PRESS RELEASE
Quake drives more people to seek help online
“It’s unbelievably tough down here,” states Chris Hight, a highly experience Auckland Counsellor who has flown down to
Christchurch to work with the people in the aftermath of this last tragic earthquake. “The people are so brave – it’s
awe inspiring. Of course, despite their amazing stoicism, we are actively encouraging everyone to reach out for
counselling support wherever possible, to help them to deal with the shock, trauma, grief and anxiety they are facing
with such courage daytoday.”
An interesting trend is emerging. Because it’s been so hard for people to move around as usual, residents have been
turning to more online options for counselling help in addition to phone based assistance. This is because, if they have
a working internet connection, they can get help without the need to travel. Further, they can quietly work with a
counsellor using secure instant messaging style communications – often writing their thoughts and anxieties down is less
traumatising than actually talking out loud which for many is very difficult so soon after the quake.
While some people are opting for free phone support such as via http://www.lifeline.org.nz/ others are seeking out cost
effective paid options to receive expert assistance just using their computer such as via our online counselling service
www.askchris.co.nz and other services such as http://www.aucklandcounselling.com
“It’s great to see the people of Christchurch having more flexible and timely options to get help by phone or online. As
for me I’ll be down in Christchurch for a while, working side by side with people.”
END