Writing Therapy (Email Counselling)

Writing Therapy (Email Counselling) is an alternative to traditional counselling, personally, I think that it is more effective and has more to offer because it gives you time to put into words exactly what you want to express rather than when a Therapist is sitting across from you - which can be a little intimidating.   

It is therapeutic just writing that first email - getting it all out of your head, heart and body.  It is a bit like journaling in that way - but then imagine if your journal replied back, helping you to explore things deeper and highlight things you might not have consciously considered yet.  It becomes a written conversation where we do deeply impactful work together. 

As a Counsellor I love being able to work this way, because it offers a greater perspective on what you are experiencing in your inner and outer world - which can take a longer to achieve in the counselling room.  

You can reread comments which will deepen your thought process and allows you time to think deeply about what is said, ponder any questions asked and digest any insights (again, not as easily achieved with Talking Therapy).  

All Therapy helps you clarify thoughts, examine your feelings, process your emotions/worries/problems, recognised any flawed beliefs, contradictions, and patterns that keep you stuck - but with Writing Therapy (Email Counselling) you aren't paying the Therapist for YOUR time.  You can take as long as you want to put into words what you want them to know, what you want help with - which is one of the reasons it can be more cost effective.

The insights that comes from a new perspective is profound.  Writing Therapy helps discover not only your story, but the story within the story that you are not conscious of. 

My job is to help you ask yourself the RIGHT questions and tap into your inner knowing and inner wisdom.  We look at the whole picture to understand it with clarity or to define exactly WHAT the problem is, so the solution could be seen easily.

Albert Einstein said if he only had one hour to solve a problem, he would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and the remaining 5 minutes solving it.  

That's because once you know EXACTLY what the issue is, the rest is either problem solving, accepting what is and isn't within your control, or learning strategies to help manage things.

If we don’t identify the core of the problem or the real issue, then any attempts at changing it just keep us running in circles.

Writing Therapy helps you discover and connect with your human self AND your soul self.   

You don't need to be a writer to do Writing Therapy (Email Counselling) - you just have to feel comfortable communicating with the written word.

• An alternative to 'talking therapy'.
• Insight.
• Support in exploring your story and problems.
• Flexibility - anywhere, anyhow, anytime. 
• Models to you how you can use writing in a therapeutic way so you can learn how to do it yourself.
• Help in getting everything out of your head, heart, body so we can look at it from a different perspective.
• Highlights how your relationship with yourself might need changing.
• Learn soulful self care (true self care that is nurturing, kind, loving).
• Value for money, it can be more cost effective than traditional talking therapy.
• Connection - I recommend we meet each other first to help establish our therapeutic relationship and make sure I am the right Counsellor for you.  I offer a free 15 minute meeting (online) so you can ensure you feel comfortable working with me.

You write to me via email,  telling me a little about yourself, describing what is going on for you at the moment, how you are feeling, any difficulties, what the problem seems to be, and how it is effecting you, (don’t worry, questions and prompts can be given if you find it hard to get started).  

I reply in a way that that creates a written conversation and ask questions that help to explore the problem, yourself, your beliefs, your thoughts, your feelings.  The work we do together questions, challenges, recognises and acknowledges all the things that make up your inner world to help you to gain understanding and clarity.   

Usually we email between one and three times per week - it all depends on what you send.  Some people will send two shorter emails in a week (like one pages/500 words) and others will send one longer per week (3 pages/1500 words).  There is no restriction on the number of words (more is explain in the Contract Agreement).  Once we get started we find our flow that suits you.

As with anything - it is best if you experience it for yourself to understand how it works, which is why I offer a special discount on the first email so you can try it and see if it is right for you.

THINGS TO KNOW:

• It is my favourite way to work with people.  
• It is great for introverts (like me).  
• Perfect for people that feel they can express themselves better in writing than talking (like me).  
• Wonderful for busy women - it is not another appointment you have to attend.  Do it wherever and whenever (2am when you can't sleep if you like).
• If you would prefer to meet with me first (which is recommended), then just arrange a time for a free 15 minute (online) chat - it is important that you feel a connection and vibe with your Therapist since trust is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship and seeing someone's face while you are talking with them definitely helps with that. 
• If the need arises during Writing Therapy where it would be more beneficial for us to talk (phone or online) then just let me know.
• I usually only work with women - mostly because a Counsellor can guide you more effectively on a journey they have walked themselves - I have never walked in a man's shoes so feel I connect better with women.
• You don't need to be a writer to do Writing Therapy - you just have to like writing and be comfortable communicating via email.
• You can download our free Writing Therapy Guide which gives instructions on how to do one of our favourite writing exercises - Writing Therapy is similar to this exercise except the Counsellor does the second part for you.