Online counselling, also known as video counselling, offers a convenient way to seek professional support without the need to travel to a physical location. It provides unique flexibility, allowing individuals to choose their preferred mode of communication. It enables them to express themselves in a comfortable and confident environment, making it one of the best ways to seek professional support. It also encourages more openness, as clients can discuss matters they may not feel comfortable sharing in person while providing the therapist an insight into the client's personal space.
A study in the UK involving 27,500 people found that talking to a therapist online is just as helpful as seeing someone face-to-face. This study also found that online therapy significantly reduced waiting times (Psychology Today, 2023).
Is online therapy effective?
Studies have proven that online counselling is effective, with outcomes at least equal to traditional counselling. The Lancet, a leading medical journal, published a study validating the effectiveness of online cognitive behavioural therapy in treating depression.
People say things online they would not in person, with less reaction and a greater willingness to be open (cited by Suker, 2024) and more willingness to talk about complex stigmatised topics (cited by BACP).
Video Counselling
Many people function in a tight, committed modern society, limiting the availability of face-to-face counselling sessions. How online counselling enables people from broader demographics to discuss matters of concern in real-time with a specialist.
The therapist should provide the client with a mode suitable for counselling no matter where the client is. A secure, confidential place where you are comfortable expressing your feelings.
The Lancet Discovery Science's findings included 17 studies demonstrating that CBT was more effective online than face-to-face at reducing the severity of depressive symptoms.
Some of the benefits of online therapy
The many benefits of using online counselling services include pragmatic and emotional benefits. For many people, the daunting feeling of taking the first leap is a concern, so, in an hour from the comfort of the chosen location, reducing commitments and continuing with less stress.
There are fewer inhibitions in disclosing intimate information, often brought up much faster online (cited by Mishna et al., 2015).
Accessibility and the benefits of time
There are many barriers to accessing in-person counselling, such as a lack of transportation or a living location, which means time wasted commuting. Physical disability and medical complications are something that can also limit a person's ability to access the support required for depression most times; leaving the comfort zone is a limitation in itself.
Understanding the value of time must always be considered, whether one has a tight schedule, irregular hours, or is a supporting carer for someone else.
PubMed Central, in 2022, studied the transition to online psychotherapy during the pandemic. Clients had an overall positive view of online counselling despite perceiving some change.
Online counselling would be the right fit for the client as it suits people whenever they are and within 24 hours.
Privacy, comfort and security
The comfort and security clients should feel at home, and the privacy they should have anywhere else are different. Hence, clients are happier to open up and discuss issues in a much more expressed and genuine manner. People value privacy, especially if they are not ready to inform others in their household that they seek counselling and wish to keep it confidential.
Cost and social distancing
The Counselling cost is associated with booking a therapy room, which is extraordinary. Remote working allows for extra savings.
Due to the historical difficulties during the COVID era, the complex seasonal weather, poor transport in London, and the traditional flu virus and bugs, telephone counselling is the most productive tool available in the 21st century.
Qualified counsellor
Online counsellors see a wider audience throughout the country, which gives them the skills and experience to expand their knowledge and approach methods in counselling sessions, aiding and supporting the continuous care of the client.
Akhtar, (SAC Dip), Lead Counselling Psychologist.
Related Posts
