Is Online Counselling Right for You?

Is Online Counselling Right for You? The Pros and Cons

The world of counselling is ever growing and changing, and the mode in which it’s delivered is no exception. Just a few years ago, it may have been fairly uncommon for counselling to be delivered online. However, that has shifted drastically, particularly since Covid-19 lockdowns. For many of us the only way to see a counsellor during this period was virtually. Since then, online counselling has certainly become more common, but what does it actually look like, what are the pros and cons, and is online counselling right for you?  

What is Online Counselling?

Online Counselling comes in multiple forms. Perhaps more commonly is counselling over videocall – for the most part this feels and looks like more traditional in-person counselling, with some differences. Another option that some choose to try out is online chat options – whether through an app or a text number, this can be a little more immediate, but looks a lot different from in-person counselling. 

Pros of Online Therapy

• Options – Online therapy opens up the options for who to see, you’re not as restricted by who’s local to you! 
• Accessibility – For individuals living in rural areas or with mobility difficulties, online sessions can open up the services they can access. 
• Comfortability – Therapy can be intimidating! Whether it’s meeting a new professional, being in a new office, or the stigma around mental health that worries you, being able to access counselling from the comfort of your own home can lessen the discomfort and fears around therapy. 

Cons of Online Therapy

• Technology issues – Technology isn’t always perfect and relying on service or an internet connection means opening up the possibility of interruptions and connection issues. 
• Limitations to treatment – Not every mental health concern will benefit from counselling services. 
• Loss of language – It may be a little harder to read body language, and for text options, this can be even more challenging without tone and facial expressions as well, so context and underlying emotions may be lost at times. 

Is Online Therapy Right for Me?

There are a lot of things to consider when deciding between in-person and online counselling services. Do you have consistent and reliable internet access? Do you have a complex concern that would benefit more from in person counselling? On the other hand, would online counselling mean that you can see someone who specialises in working with your needs, concerns, and population? The choice between in-person and online services is not black and white and may take a few tries to figure out, and that’s okay! Whether online services are for you or not, it has certainly opened up new possibilities for people and adjusted to the ever-changing landscape of therapy. 

Additional Information

If you are looking to connect further or receive support, please reach out. Get in touch with us at 250-718-9291 or email us at info@okclinical.com. 

If you are interested in specialised services, our team is here to help you explore your mental health through our counselling services. You can also refer to our General Counselling Services, our Types of Therapy or visit our booking page here. 

Check out these resources to learn a little more about online therapy to inform your choices: 

https://www.calm.com/blog/online-therapy

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/my-experience-of-online-counselling

Written by: Angela Knowles, Practicum Student

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