Online Counseling: a Promising Alternative Treatment for Addiction

Published May 22, 2010

Whether it involves drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex or other factors, addiction is an issue that requires immediate intervention. A recent innovation to address the problem is online counseling, which may be preferable over traditional therapy sessions for a number of reasons.

First, an online session with a counselor is a welcome alternative to individuals who resist the idea of face-to-face communication with a virtual ‘stranger.’ Especially if the addiction itself results from a desire to withdraw from social circles because of a humiliating situation, the last thing the person may need is a therapist who will require him to show his emotions openly. Traditional counseling sessions also usually occur in a group setting, in which each person is called upon to recount experiences in relation to their addiction in front of other group participants.

Second, the person who needs help may become even more open about his or her feelings and divulge more information in less threatening online group sessions. The approach is especially productive when the client is able to organize his/her thoughts in a written format when participating in the live chat room, or by exchanging e-mails with the therapist, as opposed to face-to-face conversations which can prevent a person from being about open about his/her problems.

Another major advantage is that online therapy sessions can help the client avoid the social stigma that accompanies those who enter the conventional rehabilitation facilities for addiction.

Finally, online counseling frees the client and his family from the costs of conventional counseling. As the individual can attend the sessions from home, there is no need to worry about travel costs, and the costly fees charged by many therapists, among others.

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12 Visions International, LLC, offers an innovative approach to addiction through their online counseling program. The program is designed to help individuals recover from addiction easily, affordably and effectively. For additional details, visit http://www.12vi.org or email [email protected].

Jeff Paul is a writer and copy editor who likes to share information on many different topics.

Online Counseling: a Promising Alternative Treatment for Addiction

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