Online counselling procedures
Accessing online counselling
- To access the service you will need to make an appointment via our appointments page.
- Sessions are linked to your email address. You will need to provide a valid address.
- At the arranged time, navigate to the login page.
- If you haven't used the service before, you will need to provide the email address you provided when booking the session, as well as a username (the name you will go by in your counselling
session(s)) and password; otherwise log in with your existing details. You should not disclose
your log in details to anyone.
- You will be automatically directed to the online counselling room. Note that you will not be able
to access the room until the arranged session time.
Explanation of online counselling and procedures
An MLA online counselling session is a maximum of 50 minutes. If you wish to continue online
counselling, the online counsellor will book you in for a session for another session the following week.
Please note, each individual is eligible for a maximum of 2 MLA online counselling sessions.
If you are not able to make a session, please cancel your booking by clicking on the cancellation link in your confirmation email or by sending an email to
referral@mensline.org.au . This will allow others to access the service.
If you experience an internet drop out in the middle of a session, the counsellor will attempt to contact
you via email. In the event that the counsellor has safety concerns, MLA may attempt to contact you via
phone and/or inform emergency services. The counsellor will be available for the full 50 minutes of your
session if you drop out and later reconnect. The counsellor will not be able to extend your session in the
event of a drop out. Your session will be re-scheduled if your online counsellor experiences drop-outs
that disrupt the session.
“Netiquette”
As online counselling relies solely on written communication, it is possible for information to be
misinterpreted or misunderstood. Listed below are some tips that may assist you during your session.
- If you are leaving your computer for any length of time, please use the “be right back” (BRB) icon.
- Please do not write in capital letters as this is the equivalent of shouting.
- You can make use of the emoticon buttons to explain how you are feeling. Alternatively
- you can convey actions or emotions using words and symbols, e.g.: *shakes hand*, <<sighs>>,*folds arms*
- Explain an abbreviated term the first time you use it (e.g.: btw = by the way).
Do not hesitate to ask your counsellor to clarify something that has been written, and be prepared for your counsellor to do the same. This will help to avoid misunderstandings.