At Rural Roots we offer on line counselling ( Privacemail ) as well as face to face counselling. On line counselling is a specialized form of treatment which requires a fully secure and encrypted system in order to protect the privacy of our clients. It also requires some specialized skills.  This form of treatment has some unique advantages, but it is not for everyone. In the outline below we compare the two forms of treatment in order to assist you in determining whether Privacemail is  right for you. However, there are a few clear guidelines which we can offer; Privacemail is not suitable for issues such as severe depression, suicidality, violence, psychosis and first disclosures of abuse. These issues typically need to be handled by local professionals who can be physically present.
Need someone to talk to?
You've come to the right place.
In-person counselling 

  • Need to book an appointment 

  • Need to wait for the appointment to start counselling


  • You need to travel for appointments which may take lots of time given the addition of travel time 

  • Counsellor is present to help if the process leads to feelings which are more intense than you might expect. They might even feel a bit overwhelming at times.  

  • People don't usually remember everything discussed.

  • If you experience the same problem later you may need to return to counselling.


  • Your privacy cannot be fully controlled.    

Privacemail Counselling

  • You can work on counselling day or night

  • There is no travelling involved...can be important if you are ill or disabled  

  • Are often out of town


  • Live in a rural area


  • Live in a foreign country


  • Just feel more comfortable being at home

  • Can write whenever you have a few minutes

  • Counsellor is not physically present. You may need
  • to prepare yourself in advance in case this happens.
  • Your counsellor will provide guidance at these times

  • and a link to a helpful tutorial.


  • You have a written record of your discussions


  • You can re-read your Privacemail sessions

  • There is no chance that you or your vehicle will be

  • seen at or near your counsellor's office