Frequently asked questions
- What is counselling?
- What if I need face-to-face counselling?
- When can I expect a response to my One Off Question?
- What is the cost?
- Is it value for money?
- How do I pay for online counselling? Is it safe?
- I don't have a credit card - can I still use AskChris?
- What issues can AskChris help me with?
- How do I know that the person answering me is who I am expecting it to be?
- What do I do if I am experiencing difficulties using your website?
- How do I get my response for a One Off Question if there are no emails?
- What are the pros and cons of Online Counselling?
What is counselling?
A counsellor is trained to listen carefully to your problems and to support you while you find your own solutions. The relationship between a counsellor and a client is confidential and is based on respect and trust. Counselling helps you to discover the reasons for negative feelings and to work out ways of dealing with them. It is a time for you to express difficult feelings such as fear, suspicion and jealously in a safe, supportive environment. You will not be criticized, nor will you be put under pressure to do or feel anything. Your counsellor will help you find solutions that are realistic and workable for you.
Counselling should help you to take control of your life and to understand the reasons why you feel the way you do, which may help you to handle these feelings in the future. You may learn different ways of communicating with others so you can become more assertive, or you may develop greater self-respect. Often it is only when we talk to someone unconnected with our lives that we begin to hear what we are really saying and feeling.
What if I need face-to-face counselling?
AskChris provides all therapy via our specially designed website. We do not provide face to face counselling. For face to face counselling in the Auckland area, please contact Chris Hight’s private practice at Kumeu Therapy Centre on reception@kumeutherapycentre.co.nz.
Please note that Chris is not taking any new clients for face to face counselling, the only way to receive therapy with Chris is via our AskChris service. However, Chris has a team of experienced counsellors who work for her at Kumeu Therapy Centre.
When can I expect a response to my One Off Question?
We endeavour to respond to the One Off Questions within 72 hours. Usually our turn around time is much less.
What is the cost?
Please see the Fees page for our current prices.
Is it value for money?
Our prices are very competitive with other online counselling providers.
At AskChris our therapists are highly trained professionals. To see these therapists face to face, the fee is considerably higher and the waiting list is often long.
We have endeavoured to provide high quality therapy at affordable prices.
How do I pay for online counselling? Is it safe?
Our credit card payment system is provided by PayPal. AskChris does not receive, nor have access to any of your credit card details. To learn more about PayPal visit the PayPal website. With PayPal you can choose to pay using your credit card, debit card or bank account.
I don't have a credit card - can I still use AskChris?
Yes, if you live in New Zealand you may pay by bank deposit into our account. Our system will allocate a client reference code so we can track your payment. Once we have seen your deposit in our account, usually the next day, we will approve your deposit and credit your AskChris account.
What issues can AskChris help me with?
We have a great team of therapists at AskChris, who all have experience in different areas.
We work with clients struggling with:
- Depression
- Relationship Concerns
- Stress
- Work-related Issues
- Grief
- Anxiety
- Parenting Issues
- Eating Disorders
- Anger
- Family Issues
- Addictions
- Sexual Abuse
- Gender Identity
- Low Self Esteem
- Spirituality
- Supervision
...And many more.
How do I know that the person answering me is who I am expecting it to be?
At AskChris we belong to a number of Professional Organizations, and abide by the code of ethics relating to counselling, and specifically online counselling.
It is unethical for us to answer you anonymously. You will always know who is answering your One Off Response questions, as the therapist will always sign their name.
When you receive Chat Therapy, it is you the client who chooses your therapist.
If you would like to choose the therapist you receive counselling from via the One Off Response, please type that therapists name into the subject box.
What do I do if I am experiencing difficulties using your website?
Send an email to the Helpdesk, and we will assist you with any difficulties.
How do I get my response for a One Off Question if there are no emails?
All correspondence is via our specially designed website.
To view your response:
Go to your confidential corner, then under the heading Questions, it will look like this:
The number in brackets at the end of the folder name indicates how many questions are in that folder.
When you have a new reply from a counsellor, your Inbox will have a 1 in brackets, instead of a 0.
When you have read the response from the counsellor, the question moves to the Already read folder automatically.
Before a counsellor replies to your question, there will be one item in the Waiting response folder.
In order to read the response from the counsellor:
- Click on either the Inbox, or the Already read folder (depending on which has the question in it). This will bring up a list of questions in that folder (newest is on top)
- Click the title of your question.
- You will now be able to see the question you asked our AskChris counsellor.
- If you scroll down the screen, you will now see the response from the counsellor.
- At the bottom of this screen, you also have the option of asking another question to the same therapist (we recommend this, as your therapist will get to know your circumstances and better respond to your questions), or ask another question of a different therapist. You will need to have credit in your account for this feature to work.
- At the top of this screen, you have the option to move the question and answer to another folder. You can save it to a folder, or delete it if you wish.
What are the pros and cons of Online Counselling?
Pros:
- You can log onto our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whenever it is convenient for you.
- You can work this in with your work or family commitments because you don’t have to leave your home or office.
- For some people this system will be a less embarrassing and less stressful way to discuss their personal issues anonymously.
- You can stay in touch with your therapist while on holiday or overseas.
- There is no travel or parking hassles.
- No need to organize a babysitter or take time off work.
- You have a permanent record of all your correspondence with your therapist.
- You do not have to leave messages with intermediaries, and get to avoid the much dreaded phone-tag.
- You can take as long as you like to compose your One Off Response, and have the opportunity to reflect upon your message before sending it.
- Online therapy is a particularly good option for those with hearing loss.
- Is more affordable than face to face therapy with a highly qualified counsellor
Cons:
- Requires reasonable computer knowledge – although our website is designed to be as user-friendly as possible.
- May not be suitable for suicidal people. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and need to contact someone immediately please call 0800 726 666 to contact the Samaritans. They are available 24/7. If you are outside New Zealand please visit the Befrienders website to find a help line in your area.
- May not be affordable – our counselling is provided by highly qualified and experienced staff. Our prices are very competitive, but if you require free help please contact Youthline on 0800 376 633
- You may prefer face to face – if so please contact Chris Hight’s private practice at Kumeu Therapy Centre on reception@kumeutherapycentre.co.nz. Please note that Chris is unable to accept any new face to face clients at this time. The only way to access her for therapy is via AskChris. However, Chris has a team of staff at Kumeu who she highly recommends.