The Perks of Online Counseling
Is Online Counseling Right for YOU?
Finding time or energy for counseling can be a challenge. When stepping away from work or getting out of the house feels impossible, online counseling is a great solution for making mental health a priority. If counseling is yet another task on your endless list of “should-dos'' that isn’t getting done, this article is for you. Finding guidance to positive change might be easier than you think.
In this article, I share several benefits of telehealth. I also address the misconception that you need to be in the same room with a counselor to truly connect. Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person counseling and in some ways, better. Let’s start with the benefits.
Telehealth Opens the Door to Possibility
We are no longer limited by distance. Meeting online makes it easier to find someone with the expertise and qualities to compliment your specific needs and personality. You can choose any counselor licensed to practice in the state you are in. Telehealth makes it possible to work with the professional down the street or across the state from you.
It’s Hard to Beat Convenience
When the mere idea of going to counseling is too much, ease of accessibility is a must. Logging on for a session is far less daunting than all the effort and time it takes to get to an office. Online counseling is especially beneficial for people struggling with depression, anxiety or burnout.
Virtual appointments eliminate time constraints associated with meeting in person. At the bare minimum, you only need enough time for actual appointments - typically, that’s 50 minutes a week. There’s no need to make arrangements to get away, search for parking or spend extra time commuting to and from sessions. Mustering the motivation to get ready and out the door is never a requirement. Log on, log off. It can be that simple.
Virtual Counseling Offers More Privacy
Nobody needs to know you are in therapy if you don’t want them to. Online counseling allows space after sessions to take a breather and decompress without rushing out a counseling office or seeing someone on your way to the car. Privacy is protected when counselors use HIPAA-compliant platforms for online sessions, note-taking and communication with clients.
Openness and Honesty Can be Easier Online
You do not need to be in the same room as your counselor for counseling to be effective. It may be a surprise but many people feel safer sharing in front of a computer screen vs. talking in-person. Counseling is most impactful when a client is able to share openly and honestly. Increased safety with a trustworthy, skilled counselor is a great advantage. When a client allows themself to be vulnerable, therapeutic work digs deeper and results are more satisfying and long-lasting.
Getting comfortable and building trust virtually might be easier than you think. Feeling understood is the key to connection. If your counselor excels at relationship-building, comfort and trust can be established whether you are in the same room or not. In fact, vulnerability may come more natural in the comfort of a client’s chosen environment.
What to do if Telehealth Does Not Work
If connecting with an online counselor proves to be difficult, consider the following. What is preventing connection and trust? Is meeting virtually the problem, or is it a matter of counselor-client fit? It’s possible the counselor just isn’t the right person for you (in-person or remote). If you were in the same room with this person, are they someone you would want to open up to? If the answer is “yes”, try letting the counselor know it’s difficult to connect while remote. Your honesty alone may create the therapeutic momentum you are looking for.
It is helpful to know, many people meet with a few counselors before they find a solid therapeutic match. Quick online consultations are one of the best perks of telehealth, and are most often free!
Simplify the Counselor Selection Process with Online Consultations
When selecting a counselor, I highly recommend a brief video chat to get a feel for a counselor’s vibe. Solid client-counselor rapport is the biggest indicator for therapeutic growth and success. If a client does not feel comfortable with their counselor, they will eventually limit what is shared, or not share at all. There needs to be trust/potential for trust for counseling to work.
Online consultations are a quick and easy way to “interview” counselors. You can determine a lot in 15-minutes. Do you feel listened to and understood? Does the counselor’s judgment and expertise seem trustworthy? Is there potential for connection - do you like talking with them? Avoid overthinking and listen to your gut, especially if you sense red flags.
Online consultations are usually free, easy to schedule, and require little commitment - just 15-minutes of your time (no need to commute). If a counselor isn’t right for you, there is little to regret, no time was wasted. Spending 15-minutes to learn you do not want to work with someone is a good use of time. Set yourself up for success by choosing a counselor who gets you.
Almost Anyone Can Benefit From Telehealth
To be fair, for some, there are drawbacks to meeting online. If a teen is resistant to the counseling process, it is difficult (but not impossible) to build rapport and maintain engagement online. At minimum, a client needs an inkling of willingness to interact with the counselor.
Reluctant teens may benefit more from in-person counseling. When I counsel in person, I give a lot of space for resistance. I am comfortable when a teen chooses to sit quietly. I can respectfully look away and not force interaction. This invites agency. It allows space for the client to determine what happens in counseling. When a teen tests my boundaries and ability, I take what they offer and work without panic or frustration. Together, we build trust and rapport. They get to see if they are too much for me and I get to demonstrate my respect for them. This dance is harder to do online. Healthy tension that leads to engagement is harder to maintain if the client can easily pretend I’m a video and not a real person. Attempting to force engagement is futile. Trust may need to be built in person before online counseling is effective. (I work with clients online only but can recommend in-person therapists if needed.)
For Anyone Ready to Give Telehealth a Try (or Another Try)
Check out my tips for Practical Tips to Maximize Your Online Therapy Experience.
Conclusion
Online counseling is quite possibly the most convenient way to effectively improve your mental health. The ease of accessibility is especially necessary if you struggle with anxiety, depression or are short on time. You can work with any professional licensed by your state and only need to set aside enough time for appointments. There’s no need to commute to an office, showering is optional.
Counseling is most impactful when a client is able to share openly and honestly. Many clients find they are able to be more vulnerable when remote, from behind a screen in the comfort of their chosen environment.
Starting the counseling process can be overwhelming. Free, online consultations are a low-risk, high-impact way to get the ball rolling. Connecting with a counselor for 15-minutes can be enough to inspire motivation and hope for positive change. I recommend scheduling 1-3 consultations with counselors who catch your interest on a website like PsychologyToday. Keep trying if you need to meet with multiple counselors. Remember, spending 15-minutes (or less) to figure out a person is NOT the counselor for you is a good use of time. You want to find someone you like and trust. If there are no red flags, schedule a first session with the counselor you feel the most comfortable with. If you aren’t a good match, schedule 1-3 more consultations. Resist the urge to give up - keep that ball rolling towards positive change.
If you're in WA State and want to learn more about counseling or supervision with me, visit my website. I offer free 15-minute consultations to see if your goals, my approach, and our personalities align.
