Exploring the Benefits of Online Counselling: Does It Work?
In today’s digital age, more people are turning to online counselling as a flexible and accessible option for mental health support. But if you’ve ever wondered whether online therapy can offer the same depth of connection and effectiveness as in-person sessions, you’re not alone. Many individuals have concerns about whether online counselling is right for them.
As someone who worked in person for years, I understand this hesitation. When I first moved my practice online, I worried about whether I’d enjoy it as much, and whether my clients would still feel the same level of connection. To my surprise, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Why Online Counselling Works
Online counselling offers an unexpected benefit: some clients actually feel safer and more comfortable in a remote setting. With a little physical distance, clients often feel less exposed and more open, which can lead to deeper conversations and insights. This “buffer” can make it easier to discuss sensitive topics or explore emotions that might feel overwhelming in a face-to-face setting.
None of my clients who transitioned from in-person to online have said that their sessions feel less meaningful or deep. In fact, some have noted that they feel more connected, thanks to the comfort of being in their own space.
Flexibility for a Busy World
One of the key benefits of online counselling is its flexibility. Whether you’re travelling, moving frequently, or simply need the convenience of not worrying about transportation, online therapy makes it easy to access support from anywhere. You can be in the comfort of your own home, or even have a session while on the go, as long as you have a quiet space and a stable internet connection.
For those who are concerned about somatic therapy working online, I provide guidance to ensure you’re set up for success. This may involve positioning your camera so you can move freely or adjusting your environment to support our somatic work, which could involve standing, lying down, or other physical movements.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
While online counselling is incredibly flexible, there are some best practices to ensure the quality of your sessions. A quiet space where you won’t be interrupted is ideal, and you’ll want enough room to move around if necessary, especially when working somatically. Although having an online session in your car might work as a one-off, setting up a dedicated space at home is best for creating the calm and focused environment you need for deeper work.
Is Online Counselling Right for You?
If you prefer the in-person experience and feel that it’s essential for your therapy journey, that’s perfectly valid. In-person counselling can be incredibly powerful. But if you’re open to trying online counselling, I encourage you to give it a chance. You may be surprised by how effective and meaningful it can be. Personally, I’ve found that I enjoy my online sessions just as much as I did in person, and my clients report the same depth and connection.
If you’re ready to explore online counselling, or if you have any concerns about how it works, I’d love to help you. Let’s see how this flexible and accessible option can fit into your life and support your mental health.
