Sometimes getting some support if you are struggling with a gambling problem can seem really daunting. It can be so difficult to take that first step and pick up the phone to make an appointment with a counsellor. And coming in to a face-to-face appointment can be stressful too, particularly if you live a long way from a support service or have no transport. But there is an alternative and for some people, it can work really well.
Email counselling offers flexibility and choice. There may be a myriad of reasons why you can't make set appointment times whether it is because of work, transport problems or unexpectedly needing to travel away from home.
Some people just like the privacy that email counselling offers. You can sit in your lounge with a cup of tea, soft music playing and any other home comforts that make you feel relaxed.
We asked two of our email counsellors just how this form of support works.
What is email counselling?
Email counselling is a very effective way of getting support with any gambling-related issues or concerns you have. Here at PGF we have several trained email counsellors who can offer you this support. The service is free and completely confidential. The great thing about email counselling is that you don’t have to schedule an appointment, you can write to our email counsellors anytime and from anywhere. Your email counsellor will reply within the next working day. A fast effective way to reach out and get support.
How does PGF’s email counselling work?
Email us at help@pgf.nz and ask about email counselling. One of our counsellors will introduce her/himself and will email you some information about this service. You will need to complete the consent form and some assessment questions to sign up for email counselling. These help us get to know you and your situation better. You do not need to be seeing a counsellor already or you may choose to use this service while having face to face counselling. It really is about making this as accessible as possible
What should a client expect from email counselling? It is helpful if you are aware of the limitations of text-based communications. Remember that your counsellor has no visual prompts, so she/he cannot read your facial expressions or body language. The counsellor won't be able to tell if you are physically hurt, and may have difficulty reading your emotions. There can also be misunderstandings when using text, but continue to write what your experience is and the benefits will continue. Email counselling can be very supportive, and help you work through any situation. Email counselling is most effective when people can be as honest as possible, this will help us determine the best way to support you. You can expect to feel heard, supported, have a place to take your concerns through confidential communication. We will ask questions about other things apart from gambling and how this is impacting on you and/or your loved ones; for example, if we are concerned about your own or someone else’s safety.
Who would benefit from this service? Anyone can benefit from this service. The more you write the more you will gain from the support offered. Your email counsellor can answer questions, work on a plan, help you set goals and/or attach information to read or websites to visit, to gain new skills and knowledge. We have noticed that where there is limited access to local services, if there are wait times, or proximity to a town makes it difficult to access support face to face people find this an excellent way to get support quickly.
Email: help@pgf.nz
Some people just like the privacy that email counselling offers. You can sit in your lounge with a cup of tea, soft music playing and any other home comforts that make you feel relaxed.
We asked two of our email counsellors just how this form of support works.
What is email counselling?
Email counselling is a very effective way of getting support with any gambling-related issues or concerns you have. Here at PGF we have several trained email counsellors who can offer you this support. The service is free and completely confidential. The great thing about email counselling is that you don’t have to schedule an appointment, you can write to our email counsellors anytime and from anywhere. Your email counsellor will reply within the next working day. A fast effective way to reach out and get support.
How does PGF’s email counselling work?
Email us at help@pgf.nz and ask about email counselling. One of our counsellors will introduce her/himself and will email you some information about this service. You will need to complete the consent form and some assessment questions to sign up for email counselling. These help us get to know you and your situation better. You do not need to be seeing a counsellor already or you may choose to use this service while having face to face counselling. It really is about making this as accessible as possible
What should a client expect from email counselling? It is helpful if you are aware of the limitations of text-based communications. Remember that your counsellor has no visual prompts, so she/he cannot read your facial expressions or body language. The counsellor won't be able to tell if you are physically hurt, and may have difficulty reading your emotions. There can also be misunderstandings when using text, but continue to write what your experience is and the benefits will continue. Email counselling can be very supportive, and help you work through any situation. Email counselling is most effective when people can be as honest as possible, this will help us determine the best way to support you. You can expect to feel heard, supported, have a place to take your concerns through confidential communication. We will ask questions about other things apart from gambling and how this is impacting on you and/or your loved ones; for example, if we are concerned about your own or someone else’s safety.
Who would benefit from this service? Anyone can benefit from this service. The more you write the more you will gain from the support offered. Your email counsellor can answer questions, work on a plan, help you set goals and/or attach information to read or websites to visit, to gain new skills and knowledge. We have noticed that where there is limited access to local services, if there are wait times, or proximity to a town makes it difficult to access support face to face people find this an excellent way to get support quickly.
Email: help@pgf.nz
Author: Andree Froude is the Marketing and Communications Director at PGF. She has worked in Communications and Public Relations for over 12 years in both the public and private sector before joining the Problem Gambling Foundation in May 2009.