Phone and Distance Counseling

Personal Benefits of Distance Counseling

1. Experience understanding and warmth
2. Regain hope
3. Experience relief from your suffering
4. Heal old wounds
5. Stop self-destructive habits
6. Learn how to regulate your emotions
7. Discover new ways to relieve stress
8. End your isolation by partnering with a professionally trained therapist

Issues That Online Counseling or Phone Counseling Can Help

It is best to email or call regarding your concerns. Isobel McGrath will assess whether you will benefit from counseling. Below are some issues that are appropriate for telephone and online counseling:

• Addictions: Alcohol, Drugs, Eating, Gambling
• Anxiety
• Career/job Stress
• Depression
• Grief/Loss
• Habit Control
• Internet Addictions
• Obsessive Compulsive Issues
• Procrastination & Goal Setting
• Self esteem & Confidence
• Stress Management
• Relationships
• Procrastination, Decision Maiking & Goal Setting
• Weight Control, Food Issues
• Women’s Issues

Phone Counseling

Isobel will do counseling with you by phone anywhere within the continental United States or Europe. You simply sign up for a phone counseling session by sending an email at IsMcGrath@aol.com, calling (904) 806 8840, or skyping IsMcGrath. The counseling session will usually be with you within 24-48 hours during the business week. Phone counseling sessions are 45 minutes. Isobel McGrath wants her counseling sessions to be highly productive. She encourages you to come to phone sessions prepared with questions and with writing supplies handy to take notes that will benefit you after the counseling session, such as a plan of action.

Online Counseling Using Voice Over IP and an Optional Web Camera

For those of you who'd like to have your counseling sessions live on the internet, we use SKYPE. Anyone who has access to the internet can download the Skype program from Skype.This program is free to use for internet to internet calls and I've found the quality to be the same or better than a traditional phone.

If you have a web camera, then you can see Isobel McGrath as she counsels you, just like a face-to-face conversation. This mode of counseling can be very beneficial as it not only includes Isobel’s voice but also non-verbal body language cues. If you choose, she can also see you as you speak, which can enhance the therapeutic interaction. This is the closest you will get to having a face-to-face counseling experience without leaving your environment (home or office).

Even if you haven't Skyped before it is easy to use. Click
the Skype logo on the left to download Skype for free.

How Do Phone and Distance Counseling Sessions Work?

Counseling sessions happen at a specific pre-arranged time. Isobel McGrath will call you at the telephone number you have given or on Skype over the Internet or using Skype and a web camera.

What About Confidentiality?

Talking on the telephone or internet is potentially not as secure as face-to-face in a closed-door office would be. However, thus far there have been no problems with confidentiality.

What do Phone and Skype Counseling Sessions Cost?

Counseling Fees are based on a sliding scale, that is well below market rates for face-to-face psychotherapy. You are encouraged to help set your fee, based on what you can reasonably afford, with some effort. Insurance will probably not cover this service. Most clients pay on their credit card through PayPal.

How Do I Set Up A Counseling Appointment?

For complete information, answers to all of your questions, and to request a counseling appointment, please send me an email to IsMcGrath@aol.com or call (904) 806 8840 or skype me at IsMcGrath. Include your name, age, and location, and a brief description of what you want to talk about or work on.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN DANGER OF HURTING YOURSELF OR ANOTHER

It is impossible for me to manage a crisis situation from a distance. If you are currently going through a serious crisis, particularly if you think you might harm yourself or others, I urge you to do one or more of the following:

Licensed Mental HealthCounselor (MH9699)
Certified Addiction Professional (4644)
Certified in Deep Memory Process
Certified Hypnotherapist (NGH)

Isobel McGrath, originally from Ireland, obtained a degree in Psychology and Certificate in counseling from the London Guildhall University in England. Isobel completed her Masters in Community Counseling at Western Connecticut State University in Connecticut and practised as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Isobel counseled in Northern Ireland and is an accredited member of the Brithish Association of Counselors and Pscyotherapists. She has counseled survivors of Trauma.