Dear Kris,

I'm experimenting with counseling over the phone right now. I saw an excellent counselor a few years ago. We had a great working relationship. About 3 1/2 years ago, he moved out of the area. That was tough. Since then, it's been very hard to find a counselor. I've tried seeing a few counselors, but there hasn't been a good match for various reasons. A big part of it is that I'm on a low income and can't pay as much as most counselors here charge. My prior counselor was seeing me through a non-profit organization, and was able to see me at a reduced rate. That's not as easy to find now, within my budget. Other factors play into it, too, but that's a big one!

We ended on very positive terms despite his move, and have been in contact periodically. I've kept him updated on my searches for counseling. I asked recently if there might be some way we could have a meeting in person again, even if I traveled to see him. He offered phone sessions, which we are trying for a few months as an experiment. So far, it's going very well. We had such a positive working relationship in the past that it was a good foundation for us now. We also had a few phone meetings, even when we were working in the past, when I'd had surgery and was too sick to travel. Those went really well. So we had some background in working this way. I was very grateful that he would consider such an offer, as many therapists will not do telephone counseling, and it appears my chances of finding a counselor here are almost nonexistent. He knows me so well that it's almost like picking up right where we ended, which is really a gift to me. It's true that it is somewhat different than meeting in person, yet in this circumstance it's such a huge improvement over having no therapy at all. I'm so glad to be in touch once again, and be able to discuss important issues with somebody I know will understand. It seems to be working out well so far.

Take care,
ErinBear