity Counseling adheres to the latest ethical practice guidelines suggested for online counseling services. Your personal information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party providers or companies. Your private communications and all credit card information is safe and secure with Serenity Counseling.  The word counseling will not appear on your credit card statements.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year.  After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel.  The cost is $30 per exchange.  An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response.
The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing.  It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed.  The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes.  A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings).
The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue.  It is available by appointment.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received.  The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated.  The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes. 
Video chat sessions through Skype are also available.  This sesssion is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most benefical.  Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time.  The cost is $50 per 60 minute session.  A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225.    



Saturday, December 22, 2012

Surviving the Holidays

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is upon us. The holidays seem to arrive sooner every year and for many people, instead of being a time of joy, they are a time of stress. Here are 5 tips to help you manage your holiday stress.

1) You don’t have to attend every party you’re invited to. Time and time again, people... feel obligated to accept every invitation that comes there way during the holidays, but this can leave us feeling ragged and run down. Instead of running around, trying to see everyone, and do everything pick 1 or 2 parties to attend. Graciously decline other invitations with a hand written note. The host/hostess will understand and probably secretly thank you for not attending (one less guest to entertain after all).

2) Don’t overextend yourself financially. If you can’t afford a particular gift then don’t buy it. Many people end up with huge credit card bills after the holidays because they want to give their children and loved ones the newest and greatest gadget on the market. Your loved ones want to spend time with you during the holidays. They don’t need the next greatest toy. The greatest gift you can give your child is to teach them that the holidays aren’t about toys and presents, but are about spending time with people you love.

3) It’s easy to feel torn about whose house to spend which holiday at. This part of the family wants to host this holiday, your parents want to see their grandchildren on Christmas morning, guilt, guilt, guilt. Don’t feel guilty. This is YOUR holiday, too, and you should spend it how you want. Some people have found that as their children get older it’s easier to stay home. Don’t feel obligated to run all over town trying to make everyone else happy. Talk to your spouse and decide what your family is doing this year for the holidays. If that means everyone comes to your house or one family gets Christmas Eve and the other Christmas Day then that’s okay. You have to do what’s best for you. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your extended family. It just means you are setting some holiday boundaries and that is okay!

4) Exercise. The holidays and gluttony seem to go hand in hand. Who isn’t looking forward to a Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pies? Everyone I know complains about packing on holiday pounds and eating all that rich food over the holidays does tend to make us feel sluggish and out of sorts. Exercising, even if it’s just a 20 minute walk per day, can go a long way to helping you feel better during the holidays. It’ll keep your stress level down, your energy level up, and you’ll sleep better at night.

5) Remember to take time for yourself. Whether it’s 5 minutes in the morning to meditate or a long shower at the end of the day, or booking an appointment for a massage, it’s important to take time to decompress and unwind. Your house isn’t going to fall apart if you take 30 minutes to read a novel or take a bath. If you need a time out then take a time out.

The holidays don’t have to be stressful. Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to come and go regardless of if you get your shopping done, serve an amazing turkey, or have a perfectly clean and decorated house. Instead of focusing on all the things you have to get done this year, why not focus on all the things you have to be grateful for already? Take a deep breath and just enjoy.