New online therapist and Im surprised

[livingded]

The positive thing that happened today was that I had a session with an online therapist. I found them on twitter casually, they said it was very inexpensive and I thought why not trying. I tought it was a scam at first, or maybe that it was something like better help where they say they have professionals while in reality they aren't.
I said I wanted a psychotherapy session (other option was counseling). Ive tried therapy a million times before, both in the private and public system but with no success. Only let downs.
This therapist is from India, overall it was a good session, even tho it was via text because I felt pretty shy via video or audio (maybe the next time I will try via audio).
I didnt find any red flags, the therapist asked me questions and gave me a lot of feedback also, he was engaging in the conversation and gave me a few insights. But even via text I felt the humanity of the therapist and I felt like he understood the situation and myself. No judgmental, open minded.
And at the end of the session I felt better about my situation, like there was hope, and I felt relieved.
Im surprised and didnt expect that. Also it was 1 full hour for only 25 euros which is very inexpensive. Here if you go to a private therapist you pay at least 80 euros per week!
Now I still dont know if he can help me and if i will get better, but i will book another session and try with this therapist. I dont think im idealizing him and saying "ohh he is the best" when in reality maybe he was pretty basic. I felt better and listened to. and he gave me insight.
I didnt ask for his full name, he only said his surname and an initial, I wanted to check him online. Is it rude if I ask for his full name and surname?
oh it was basically a center that offers online therapy, i think they have multiple therapists

 

[Deleted member 19654]

I don't think it's rude to ask. You have a right to know who your therapist is and to check they are who they say they are. Are there reviews for this online therapy centre? I don't want you to be scammed by some arseholes who prey on vulnerable people just to make money

 

[livingded]

I don't think it's rude to ask. You have a right to know who your therapist is and to check they are who they say they are. Are there reviews for this online therapy centre? I don't want you to be scammed by some arseholes who prey on vulnerable people just to make money

it is called retract center. they have twitter, facebook and 7cups page.
i only found these reviews https://retractcenter.wordpress.com/client-testimonials/
and here https://www.7cups.com/@RetractCenter

 

[Deleted member 19654]

Unfortunately I don't see anything that indicates that they are licensed professionals. And unfortunately those reviews on their site could easily be made up. I've never used 7 cups but a quick google says that It's a free service if you want to talk to a 'listener' who aren't professionals but are volunteers that want to help people I guess. It seems a little sketchy that it's free through 7 cups but you have to pay to talk to them outside of that. I don't mean to be negative about this, I just don't want any harm to come to you from talking to someone who might not know what they're doing and I don't want you wasting your money on a dud service

 

[KleinerWolf]

I used 7cupsoftea before but I was only talking to regular listeners.
The website should be able to review the paid counselling service sector regularly,
so as long as you don't give out your own real name or address etc I say you are all good.

Glad you found someone that gave you insights. That's what I look for in counselling as well.
Meanwhile in New Zealand an hour of counselling with an experienced master degree clinical psychologist costs103 euros lol
25euro is certainly a bargain as long as they can offer you some advice.

I actually partly agree with @Maxtothemax because online counselling may not be fully verified regarding their licensing and qualifications, so it's really a hit or miss.
But I think you'll be okay with this one.

 

[livingded]

Well 25 euros are not that much. I dont think its a scam, but if it is people can report them to 7cups i think. I think 7cups is safe. Also the therapist that talked to me was good, he knew what he was doing (i studied social work and studied psychology and counselling, so i have a bit of understanding).

 

[KleinerWolf]

Well 25 euros are not that much. I dont think its a scam, but if it is people can report them to 7cups i think. I think 7cups is safe. Also the therapist that talked to me was good, he knew what he was doing (i studied social work and studied psychology and counselling, so i have a bit of understanding).

That's excellent.
You seem to have discovered a gem :)

 

[Deleted member 17949]

Great to hear you've made even a little bit of progress like this. Those little threads of hope are vital to recovery, so well done and I hope it all goes well for you.