Terrence Higgins Trust has today launched Connect Online Counselling - a new online service for the gay community nationwide.
The service aims to give people the chance to explore difficulties or challenges in their lives, make sense of experiences and find solutions or coping mechanisms when faced with problems.
Sessions can be used to discuss anything from problems at home or work, to drug use or sexual risk taking. They take place over the internet using MSN, Skype or via the THT ‘counselling room’ on Gaydar.
Whether it’s relationship problems or issues with your sex life, THT’s low cost online counselling service is a convenient way of exploring personal issues from the comfort of your own home. Each session lasts for up to 50 minutes on a weekly basis at a pre-agreed time. The initial assessment and first two sessions are free, giving people the chance to see whether online counselling is right for them. After that, each session costs £30.
Christine Mead, Manager of THT’s Wellbeing Services said: "Our online counselling service reaches out to people who might find it hard to access traditional face-to-face therapy. Using technology like instant messaging and Skyping provides a new option for people to get the support they need. Many people find that talking to someone about their lives can help them to make positive changes so if there’s something you’d like to discuss please get in touch.”
THT successfully piloted the online counselling service in partnership with Gaydar last year. The pilot was highly commended at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Awards this year.
Henry Badenhorst, founder of Gaydar, said; “For thousands of isolated individuals the Gaydar and THT partnership is an invaluable lifeline that allows them to chat freely and confidentially online. The relationship between Gaydar and THT also plays a part in raising awareness of important community issues.”