Is online counselling effective?

Research suggests that online counselling can be just as effective as face-to-face counselling for many people, with studies finding positive therapeutic relationships and outcomes in both formats (Treanor, 2017; Chi et al., 2022). This is encouraging because it means that choosing counselling online isn’t just a convenient alternative but also an effective way to receive support.

Benefits of Online Counselling

Whether you’re balancing work, family life, health needs or simply prefer the comfort of your own surroundings, online counselling offers a flexible way to access therapy from wherever you feel most at ease.

If life feels busy, online counselling can make therapy much easier to fit into your schedule. It also removes travel time and costs, meaning your sessions begin without the stress of getting somewhere on time.

Many people also appreciate being able to have counselling from home. If you live with anxiety, travelling to appointments, finding parking or worrying about being seen can sometimes add extra pressure. Meeting online can reduce some of these practical concerns, leaving you with more emotional space to focus on the reasons you’ve come to counselling.

Is online counselling right for everyone?

Online counselling works well for many people, but it isn’t always the best option for every situation. During our initial conversation, we can talk together about whether online counselling is likely to meet your needs. If I believe another type of support would be more appropriate, I’ll explain this and, where possible, help you consider other options.

Getting the Most from Online Counselling

Whilst online counselling comes with benefits, it also has some key differences and this can mean that there are a few more things to think about.  

Finding a quiet space

Unlike with face to face counselling, it’s important to be able to find a quiet space where you won’t be overheard or interrupted.  It might be helpful to think about where in your home you feel is best to talk about things that are difficult or upsetting. If you share your home with others, it can help to let them know that you’ll need uninterrupted time during your session so you can make the most of it.

Seeing yourself on camera

You also might want to think about how you’d feel seeing yourself on camera. For some people, this will be fine, whereas for others who experience concerns around body image, this might be triggering. If this is something you’re concerned about, it’s worth mentioning it to your counsellor. Together, you can think about ways of making online sessions feel more comfortable.

The disinhibition effect

Some people find it easier to open up when speaking from the comfort of their own home. Sometimes this is referred to as the disinhibition effect, where being online can make us feel less self-conscious. While this can help conversations flow more naturally, it may also mean that people share deeply personal experiences before they feel ready.

This isn’t necessarily something to worry about, but it is something to be aware of. A good counsellor will always work at your pace and regularly check in with how you’re experiencing sessions.

Connectivity

Occasionally, internet connections can be unreliable or cause small delays in communication. This can sometimes interrupt the flow of conversation or mean that subtle cues, such as facial expressions, tone of voice or body language, are briefly missed.

Because technology isn’t always perfect, we’ll agree on a back-up plan before we begin working together. For example, if the video connection fails, we might continue the session by phone.

Security

While no online platform can guarantee absolute security, I take reasonable steps to protect your privacy. For example, I send a new meeting link for every session rather than using a permanent meeting room.

There are also some things you can do to to promote security:

• Use a password-protected device.
• Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date.
• Install updates for your video conferencing software when prompted.
• Choose a private space where you’re unlikely to be overheard or interrupted.
• Close unnecessary apps or browser tabs to help maintain a stable internet connection.

Questions about Counselling?

Ultimately, online counselling is about creating a safe, supportive space where you feel able to explore whatever has brought you to therapy. Whilst the way we meet may be different, the heart of counselling remains the same: building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood and supported.

If you have any questions about online counselling, or you’re wondering whether it might be the right fit for you, you’re very welcome to get in touch. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether online counselling feels like the right next step.

If you’re considering counselling but want more information on what counselling is actually like, you might find these articles helpful…

Thinking About Coming to Counselling? Here’s What Happens in the First Session

How to Find a Counsellor That’s Right for You

You Can Come to Counselling Confused, Anxious and Unprepared