Is online counselling for me?

Whilst I love the flexibility and accessability of Online Counselling, both as a counsellor and my own experience with counselling - it might not be for everyone. In this blog, I will be highlighting 10 things to consider when thinking about counselling online so you can make an informed choice as to whether it is for you.

1.     One of the biggest benefits is the flexibility and accessibility online counselling can offer; counselling from your own chosen space and it will probably enable you to be more flexible as to a time that suits you.  This, however, won’t be for everyone especially if you feel that confidentiality can’t be upheld at home and holding a private space is more difficult.

2.     Some clients prefer not to be seen entering a counsellors practice.  There could be many examples why this might be the case such as, your chosen counsellor might work in the same building as a person you know and you’d rather not share that you are attending counselling. 

3.     Access to counselling online may be more immediate due to being able to be more flexible with chosen times.  However, it’s worth also mentioning that online counselling is not sufficient support if you feel you are in crisis.

4.     Some counsellors offer text-based counselling or emailing – perhaps you find is easier to express your feelings by writing them down?  Whilst not all counsellors will offer this service, there is an ability to write in a chat during online counselling or if you are face-to-face, writing a letter is always an option.

5.     Are you comfortable with technology?  If you feel uncomfortable with being in front of a computer then online counselling might not be for you.  Your counsellor will always guide you to how to use whichever platform they are using – for example, I provide you a link that you can access from your email and there isn’t any requirement to sign up or login to anything. 

6.     Working all day on a computer and on phone calls?  Whilst you might be very comfortable with technology, you might just want a break from being at your computer and the change of scenery might sound more beneficial to you.

7.     Some clients don’t want to see themselves on camera on their screen.  There are ways around this such as minimising the screen, turning your camera off or choosing telephone counselling.  There are plenty of benefits of being able to see your counsellor (and your counsellor to see you!) but there are options if this is not something you want.

8.     Non-verbal cues or body language is limited with online counselling and non-existent with telephone counselling so using words becomes more important.  Imagine you are face-to-face with a counsellor and you were fidgeting in your seat and your hands were shaking – a counsellor might visibly be able to see that you are uncomfortable and talk about this with you to help you find comfort.  Non-verbal cues reveal a lot and online counselling makes this more difficult.

9.     You may feel that your situation is just far too complex for online counselling, I think it’s a preference and something you can discuss with a professional.  There are some approaches such as EMDR that are better face-to-face.

10.  Counselling online means technically you can attend counselling anywhere in the world. It’s worth knowing that different countries will have different levels of training and requirements and they may not have the insurance to be able to work with you.