If you have been considering talking to a therapist or counselor about something in your life, then you may not have known that there are now options for getting online counseling services. This means that rather than going to see a professional counselor at their office, or speaking to a counselor who comes to somewhere like your workplace or school, you can have your sessions with them online.
Online counseling is available for all kinds of things that people normally engage therapists and counselors for, including bereavement counseling, relationship counseling, and counseling for people who have experienced trauma in their lives. Equally, if you don’t have a specific issue you want to see a counselor about but have been considering therapy for your general mental wellbeing, online options are available.
So, what are the benefits of online counseling services, and could they be the right choice for you?
Online Counseling Can Be More Accessible and Flexible
One of the primary benefits of getting your counseling online, is that you have a lot more choice about the counselor you talk to. Because you connect with them remotely, it doesn’t matter where in the country they are based, so you can choose from a far bigger range of counselors. This can also be helpful if you live somewhere where there aren’t a lot of services like this available to you in person. Online counseling can also be more affordable, and you can also be more flexible around the times for your appointments, which can be good if you have a busy schedule or are trying to arrange counseling as a couple.
Online Counseling Can Be More Appealing If You Have Anxiety
A lot of people feel some degree of anxiety about going to see a therapist for the first time. For just about anyone, the idea of being asked personal questions and talking about private matters with a stranger can be daunting, but if you already have issues with anxiety, then it can be even more terrifying. Given that anxiety issues are one of the reasons people actually want to get professional therapy, this causes a bit of a barrier to entry for people to get the help they want. With online counseling, the interaction feels a lot less challenging, as you can have your sessions at home over an internet connection, and you can choose the means of talking that is least stressful to you, for example video chat, voice, or text only.
Online Counseling Can Be More Discrete
Some people would like to talk to someone but would prefer that nobody else knew they were having therapy or counseling. With online therapy, it is far easier for you to keep your relationship with your counselor private, even from people you live with, if you choose to.
There are several reasons why online therapy can be a better choice for certain people, and so if you like the idea of it, why not try looking for an online counselor who is right for you?
Alice Carroll
Monday 10th of August 2020
Thanks for the tip that online counselling services can be a good option for people with anxiety. A friend of mine is having trouble dealing with her current long-distance relationship due to the uncertainty of the current pandemic. Being alone at home all the time doesn't help either so getting counselling services would hopefully make her feel better.