BY SHELLEY STOCKWELL-NICHOLAS, PhD
Are you busy to visit your hypnotist, mindful instructor, MD or couch face-to-face yet need a boost to make a decision, relax, drain pain or trauma, clean up your act, be proactive, achieve your goals or get along with your mate?
If so, on-line care is a time and money saving solution that makes it easier to stay the course on your road to joy and good health. On-line help is your time-saving humanistic approach that encourages self-awareness, self-care and good old-fashioned common sense.
Many on-line sessions are conducted via videoconferencing, Skype, Zoom, Messenger, and other “face-to-face” web-based programs. Other programs include on line long or short-term courses, blogs, chat rooms and messaging. Virtual teleconferencing (sometimes called e-hypnosis- iHyp; e-cognitive behavior therapy- iCBT; telemental health resources- THR; e-physical therapy- iPT; and telemedicine) allow helpers to “read” your vocal inflections, body language and facial expressions. Your session may also include at-home follow-up assignments to keep you motivated to do the right thing. Virtual programs “Free Hypnosis- IHF” offers live networking and archived videos. Just log on via Facebook and get tips of the week and in-depth advice from experts in positive living. Studies show that virtual wellness interventions help people manage grief and loss, mood disorders, depression and anxiety while improving coping skills and well-being. (Massoudi et al- 2017/ Wentzel and colleagues- 2016).
Other studies show on-line interventions as effective in helping people to overcome weight issues, substance misuse or abuse (Erbe, et al, 2017/ Carroll, et al 2009 and 2010).
Virtual health care– clinics, consultations and monitoring has been a boon to medical professionals, due to recent physician shortages and health challenges of getting to an appointment. A virtual exam can help a sore throat or sinus condition. On-line follow-ups can monitor surgery patients and to measure bold pressure, blood glucose, pulse rate and the like are helped. But beware; virtual care is not as good as calling 911 if you need immediate care or even if you need a strep test or have to decide about using antibiotics. Probably best to go to a brick and mortar location in such situations. On-line sessions can also be enhanced by in-person visits if convenient.
HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT ON-LINE HELPER Here are things to consider
1. Choose someone you like and respect and who is sensitive to your goals and needs and budget. You may want to interview them first.
2. Choose someone who will help you deal with the necessary on-line technology.
3. Discover what resources they offer if you need emergency help.