Why I "Might" Consider Internet Video Conferencing

When Michael Weinberg of Wizpert.com contacted me to be an advice counselor for his website, I was skeptical. Would I have the time to stop everything and chat with people online about their personal relationship problems? Would I be able to help them? Would anyone even bother to take my advice? Well, I tried it. I have been chatting with quite a few of you now and it's really quite rewarding. It’s a joy to help people and make a difference in their lives and relationships. You all give me more material for my blogs too. (But don't worry; I don't mention you by name or in any specific manner--just in general terms.) Wizpert allows me to chat with you online by writing back and forth for a limited period of time. Wizpert also offers the option of Skyping with people. I can say right now that I am NOT open to the video conferencing option--yet. I’ll tell you my reasons…

I’m not a professional counselor or therapist. I’ve counseled with therapists, though. They’re wonderful—so patient, such great listeners, so helpful in assisting clients to search their own hearts; come up with their own solutions to their problems. I’m not like this.

If I were to video conference with you, listen to your problems and questions; then offer my advice, you might not like my frank manner of speaking. I tend to want to get to the point, cut through the fluff, and tell you what’s wrong so you can fix the problems and move ahead with your life. (I’m a little like Dr. Laura Schlessinger that way.) Currently, by sticking with written correspondence with you, I can take my time to ponder your concerns, digest what you’ve written, read between the lines, spot red flags, pray and ask God for direction and patience, hopefully obtain wise insight from heaven, and offer direct, straightforward advice that might help you. You'll find I'm already pretty direct in my writing. Could you handle that in a video conferencing format? I'm not so sure....

It's not that I'm completely closed to video conferencing, but I'm hesitating at this point. We'll see if I might try it in the future.

Thanks again for reading my blog. I look forward to chatting with you on wizpert.com!