Covid-19 changed so many things in our world. We were asked to be considerate of others and to stay at home as much as possible. For many people this brought a new world of working, worshiping, educating and shopping from their homes. The world of counseling and coaching has also changed. People have come to realize that they can do virtual medical visits and virtual conversations with a pastoral counselor. In-person counseling / coaching sessions have been radically impacted as well. Fortunately, most people have become familiar with using platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Apple Facetime so a transition to Virtual Sessions has been an easy one for many of our clients. Our preferred platform is Zoom. If you are not familiar with this process we can help you use a platform. Telephone consultations are also available for those who would prefer to use that medium for a consultation. Some in person sessions can also be scheduled.
A virtual /online counseling / coaching session can be done from the privacy and comfort of your own home. You do not have to spend time traveling to and from the counseling office. New Hope has cared for missionaries and pastors from around the world and virtual counseling has sometimes been the only option for similar situations. Additionally, pastors and many members of churches often do not want to go to the local counselor, who may very well be a part of the congregation they are serving or where they worship, and it is sometimes not wise to discuss personal or church matters with a counselor in the congregation.
As you prepare for an online appointment you will want to find a place that is quiet and comfortable for you. Some people have been creative in using a bedroom, basement or even their car.
When we are doing a counseling session, we like to put a sign on the door of the room that says “Do Not Disturb, Counseling Session in progress.” You might want to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign up as well to indicate that you are on an important call and you will be available at ____ o’clock.
In order to assist with privacy on your end of the conversation, you may want to use some sort of headphones or ear buds so that no one else can hear what the New Hope pastor has to say. You may also want to put some sort of “white noise” machine outside your door. We use a machine that has variable sound, from softer to louder. There are free online sites that generate “white noise” on another computer and there are apps for your phone or tablet if you are not using them for the counseling session.
An online or telephone appointment may seem strange at first, but give it a try and we think you will quickly become comfortable with the advantages that this provides.
If you have any questions about how this could work for you, please call New Hope at 410-409-2415 or 717-657-0123.