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Online Counselling Testimonials
The experience of online counselling
Binge Free
It's easy to build a relationship with Alison
Male food issues
Recovery from Binge Eating Disorder
Alison relates to my feelings
A huge thank you
I love online counselling |
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The Experience of Online Counselling
It was important to me that I would be able to converse with my counsellor in a safe, encrypted way, and the email system used – Privacemail – provides just that. I had experience of one other online counsellor who – I felt – was not entirely sympathetic to my problems. From first looking at the website to actually booking an appointment took me a fortnight, but once I had done so I knew that I had made the right decision. Before my first session I had rarely openly discussed the extent of my eating problems with anyone, and I felt very nervous about doing so.
By completing a questionnaire, I got a chance to indicate to Alison what I felt my problems were, and what areas I wanted to concentrate on; I was relieved that I would be able to ‘disclose’ these issues straight up, rather than waiting to introduce these myself. I suppose that there is a potential danger in online counselling in being misunderstood, but Alison uses a range of techniques to make sure that this won’t be the case. I have always felt that my comments are understood and that I am corresponding with a sympathetic – or perhaps empathetic – listener. I have been much more open in our sessions than I would ever be were we sitting in the same room.
Through having these sessions, I am now able to see my problems in a much clearer light, and now feel that I have the positivity and energy to do something about them. Recovery is a long road, but at least I’m on that road, rather than making my life worse by continuing with the behaviours I had before these sessions. I know that I have a forum, a place where I can be totally myself and be free from judgement. I always look forward to Alison’s replies! I would encourage anyone who is battling with any sort of problem to reach out and book a session – it is a hard first step, but a very worthwhile one!
Emma
Teacher |
Binge Free
"I am so so happy that I haven't binged or WANTED to binge, this is just fantastic and it's the longest I think I've been in my adult life without this".
Lisa
Manager | |
It's easy to build a relationship with Alison
I have enjoyed working with Alison as my online counsellor. While others may wonder how you can build a relationship online, it is easy with Alison. When I get her emails, she articulates herself so clearly, and responds with such compassion that I feel like I am right there in her home with her, having a chat while we drink lemonade. One of the things that makes her feelings come through is that besides her caring expressions of concern, and questions to help you uncover your feelings, Alison also expresses her intentions and thoughts in brackets. Here is a fictional example:
"Hi Sally-Ann,
I enjoyed getting your email [big smile on my face]. Are you feeling better about the problems you have been dealing with? [concerned look on my face, and wanting to give you a warm hug]...... I hope you have a good day and I look forward to hearing from you again. You're making great progress. [look of pride on my face]
Alison"
The outcome is that when you read her messages, you come away feeling that you have really connected with someone who cares and wishes to convey that to you clearly. I felt so much warmth from Alison. She is awesome at validating my feelings, and that helped me greatly as I felt her support for me!
Alison also asks good questions that helped me to look inward, and to reflect more deeply on my issues. She was willing to work with the issues that I felt were the most important first, and was willing to spend as much time as I felt I needed. She is very quick to respond and that was another way that increased my feelings of being connected with her.
Sally-Ann
University Lecturer
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Male food issues
I am a 30 yr old man and this is a great forum for me to deal with an issue that has been below the surface for a long time now. Six weeks in, I feel as though I have really taken some steps towards improving my relationship with food and develop healthy, long-term eating habits.
Mark
Investor | |
Recovery from Binge Eating Disorder
I've struggled with dieting and accepting my body image all of my adult life. This has eventually led to me developing binge eating disorder, it took me about 2 years to accept this and come for help. I got to the stage where I would start a diet on Monday and by Tuesday night would be bingeing on and off for days before starting a 'diet' again and the whole pattern would repeat. I felt desperately unhappy and in total hatred of myself. Then I discovered online counselling and Alison. I was dubious at first as I thought I'd need the 1;2;1 meetings to really address my issues but the online counselling has been fantastic, not only has it been tailored to me but it has totally reassured me that I can recover from this and have a normal relationship with food.
I knew Alison had personal experience of this condition so she is nothing but supportive and totally empathizes with what I'm going through. This was so important to me as no one else in my life currently knows that I have this condition. One month on and I feel like I'm making huge steps and it's starting to feel like my disorder is in the past, it's good and bad days but I'm optimistic that with the support of Alison and the online counselling I'll continue to make leaps forward.
Sam
Retail Management |
Alison relates to my feelings
Alison offers wisdom through her own experiences with many varied issues, and I felt that she could relate to my feelings. She is the type of person you will feel very comfortable sharing your feelings with, and her guidance and expertise will help you as you work through your issues.
Whether you need short term counselling or something more in-depth, Alison is competent, caring, professional, supportive and compassionate. I highly recommend Alison to you for working through your issues.
Karen
Nutritional Consultant |
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A huge thank you
I really just wanted to drop you a note to say a huge thank you!! It's been a while since I've been in touch and I just wanted to tell you the huge steps I've made all thanks to seeking help with you!
After the last session and my fall off the wagon I ended up telling all to my partner and my sister about my bulimia, a huge move on and I never thought I'd be able to do it.....I felt very vulnerable but also like a weight was lifted and not only was I proud with myself but I finally realized I truly was recovering as there was no hiding anymore.
I've stopped wearing my heart rate monitor, haven't weighed myself and the roller coasting feelings are going. I look in the mirror and don't beat myself up, I just think this is me and actually it's pretty good.
I am approving of myself more and more and have seen a fantastic nutritionist who has reassured me that I eating really well.
So, I really can't believe where I am in really only 2 1/2 months and just wanted to share this with you.
Sarah
Commercial Buyer |
I love online counselling
I love the online counselling and it truly is changing my life!
I thought it was an excellent way for me to get long-term support and something totally tailored to me. I was dubious about the online counselling before but it's brilliant for my lifestyle and knowing someone is there at my finger tips.
Jane
Human Resource Manager
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| Please note that all names have been changed on each testimony to protect client anonymity. |
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