There is a lot I want to blog about this issue, but I am going to roll out a series of posts on this topic in the near future (probably in January 2009)….but I think there are some amazing counseling services/help lines, etc. that are beginning to pop-up online, and I only think they are going to increase.
We live more and more in an online world, and I think there is going to be some significant shifts in how counseling/therapy is delivered.
Here are just two services that I have my eye on, and that I have been in contact with in some form or another…seeing if I can get more involved with them as a volunteer.
I Am Second is one that has just emerged and in fact, hasn’t quite launched yet. I really love their video testimonies…POWERFUL. I love that it is happening in Dallas of which I am a new resident…and because I have been wanting to explore more of the intersection of counseling and social media. Just drove by one of their billboards the other day off the 75 (going north) that caught my eye. Take a look at the videos for yourself.
Heart Support is the other online support community that I first came into contact with about a year ago through a conversation with Rob Bell’s brother Jonathan. They have a very active site with lots of opportunities to share you story, find support and express yourself. They have truly been one of the pioneers I think in exploring online community support/counseling/therapy in a very effective way via social media.
Here are a couple more that are local to our area…
http://jlog.com/
http://iquestions.com
Rhett, I think you’re right – five years from now who knows maybe we will be doing therapy in vitrual environments with 3d cameras or even avatars. You could set up shop in Second Life or WOW.
Have you ever had a client do a friend request on Facebook?
Thanks Marcus…
Sovann..noet yet, though I expect for that to happen in the future (in regards to clients friending me on Facebook)…will see what happens then
rhett
So much of your site is awesome and Jesus is right there speaking to you. But there is a catch on this one…
Depends on the counseling you are talking about. I needed physical people after my husband cheated on me…shortly after my first brain surgery for my epilepsy, he beat me-I searched and found Jesus-I needed up front counseling about the beating, along with why’s about Jesus. I was numbing pain w/my Phenobarbital-my heart was just torn…I needed upfront counseling on that. I think others who go thru marital discord need more than a computer-or it is definitely done. Those in tears over death in family-need a warm touch. Those searching for Christ need confirmation on what He’s done for them-and a Bible opened to show some scripture,and hold hands in prayer. I am a twitter and Facebook lover-but not for this in depth-in need of warm touch issues. I thank God I ran into my church-or I am not sure I’d still be here without there warm touches…Praise Jesus! Now trained-I have Jesus-and with my issues He is my warm touch I need-but there are so many out there that need to know that-and receive prayer thru us at church. Or we are just cold.
I am all about twitter and Facebook…would love to be your friend…you are very wise.
Praise God for His love and listening to our cries!
In His Grip,
Hetty4Christ
Hetty Jeanette Jensen-Siebens
No matter what…
John 1: 1-5
In the beginning, the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that He didn’t make. Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. Praise God!
Heather,
Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you have been through a lot. I totally understand what you mean by having someone there (physically-warm touch, etc.).
I definitely think in person is always ideal…it’s hard, if not impossible to replace the face to face. But I think that more and more people will (and already are) seek help online for various reasons. But I think many may do that as a supplement to in person, or if they don’t have any other options, etc, etc. But I think there are ways that it can be done that make it seem more “real” and “in person.”
But I like the face to face encounters also….
Rhett