Ask Andie Amerson FAQs Page

Why should I try e-advice, e-counseling or e-life coaching?
Email advice, counseling and coaching is less restrictive than traditional counseling. Perhaps you're unable to get to a local counselor's office for one reason or another. Maybe you're extremely nervous, embarrassed, shy or you're looking for anonymity. With E-Advice you're not limited to the traditional once a week, timed hourly sessions of a traditional counselor or life coach. I've been to traditional counselors and hate it when I'm right in the middle of my issue and "Oh...times up!" Emailing gives you all the time you need to get your thoughts together and express them any way you want. Plus, I have more time to reflect upon the response giving you the answer that best helps your individual situation. For some people it's the only way for them to get the help they need. It is a viable alternative source of help when traditional counseling is not accessible.

Are you a licensed therapist?
I am not. I do not want to be confined to the limitations that come with licensure. I do however adhere to the ethics and responsibilities of a professional counselor. Read on and go to my About page.

What is the difference between you and a professional therapist?
First and foremost I am a Listener and I am here to help. I capitalize Listener because I consider myself a professional Listener. Secondly, I am not obligated to put you into a text book category and advise you with text book remedies. I don't put you into a niche because even if you're having the same problem as my last 10 clients - you are a totally different person and need a solution that fits your individual situation. I am an advisor, counselor and life coach and a professional in every way.

My friends "listen to me" but they don't seem to be able to ever really help me. Is listening a learned skill? Is that why I don't feel "listened to"?
Listening is indeed a skill. I'm sure you can relate to someone in your life or many people who are "passive" listeners. Your spouse, best friend or boss may stand right in front of you and not hear a word you are saying. Most of us would like to think that we are good listeners. But statistics show that people only take in about half of what they hear. What most people are really doing instead of listening is waiting to talk. Waiting to have their say in the conversation. I'm here to listen. Sometimes that's all we need when we're having challenges in our lives. Someone to listen and most importantly someone who understands and can give us the advice we need.

How long are counseling or life coaching programs?
These programs go for as long as you need. I've counseled clients for only a month and I've had Life Coaching clients for several years. It's how much time you need.

Why can't I use all 20 sessions in the counseling program in one week?
In traditional therapy you would only see your counselor once or twice per week. I have learned with internet counseling that it is better to spread out the sessions, maximum 5 per week so that you are able to have time to reflect on the information that I've given you as well as reflect on what your next session will cover.

I feel I need counseling but am very interested in you life coaching sessions, which one should I choose?
We will be able to distinguish your needs during our initial consultation. We can combine programs or make a program that fits your individual needs and affordability.

I really want to do the life coaching but can't afford the total cost right now. Do you have financing?
Yes, we can design a program and payment schedule that again, fits your individual needs. Contact me today! askandieamerson@aol.com

I've tried e-counseling before, what makes your programs different?
Well, I do. My experience is unique and I conduct each program with a no nonsense, honest and ethical approach. Some of my first questions reveal if you're truly ready and most importantly want to deal with your challenge. Many counselors just want your money and are willing to drag you along until you decide you're not getting the help you need. If I can't help you, I'll tell you. If I feel you're not ready or willing to do the work, I'll let you know and give you options. I also don't push my own philosophies, I respect your beliefs and adjust my programs to fit your needs. I don't use cookie cutter counseling or coaching. Each program is adjusted to fit each individual's needs.

Will this really help me?
Yes! Over 90% of the people who work with a counselor or coach online say that it helped them. Our success will depend a lot on your sincerity, desire for change, and your open-mindedness. You must have a willingness to take an honest look at yourself and/or your situation. You must be willing to reveal information about yourself and your feelings. If you conceal important feelings or information, you will only be hurting yourself and delaying your results. You must want to achieve your goals and be open to suggestions. Please see Testimonials page.

But I do want to achieve my goals.
Yes, but are you willing and want to do the work? Are you willing and eager to enter into a process of growth and change and take responsibility for participating in the process? If you are, then you're ready.

I'm seeing a therapist should I stop?
No, unless your therapist is not helping you. Then I suggest "shopping" for a new therapist. Do not stop your current therapy nor stop any drug therapy that you are currently using. Discuss any changes with your therapist. This site can be an addition to your current therapy. It's effective, it's private. This site directly addresses a major problem uncovered by the Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health which stated that while one American in five faces a life altering challenge nearly two-thirds of them never seek help. Managed care and the mental health industry sometimes make it difficult for people to get the care they need. When traditional systems fail them, many people are turning to the Internet. Please see the Testimonials page.

Are my sessions and payments secure?
Yes, this is a secure website similar to e-commerce or to the technology that banks use to let you access your accounts online. We also use PayPal which allows you to use your PayPal account, any major credit card or cash directly from your bank account.

How do I get started?
Visit the other pages on this site. You will begin with an Initial Consultation and you will decide which program best fits your needs on the Sessions page. You will begin once you have paid for your choice on the Fees page. You can change programs at any time and again, we can design a program to fit your individual needs and financial situation.

Please Contact me with any additional questions you may have! I look forward to working with you and helping you create a wonderful life.

What do you mean professional Listener?
The term professional traditionally means someone who has received a degree in a particular field. Obviously no one gives out bachelor degrees in listening - but read on. We'll get to my degrees in a moment. Professional commonly describes highly educated, compensated workers (however I have known unpaid professional couch potatoes). The word professional can also mean someone who has turned their interests into their life's work. I have been interested in people and studied our behavior my entire adult life. I write "our" instead of "their" because I'm a person just like you. I study my own behavior as well - as should we all.

Less technically, professional may also refer to a person having impressive competence in a particular area. This describes my skills. I have a PhD in Psychology and a Master of Science Degree in Holistic Health. I have a very high level of empathy and take in - totally - what you are saying, whether it's in person or over the internet and am able to give you the advice, counsel and coaching you are looking for and need.

What ethics do you adhere to?
Let's get back for a moment to the word professional. Because of the personal and confidential nature of many professional services and thus the necessity to place a great deal of trust in them, most professionals are held up to strict ethical and moral regulations. I also fit into this category of professionals. I will treat you with the utmost respect, compassion and honesty. I have an ethical and moral obligation to do the best job I can for you. If I feel I can't help you I will suggest options at no cost to you. I hold myself to the highest standards of conduct.