If you’ve arrived here, you are probably considering getting help with your drinking. You might be thinking about online counselling, a course you can work through yourself, or simply finding out what is available before deciding what to do. There are different routes, and you don’t need to have made up your mind yet.
In my years working as an outreach counsellor, I have seen how useful it can be to talk through a problem with someone. But not everyone wants or needs the same kind of support. Some prefer a therapist who can work with them individually; others want a structured way to change their relationship with alcohol.
This guide explains what online therapy is like, what to expect from a first counselling session and how that differs from following a self-guided stop-drinking programme.
If you would rather follow a structured course to stop drinking, our current recommended paid programme is Craig Beck’s Stop Drinking Expert. It is self-guided and is not the same as one-to-one therapy. Both options may help people change their drinking, but they offer different kinds of support.
Conventional therapy – where you sit on a couch and look at your therapist while discussing your problems – has always been the gold standard of addiction treatments (in this counsellor’s opinion anyway) and it is the treatment that, in my anecdotal experience, has the most success in battling alcohol abuse.
Having said that though conventional therapy does have one pretty substantial drawback in that – just like everything seems to be these days – the price of seeing a traditional therapist is just so expensive. Which when you already have so much on your plate: adding a huge recurring expense to the mix is just not ideal.
Some people prefer online counselling because it can be easier to fit around work, family and travel. Price, availability and suitability depend on the provider and where you live. It is worth comparing online and in-person options rather than assuming one is always better.
Why Do People Prefer Online Therapy?
Online counselling is not automatically better than face-to-face treatment. Some people like the privacy and flexibility; others value meeting their therapist in person. The best choice is the one that fits your needs.
But what’s so special about online therapy that makes people go crazy for it? Let’s see:
- Online therapy can offer different pricing and appointment options
- Online therapy allows you to get therapy from anywhere in the world (all you need is your mobile device and an internet connection)
- Online therapy offers a much wider range of services (from anytime instant messaging to phone and video chats with your therapist – what ever makes you most comfortable)
- Online therapy may offer access to a wider choice of qualified professionals, depending on the services available where you live
Before paying for counselling, check the practitioner’s qualifications, experience with alcohol problems, session arrangements, privacy policy and overall cost. Provider testimonials alone do not establish whether a service is right for you.
When is Online Therapy Appropriate?
How To Get Started
First decide what kind of help you are looking for. If you want someone to discuss difficult feelings, relationships or mental health with, look for a qualified counsellor or alcohol-treatment professional offering online sessions in your country. Ask about their relevant experience, fees and how appointments work.
If you mainly want a structured way to change your thinking about alcohol and your daily routines, an online course may appeal more. We currently recommend Craig Beck’s Stop Drinking Expert, a paid course focused specifically on stopping drinking. It is not live counselling, individually prescribed treatment or medical detox.
Think about which approach you will actually use. Would you prefer scheduled conversations with a therapist, or lessons and exercises you can follow in your own time? You might also choose to combine types of support. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, seek medical advice before stopping suddenly.
What Should You Expect From Your First Session
The first time doing anything is always nerve wracking. First day in school, first time trying out for a team, first date, first driving lesson. First day on a new job.
Given the tendency for first times to be stressful it will come as a pleasant surprise to you that this isn’t the case when it comes to therapy. Especially online therapy.
The first thing you should expect from your first session is a calm and relaxing environment. Your therapist will go at your pace and will not be doing anything that makes you uncomfortable.
So what else can you expect from your therapist when getting treatment online?
Confidentiality
Before booking, check whether the therapist is appropriately qualified or registered for the service they offer in your country. Ask how the platform protects your information and whether there is any support between appointments. Never assume that every online service has the same rules.
A Talk About What Has Brought You To Therapy
Your therapist is going to need to know what it is that is ailing you before they can start to think about how they can help. Don’t expect to have to lay it all out there in the first session but do try to give the therapist something to go off. Let them know how you have been feeling recently, some of the troubles you have been having and what made you finally face up and decide to go to therapy. Again don’t worry about being pressured into talking about anything you don’t want to talk about, your therapist will go at a pace that is best for you and your recovery.
A Talk About Your Goals For Therapy
So what is it you hope to achieve from therapy? For the majority of the people coming to IWNDWYT their goal will be to quit drinking – or at the very least to dramatically cut back on the drinking. You might have the same goals (particularly since you are visiting this site), but you might not. You might wish to cut down on your drinking, or to work on your other issues that tend to influence your drinking. It is important to communicate these goals to your therapist so that you are both on the same page.
A Talk About Your Preferences
Yes you will have already filled in a questionnaire before registering but it is important that you and your therapist discuss what the arrangement is going to be going forward. Some things to keep in mind
- What method do you prefer best (text, audio, video, all of the above?)
- How regularly do you wish to speak with your therapist
- When do you want to speak to your therapist (Morning, Night, Weekend, Weekdays etc.)
It might be that your therapist has different ideas to what would be best for your treatment. It is important to remain open to changes from your preferences – after all you are paying them to guide your recovery so it would make sense to listen to your therapist – however if something makes you feel uncomfortable make sure to communicate to your therapist that certain things are red line items.
Set Your Expectations and Begin
Alcohol addiction is not something that can be fixed overnight. Make sure that you go into therapy with the understanding that it will still take a lot of effort on your part. The therapy can only take you so far.
Whether you choose counselling, a course or both, do some research before paying. If you would prefer a structured programme focused on giving up alcohol, you can see the course we recommend, or read our full Stop Drinking Expert review to help you decide.
Good luck with whatever path you choose
And as always
IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today
Ready to stop drinking?
If you want a structured programme to help you quit alcohol, we currently recommend Craig Beck’s Stop Drinking Expert. It is a paid online course built specifically around stopping drinking.
