What is Online counselling? Online counselling, also known as teletherapy or virtual therapy, shares the same objective as traditional therapy: enhancing well-being, alleviating symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and addressing the underlying causes. The key distinction lies in the mode of communication, where patients engage with virtual therapists through text or voice messaging, live chat, and voice or video calls instead of in-person sessions. Recent research, detailed here, underscores the advantages of online therapy( online counselling ). Notably, it extends accessibility to individuals who might struggle to attend in-person sessions and offers cost flexibility, often presenting more economical options compared to traditional therapy. It is important to note that online therapy ( online counselling ), while beneficial for many, may not be suitable for everyone. Depending on the goals of the counselling, approaches and client’s circumstances, some may find in-person counseling more effective. How Online Therapy ( online counselling ) Operates Accessing premier online therapy ( online counselling ) platform is convenient through your computer, phone, or tablet. While each online counseling platform and therapists/ clinics’ policies varies, the general process includes: After finding a therapist/clinic that their areas of expertise fit your goals, you can connect with them to book a session, or if they offer online booking platform, booking your first session right away. The therapist will send you an initial intake form, that includes all the necessary information about the therapy session, such as the information about the platform, confidentiality, cancellation and payment policy, benefits and harms of counselling, and will require your consent for online counselling. You will need to read and submit the intake form before the first session. In case, you come up with any concern or question, you can contact the therapist or the clinic to share them. It is very important that you feel comfortable with every step of the process. Also, the intake form might include brief questionnaire covering your current and past mental health history, reasons for seeking online therapy. Questions may touch on gender identity, or relationship status, and main reason to seek a therapist. Online therapists hold equivalent accreditations as traditional therapists depending on their education level and the province of their practice. Convenience and Comfort of online therapy ( online counselling ) Online therapy can be a convenient option for individuals who find it challenging to leave home due to responsibilities like taking care of a pet or a young child. It, also allows individuals to receive mental health support from licensed therapists through video calls, phone calls, or messaging platforms. This can provide flexibility and accessibility for those who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. Getting Started with Online Therapy ( online counselling ) Choosing an online counseling service involves considerations, features, communication preferences, and overall fit. The decision-making process includes: Communication Preferences: Decide whether you prefer communicating with your therapist through your computer, smartphone, or both, and whether your preferred type such as video call or phone counselling are offered by the therapist/clinic. User-Friendliness: Ensure the platform used by the clinic/ therapist is enjoyable to use, easy to navigate, and offers user support in case of issues. If you feel uncomfortable with an online platform, feel free to share it with your counsellor. As mentioned earlier, it is important that you feel comfortable with every step of the process. Additionally, discussing any concerns or preferences with the therapist beforehand can help create a positive and effective therapeutic experience. Getting Started with Online Therapy ( online counselling ) Determining if Online Therapy ( online counselling ) is Right for You The suitability of online therapy may not be apparent until you try it. If online therapy proves unsuitable, transitioning to in-person therapy is a viable option. Remember that finding the right online therapist is a dynamic process, and it’s perfectly acceptable to make adjustments until you find the good fit. The goal is to create a therapeutic relationship that fosters growth, understanding, and positive change in your life. If online therapy proves to be the right avenue for you, it can offer a flexible, and accessible to prioritize your mental well-being. Despite these advantages, it’s important to note that teletherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and some individuals may still prefer traditional in-person therapy. Additionally, the quality of the internet connection, privacy concerns, and the need for a quiet and confidential space at home are factors that need to be considered when opting for teletherapy. Overall, the choice between in-person and online therapy depends on individual preferences, circumstances, and the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Whether it’s online or in-person sessions, whatever aligns with your life situation and brings you comfort on your mental growth journey is the best choice! How to find a good therapeutic fit? Choosing a Counsellor Selecting a therapist is a crucial aspect of your mental health journey weather this is online or in-person. Consider factors like the therapist’s specialization, their licensing and approaches in counselling, your comfort level, treatment options, and responsiveness when making your choice. Choosing an online therapist involves careful consideration of several factors that significantly impact your mental health journey. Here are additional aspects to keep in mind: Specialization: Consider what you are seeking help for and ensure that the online therapist specializes in the specific areas relevant to your needs. Different therapists have varying expertise, so aligning their skills with your challenges is crucial. Reflect on your reasons for seeking help, how your difficulties impact you, and what outcomes you hope to achieve through therapy. To gain a better sense, you can ask if the therapist offers a 10-15 minutes free consultation where you can ask your questions and share your concerns and both see if you are a good therapeutic fit. Comfort Level: The effectiveness of therapy is closely tied to the comfort and connection you share with your therapist. Open and honest communication is essential for progress. If you don’t feel a strong connection with your initial virtual counselor, don’t hesitate to request a change. It’s not uncommon to try a few therapists before finding the right match, and the effort is well worth it for the positive impact on your mental well-being. Licensing and Certification: Most reputable online counseling apps thoroughly vet their therapists before onboarding them. Verify the licensing and state certification of your potential therapist on the platform. Additionally, it may be beneficial to find an online therapist who is licensed in your state, as licensing requirements can vary. If you have extended health benefit insurance, please verify with your insurance provider whether they cover sessions with your counselor based on their registration license. For instance, some extended insurance plans cover services offered by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Psychologists, while others may only cover sessions with Psychologists. Treatment Options: Explore the therapeutic approaches offered by your virtual therapist. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used method, there are various other approaches that might resonate better with you. Discuss these options with your therapist to find a treatment plan that aligns with your preferences and goals. Responsiveness and Availability: While it’s unrealistic to expect immediate responses, your online therapist should communicate within a reasonable timeframe. Ensure that they are available for voice or video calls at times that suit your schedule. A therapist’s responsiveness plays a crucial role in maintaining a supportive and effective therapeutic relationship. Embarking on the journey of therapy involves thoughtful consideration at every step. Selecting the right therapist who aligns with your needs, preferences, and comfort level, significantly impact the success of your mental health treatment. Along with your counsellor, your readiness and openness to go through a mental health journey plays an important role. Remember, seeing a therapist is not always easy as we might face the vulnerable side of ourselves. But what if your future self-thank you for doing so?
