FAQ's




What exactly happens here?

Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com provides consultations about life issues. Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com strives to help people work through a variety of life problems.

How does this work?

You'll start by filling out the questionnaire. Once we've read through the questionnaire and thought about what you wrote, your counselor will start by asking you more questions. At the end of the 3 e-mail exchanges that comprise the first session, you'll have:

a.. A clarification of the problem. Clarifying the question can go a long way towards finding the answer.

b.. Suggestions where to go from here - whether to continue with your counselor if you so choose or seek out some other form of advice or therapy.

c.. Individualized advice about your specific issues. There are no preset formats - each person is unique.

Can we solve your life problems in one session?

Usually not. Many people, however, find this initial guidance quite helpful. If you then wish to continue with us, you can purchase further sessions.

What kind of issues do you deal with?

Anything that deals with the specialties and interests of our counselors. Just one of many areas we specialize in would be grief and loss

Grief and loss can constitute many, many things. From the death of a loved one to divorce to loss of physical ability and even loss of a job. Whenever a person loses something that's important to them, on whatever level, there is a grieving process that must be facilitated. Most people do not grieve properly and we can help facilitate a good grief response. Talking about it can help. This can be a one time consultation or an ongoing process. Looking for coaching? Feel you need advice and guidance? Feel you need some motivation and inspiration? Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com does all this - our discussion is always tailored to your individual needs. We can be open ended or goal directed - it all depends on the issues you bring and what you would like to achieve. Whatever your goal here is - the way to get a consultation is to read the legal and privacy agreements, make a payment and fill out the questionnaire.

When is online therapy a good choice?

Online therapy is suitable for people who are comfortable with putting their thoughts in writing and are able to do so in a reasonably organized manner.

It is a good choice for people who have difficulty getting to a counselor, whether that's due to living in an area where counseling is not available, living in a country where English is not widely spoken, working long hours or difficulty leaving the home for any reason whatsoever. It is also a good choice for people who are either uncomfortable about face to face counselling or just prefer e-mail as a convenient and relaxed mode of communication. Or 1 on 1 chat counseling.

When is online therapy not a good choice?

a.. If you have any psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, thought disorganization).

b.. If you are suicidal or homicidal.

c.. If you need intense support, phone contact, hospitalization.

d.. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

e.. If you have a psychiatric illness.

Do you prescribe medications?

No. Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com does not prescribe any medications over the Internet.

Does this replace traditional, face to face counseling?

eCounseling is not the same thing as face-to-face counseling. For ease of writing, and since most people are familiar with the term therapy, we use terms such as counseling, therapy, online therapy and e-therapy. However, it is important to understand that this is an e-mail and 1 on 1 chat based consultation service and is not meant as a treatment for any form whatsoever of mental illness. Problems with living, on the other hand, are something every single human being goes through - and we all need a helping hand here and there. There are some advantages and some disadvantages to seeking advice online.

Why Consider Online Counseling?

People seek professional help for various reasons. However, many of those who need help are unable to get to a therapists office for different reasons. The following are common obstacles to "traditional" therapy and reasons to pursue online counseling or "eCounseling"...

The Problem Itself - some problems, such as anxiety or depression often cause an individual such distress that they are unable to leave their home.

Physical Problems or Chronic Pain - physical limitations may make it difficult for some individuals to make office visits

Logistics and Time - online counseling provides a good alternative for those with busy schedules, who may have difficulty making regular office visits

Privacy - online counseling provides an alternative method of counseling, for those who are afraid of the "stigma" of visiting a therapists office.

What are the Benefits of Online Counseling?

Accessibility - from the privacy of your home, you can communicate with a therapist at any time, day or night

Time - both time spent traveling, as well as the flexibility of not being bound to the traditional "50 minute hour."

Support for those who are isolated or alone - online counseling may be more accessible for some individuals

Provides more time to develop thoughts and feelings - many find it easier to express their feelings in writing

Limitations

While there are many benefits of online therapy, it is not appropriate for everyone. Online counseling does not allow for interpretation of voice tone, body language, and other forms of non-verbal communication that are a part of traditional therapy. There may be technical difficulties, which may delay responses.

How long will this take?

From a one-time e-mail to e-mail several times a week for an indefinite time, whatever works for you. Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com does ask that should you decide to discontinue therapy, send us a brief e-mail about this.

Is communication via this website confidential?

Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com will never give your information to anyone - no insurance company or employer will ever be informed that you have been in therapy. The only exception is danger to self or others, as is true in any case where you see a psychotherapist. Within the limitations of security inherent in e-mail communication, internet counseling is just as confidential as "regular" counseling. Online counseling can be especially useful for people who feel that their jobs might be compromised were they to be seen going to a counselor. For full details, please see the legal + privacy agreements.

In order to protect your information, we use the following methods: Your e-mails will be sent from the website itself via secure SSL transmission. The first e-mail is in the form of a questionnaire and all subsequent e-mails are to be sent by filling out the second (blank) form. You can compose your e-mail elsewhere and paste it into this form when you are ready to send it.

Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com will respond by email. Payments are processed via secure Paypal. PayPal accepts payment in other currencies including Euros and Yen.

Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com does not have access to your financial information - it is stored in Paypal. Tranquil Counseling and TranquilCounseling.com gets notification of your payment, and this serves also as verification of your identity. This information is separate from our correspondence, and thus all your e-mails, and all your confidential information, can be sent under a pseudonym, if you so choose.

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Psychology Today for more information!

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