Telemedicine, which is doctors using online communication with patients to diagnose medical conditions, is taking the world by storm. Online and telephone counseling is part of that trend. Life coaches have effectively used the internet and phone to work with individuals, and now counselors/therapists are providing help through the internet and phone. The new age of communication by smart phone, computer and cell phones have fueled that trend, and working with professional counselors and coaches has become easy to access and affordable as well. Support is available when you need it, in your own environment without the stress and stigma going into an office to discuss personal issues. Not only is it easier, counseling online is equally or even more effective in the long term than traditional forms of counseling. Researchers from the University of Zurich have shown that:

• Depression decreased 3% more with online therapy and decreased 15% more than traditional therapy, to 57%, after a three month interval