Advantages and Challenges of Online Counselling
1. Accessing Counselling Online
Advancements in technology mean we now have a variety of options for communicating remotely. During the pandemic lockdowns, many of us turned to technology to stay connected with others. Therapists moved online, and demand for remote therapy increased.
Online platforms have made counselling more accessible, convenient and less stressful for many people.
As there has been more uptake in online therapy studies into its effectiveness, it has also grown. Research consistently shows that online counselling can be as effective as in-person sessions.
There are numerous benefits to accessing counselling remotely. However, it can also bring with it some additional complexities. I decided to write this blog to explore the potential advantages and challenges of online therapy.
I hope this will then help you to make an informed decision if you are weighing up whether online counselling would be a good fit for you.
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2. The Potential Benefits of Online Counselling
2a. Accessibility
Attending a therapy appointment in person can be challenging or impossible for some people. This could be for a variety of reasons, such as disability, anxiety or illness. Being able to access therapy from home may make counselling more accessible.
2b. Convenience
Accessing your therapy sessions remotely saves time and money as you don’t have to travel to your appointment. It may also take some of the stress out of the first session, as you won’t have to worry about finding the therapist’s office or how long it will take to get there.
2c. It Breaks Down Barriers
Some people feel less inhibited when talking online and find they are able to talk more openly. This may cause therapy to go deeper faster than it would if accessing in-person sessions. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Whilst there can be a benefit to feeling freer to share more, it can also leave some people feeling overwhelmed or unsettled following the session. If you find you are experiencing the latter, please let me know, and we can adjust the pace at which we work.
2d. Home Comforts
You may find accessing therapy from home or a familiar environment is a more comfortable experience for you. You may feel more relaxed in your own space and have easy access to items of comfort, such as a favourite blanket.
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3. Potential Challenges of Telephone and Online Therapy
3a. Interruptions and Privacy
It’s important to limit external distractions when you access online therapy. Such distractions may include unexpected guests popping over or household members making a lot of noise. If you are accessing therapy in person, this isn’t something you would have to manage. With online therapy, I can only limit potential distractions on my end.
If accessing therapy remotely, you would need to ensure that you’re in a confidential space. Where others are not going to overhear what you’re saying or walk into the room during your session.
I ensure that my office provides complete privacy, where you can speak freely without the risk of being overheard.
However, you may find it difficult to find a quiet private space if others are in the same house or location as you are. Here are some suggestions to prevent being overheard:
- Place a fan outside the door of the room you’re in. This creates white noise and may limit what others can hear.
- A radio playing just outside the door may also help.
- Wear headphones so that only you can hear what I’m saying to you. Computer speakers may sound louder or carry differently than your speaking voice.
- Place a ‘Do not disturb’ note on the door to prevent people from walking in unexpectedly.
- If you are struggling to find a quiet, private space, whilst not ideal, you could consider sitting in your parked car. Just make sure you have privacy from neighbours, and you have a good wi-fi signal and enough mobile data if speaking over video.
3b. Computer Security
Using technology also adds extra complexities to confidentiality. When using online communication, it is worth bearing in mind that the internet is a public network. Overall, technology has advanced to offer a high level of protection in the form of encryption and virus protection. However, no technology can be 100% guaranteed to offer complete cyber protection. Despite this, there are steps we can both take to limit potential risk to your confidentiality.
I will make sure my computer and applications are up to date, with the latest virus definitions installed and only use software that is recommended for therapy sessions. However, you would also be required to do the same on your end.
3c. Some Confidence in Using Technology
As mentioned above, to protect your privacy, you’d need to ensure your computer is up-to-date. You would also be required to use video conferencing software. However, I will send you instructions for downloading the application, a link to a troubleshooting guide and the link to join the session. I will also be available by phone and email at the start of the session, should you be having any difficulties joining me online.
Occasionally, technical issues may arise that are outside of our control, e.g. problems with the internet provider or video conferencing software. We would agree on an alternative way of working in advance of the session should such a situation occur.
Before your initial session, I would suggest you try setting up and practising with the software. Then you have the chance to troubleshoot any issues in advance. If you are unable to overcome any technological issues, let me know, and I will try to help. There is always the option of telephone therapy if the idea of using technology feels daunting.
3d. Body Language
Online video counselling and telephone therapy limit the non-verbal information that is available to both of us. This means that there’s a slightly increased risk of a misunderstanding or something not being fully understood. To reduce this risk, I will seek clarification if I feel I’ve not completely understood you.
I also ask that you let me know if you feel something I’ve done or said has come across in a way that may have felt uncomfortable or upsetting to you. I am always open to feedback. I can appreciate that it isn’t always easy to share if we feel angry or upset with someone. However, I feel anything unspoken can get in the way of therapy. Sharing such things can sometimes also be a useful part of your therapy process.
3e. The Transition Between Therapy and Daily Life
When you attend a face-to-face appointment, there is a psychological transition between being in the therapy room and going about your regular life. This transition includes leaving the counsellor’s office and your journey back to your home/work/other. For some people, this can be a useful process as it gives a bit of distance from what was discussed in therapy and any strong emotions that may have arisen during it.
If you access therapy remotely, you may not have this same buffer. Some people like to finish their sessions and be instantly in an environment that is familiar and comforting. However, some people find it helpful to have some kind of transition between therapy and regular life.
There are a number of things that could help to create this buffer if you need it. We could use the last ten minutes of the session to do a relaxation or grounding exercise. You could set aside some time at the end of the session to journal, do something creative or get outside and go for a walk. Again, this is something that we could work on together to find what works best for you.
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4. Online Therapy
If you are still unsure about online therapy, it can sometimes be useful to have a session to try it (standard fee applies). There is no obligation beyond the first session.
