If you haven’t experienced online therapy sessions before, you might be wondering: Does it work?
Online therapy became popular in the 1990s when the growth of the internet made it more accessible. Remote therapy has continued to become more common as phone and video connections have improved. Its popularity skyrocketed starting in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Here are some of the benefits online therapy offers that traditional therapy doesn’t:
Convenience
Going to a physical office takes time as you sit in traffic or in a waiting room. Beyond your therapist’s fee, traditional therapy sessions also cost you money in gas, vehicle maintenance, public transportation fees, and time off work. With online counselling, you can schedule your appointment when it’s most convenient for you and have your session without leaving your home.
Safety
Online therapy offered safe access to mental health services during the pandemic, but its safety benefits extend beyond avoiding infectious diseases. With remote therapy, you also sidestep the risk of transportation accidents due to bad weather, heavy traffic, or impaired drivers.
Accessibility
Online therapy can be an accessible option if, due to your grief and trauma, you don’t have the energy to go out to your house or are feeling challenged by the thought of travelling. Remote counselling also makes it simpler to receive support if you don’t have a car.
Variety of choice
Online counselling opens up your options for choosing a grief-literate and trauma-informed therapist. Instead of being limited to a local provider, you can consider a wider range of therapists offering the kind of help that you require.
Wherever you are located, we will find
a time and space to connect.Nathalie
Challenges of online therapy
Online therapy also presents several challenges, including:
Technology barriers
Video therapy requires resources like a computer, video camera, phone, and internet connection. It also requires the ability to use those resources effectively. If this is a challenge for you, let me know so we can find ways around it.
Lack of privacy
It may be not easy to find a quiet, private place for therapy where you live, especially if you share a home with others.
Emotional disconnection
Asking for help is a brave and vulnerable act, and seeking therapy is no exception. That’s why it’s important for you to feel safe and connected with your therapist, Nathalie.
Give it a try. Book a discovery session and give it a try with me, or ask any other therapist whether they offer that. This will give you a taste, just like with any restaurant that you go to for the first time. If you like it so far, we will schedule a session and go from there.
How to Prepare for an Online Therapy Session
Take these steps to prepare for your online therapy session:
Find a quiet place
Pick a spot in your home where you won’t be disturbed. If that isn’t possible, consider sitting in your parked car or another quiet space.
Speak with family/housemates
Before your appointment, speak with your family or housemates about any privacy concerns you may have. Set clear boundaries by letting them know that you’re not to be interrupted during a session. Also, state directly that eavesdropping is a breach of trust.
Test your devices
Confirm that your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged before your appointment. Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone to make sure all three are working.