Hello, and welcome to Counselor Weekly!

Thanks again for being part of the community!

Until I have an official sponsor, looks like I'm the sponsor!

It’s almost ready to go live!

I'm launching a new site in the next couple weeks and you can sign up to be notified when it's ready to go! Just click HERE, or the photo above and it will take you right to the site. If you are an LPC Supervisor in Texas (sorry, starting in Texas only and will look at options for other states down the road), or a potential Supervisee looking for a Supervisor, this is the place for you! It's a directory for LPC Supervisors to market their services by listing their information so that potential Supervisees can connect with them and hopefully find a perfect match! If you have any questions, click REPLY to this email and I can answer any questions you have. Thanks again for allowing me this personal promotion! 🙏

So let's get to it!

Today is 6/14/23 and it's International Bath Day! Who knew? I didn’t realize we needed to celebrate taking a bath!

Here's the short and skinny of today's newsletter:

• Quote of the Day

• Interesting Articles

• Virtual/Remote Counseling: Benefits and Risks

• Cat Photo

Quote of the Day

“Be content with what you have. Rejoice in how things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking the whole world belongs to you.” –Lao Tzu

And now some interesting articles:

How Do I Stop Being the “Therapist Friend”?

I don’t know about you, but once people find out my profession, they can easily begin to treat me as a therapist rather than a regular person. Here’s some insight into setting better boundaries with others.

Ten Percent Happier

Really cool site that offers a lot of different information regarding meditation and creating a more joyful life.

What is Compassion Fatigue? Caregivers Explain

Compassion fatigue is real! Make sure to take care of yourself.

Virtual/Remote Counseling: Benefits and Risks

Virtual/Remote Counseling is here to stay so let’s discuss the benefits and risk…

Remote counseling, also known as online counseling or teletherapy, has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the advancements in technology. While remote counseling offers several benefits, it also comes with certain risks. Let's explore them in detail:

Benefits of Remote Counseling:

1. Accessibility: Remote counseling breaks down geographical barriers, making therapy accessible to individuals who may not have easy access to mental health services. People living in remote areas, individuals with mobility limitations, or those with limited transportation options can benefit from remote counseling.

2. Convenience: Remote counseling allows clients to schedule sessions at times that are convenient for them, eliminating the need for travel time. This flexibility can be particularly helpful for individuals with busy schedules, caretaking responsibilities, or other commitments.

3. Anonymity and Privacy: Some individuals may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in the privacy of their own space. Remote counseling offers a level of anonymity that can make it easier for people to open up and share their concerns.

4. Reduced Stigma: For some, the stigma associated with seeking mental health support may discourage them from seeking in-person counseling. Remote counseling provides a level of anonymity that can help reduce the perceived stigma, making it more likely for individuals to seek help.

5. Continuity of Care: Remote counseling can be especially beneficial for individuals who have established a therapeutic relationship with their counselor but are unable to continue in-person sessions due to relocation or other circumstances. It allows them to maintain continuity of care with their trusted therapist.

Risks of Remote Counseling:

1. Technical Issues: Technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection, audio/video glitches, or power outages, can disrupt the therapeutic process and lead to frustration for both the client and the therapist. These technical issues may interrupt the flow of the session and hinder effective communication.

2. Security and Confidentiality: Remote counseling relies on technology platforms, and there is always a potential risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive client information. It is important for therapists and clients to choose secure platforms, employ encryption, and take necessary precautions to protect confidentiality.

3. Limited Non-verbal Cues: In remote counseling, the therapist may have limited visibility of non-verbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions, which are important for understanding and assessing the client's emotions. This can pose challenges in accurately interpreting and responding to the client's needs.

4. Lack of Physical Presence: Some clients may find it difficult to establish a sense of rapport and connection with their therapist in remote counseling. The absence of physical presence and proximity can make it challenging to build trust and a therapeutic alliance, which are important factors in successful counseling.

5. Crisis Management: In emergency situations or during times of crisis, remote counseling may not be as effective as in-person counseling. The therapist's ability to intervene or provide immediate support may be limited by the remote nature of the interaction.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of remote counseling can vary depending on the individual's needs, the therapeutic approach, and the quality of the technological infrastructure. It's recommended to discuss the suitability of remote counseling with a mental health professional to determine the best course of action for each individual case.

As promised from last week’s newsletter, the above section was completely written by ChapGPT. Could you have guessed?? I simply wrote the prompt: “What are the benefits and risks of remote counseling?” The above is what ChatGPT provided in response. If you ask me, it’s quite impressive and well written. What do you think? Hit reply to this email and let me know your thoughts on AI generated content.

And, Finally the Cat Picture

In honor of International Bath Day, a Bathing Cat! By my son, Cole.