What is Online Counselling and how does it work?

What comes to mind when you think of the word therapy? You imagine yourself sitting on a comfortable couch, in a cosy space, with a therapist sitting across from you with a notepad and pen.

But a lot has changed in the last couple of years. Since the pandemic hit, many things, including therapy, shifted online. Therapy is one of them. Online therapy is simply using telecommunication technologies—interactive audio and video technology—to conduct therapy. In fact, here are 8 reasons why online counselling is better.

Is online counselling effective?

It may seem odd to conduct therapy using a phone or computer. After all, you lose the face-to-face connection and atmosphere; however, after a few sessions, most people adjust comfortably and find that it’s easy to maintain the same connection online.

Plus, research shows that online counselling is just as effective as in-person counselling. Although therapists were mandated to move therapy online during the pandemic, research studies have shown that online therapy is equally as effective as in-person therapy.

If you have concerns about the confidentiality and security of the sessions, there’s no need to worry. Websites like Talked ensure that their online health systems are secure and safe. And all therapists go through rigorous training to implement the protocols to keep conversations secure and private.

What are the pros and cons of online counselling?

One of the greatest benefits of online therapy is that you do not need to leave your home. By staying home, there is no added pressure of organising commute times or worrying about getting stuck in traffic. Plus, many clients report they feel safer opening up at home because they get to do it from a space where they feel relaxed and at peace.

Another great benefit is that your brain will associate therapy with safety since it will be receiving it at home, a space you consider to be peaceful. This will help your mind and body to view your home as a place of healing. As a result, your mind will be able to implement the learning from therapy into everyday life a lot more easily.

On the downside, not everyone can find a quiet, secure space for therapy at home. If you live with family, roommates, or are a sole caretaker of children, it can be hard to make it work with so much going on. Many people hesitate for this reason. They feel they cannot have the privacy or quietness to benefit from the sessions.

But do not let obstacles deter you. Many therapists are willing to problem-solve as much as possible to ensure you can find a workaround for therapy with your current situation. For example, therapists on Talked offer a range of times which will be able to suit your unique needs. Another example is, that they may offer text therapy at times, so you can do it from your car if needed. If you are unsure what text therapy is we have prepared a guide on text therapy.

Therefore, take the opportunity to discuss the hurdles before ruling out online counselling.

How will I know if online counselling is right for me?

If you have a complicated situation, it can be hard to know if it’s the right fit. Or you may be someone who feels in-person therapy is the only way to go. That is all valid. But the best way to know for sure is by having an honest conversation with a therapist.

Take the opportunity to share your concerns and see what they have to say. If they offer solutions, that is a great sign. They may be able to problem-solve and share resolutions that you did not consider.

Plus, a professional acknowledging and understanding your hesitation will help you feel validated. Therapists are aware that it’s still a new idea for many people and it takes time to make the transition.

What steps should you take to start online counselling?

You should follow the same process as you would for in-person therapy. Take the time to research therapists and connect with them. Ask them questions and share your concerns. Find out if they’re the right fit for you. If you feel that they are, schedule a brief 15-minute free session or online session to discuss the process in depth.

Taking the time to get to know your therapist and how everything would work will help reduce the fear of any unknowns. The more knowledge you have, the better you’ll be able to decide if it’s right for you.

If you’re on the fence about online counselling, the best course of action is to give it a shot. You won’t know unless you try it!