Has anyone tried online counselling?

[Unsurprisinglysurprising]

I know there are a few services where you can do a video consultation. Has anyone got any experience of these?

I really can't afford to see someone over a number of sessions but wondered if I should try it as a one off as I'm unlikely to find someone to see in person who will agree to just one session.

I have an appointment with my GP but that is not for 2 weeks and I know from past experience it would take months to see anyone anyway.

I'm struggling at the moment.

I've called the Samaritans but I need something more than just an outlet.

I haven't but I'm sorry you're struggling and I hope you find helpful support

Thank you Betty.

I have my first session tonight hopefully (counsellor cancelled last week). I'm hoping that not having to be face to face with someone (which I find hard if telling them difficult emotions) will mean I'm more honest with them and therefore will get more out of it. No harm in trying I guess, have pretty much exhausted everything else! Best of luck to you!

I hope it goes well wheely.

Have you looked to see if you can refer yourself? In my area you can. You get a phone assessment and are then offered an option.

I'll look into that popcorn. Thanks.

I know you can't afford more than one session. But my worry is, what are you expecting to gain out of one session? This won't be enough time to talk through much really.

Hi OP, sorry you are struggling.
I've not used online counselling, but do have something that I use regularly to combat my low moods & would highly recommend to anyone!
When I went to my GP, desperate for help 11 years ago (I was suicidal) I told by him that there was a year's waiting list for the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on NHS. He also said he wouldn't even refer me unless I agreed to take antidepressants, which I refused to do.

Instead a bought myself some CBT self help books & haven't looked back, they are fantastic!!! They are by the same author, the ones I'd recommend are:

amzn.eu/d/94NfLSX

and:

amzn.eu/d/iNb4by9

The exercises are simple to do & extremely effective, though even just reading the books can bring some relief.

Have you checked whether you can have free private counselling through your work, OP?
I’m now retired, but was entitled to six free sessions via my union, and both DDs have a similar entitlement from their employers.
I find telephone counselling is good, as there’s no embarrassing face to face encounter, and it’s easier to discuss difficult issues with a sympathetic impersonal voice, while keeping your privacy.

I know I won't get much out of one session. I'm just kind of desperate. I've had counselling in the past - both through the NHS and privately. I just feel I don't have anywhere to go with my problems. Any family or friends who might help don't really seem to be avaialble at the moment and they give me the kinds of responses that are well-meaning but unhelpful anyway.

I also called Women's Aid the other day as they have been helpful in the past but even they didn't even let me tell them what the problem was and just pointed me in the direction of local services. I know the limited resources in my area will mean they can't help me as I'm not even in the relationship any more and that's not my only problem anyway.

Thanks for the responses.

I don't have access via work and I've checked and can only go via GP referral. I'll get there somehow. I don't think my head is in the right place now for reading books but I will have a look.

I've not done inline but have done over the phone. Due to my disability I was struggling to find a private counsellor who had disabled access and was available after work.

I was eventually matched up with someone, who still didn't have access due to front door steps but she suggested over the phone. It worked out really well. I've had counselling before and didn't feel I lost anything from not being in the room. And I saved on my journey time!

Good luck, hope it goes well.

...oh and (don't know what your situation is)the books can definitely help if you've been in an abusive relationship, people often tell themselves they're 'defective' or similar, if they've been treated poorly, so the books can help you deal with thoughts like this, that can make people feel very low. Also can help you move on from anger about past injustices etc.
The exercises help you feel better about yourself & life, so even though life still throws the same stuff at you, you can just cope so much better... it's like you become your own 'rock' & best friend & things bounce off you
Just giving examples, as many people think CBT can't help THEIR problem.

They're not heavy weight books at all, I know when you're feeling low that books aren't very appealing, but they're SO easy & light reading..the author is really funny too! You could just try one page (I'd skip the intro as that IS a bit boring about the author's past and the scientific evidence for the book working etc)

My online counselling is free through Ieso health. Certain counties are free so worth looking them up to see whether yours is one that buys in? There are a lot! I got my first appointment within 2 weeks as well so a lot faster than face to face x

I did CBT on Skype and it was absolutely fine - just like face-to-face but more convenient.