When you think about starting therapy, you might imagine going in to a stuffy office, sitting on a couch, feeling uncomfortable and talking about your relationship with your parents. That’s what the movies tell us we have to do if we want to feel better.
So it feels quite foreign to contemplate opening up not only to a stranger, but also across the internet!
When Covid-19 hit us, we retreated into our homes and the way we did things changed. A lot. One of these, was talk therapy. As we became more isolated, mental health issues increased exponentially - so we adapted. Counselling moved to video chat, phone calls, voice messages, and even online messaging. And it worked!
Doing this also saved money for all involved. The current cost of living crisis has made things like counselling less accessible for those who would benefit most from it. It is easy to let your mental health become a lower priority when things like food, rent, and transport are already stretching your budget!
By providing counselling services online, practitioners are able to offer lower rates as they do not have to cover the cost of an office space.
So online therapy means you save money? That’s right!
But if that doesn’t have you convinced, here’s a few other benefits of attending your personal counselling online:
No travel time
By booking an online appointment, you take less time out of your day to attend counselling. This makes it easier to slot mental health care into your busy schedule, and saves you money on fuel or public transport!
2. You can wear cozy clothes
When we are struggling with our mental health, it can be hard to get ready for the day. Especially in the middle of winter when it is cold and wet outside! (Oodies are encouraged for maximum cozy vibes).
3. Remain in a familiar space
Opening up about your personal life can be bloody terrifying! By attending your sessions from home, you can ensure that you are in a safe and comfortable space when you do so.
4. Shorter wait lists
Online therapy allows more Counsellors the opportunity to practice. This means shorter wait times for you! Many in-person services will ask you to wait months for an initial consultation. The flexibility of providing an online service means you will often get an appointment within weeks of your enquiry (if not sooner!).
5. Accessibility
Now that the world is open to travel again, many people are visiting family and friends overseas or simply going on holidays. Online counselling means that you can still attend your appointments from anywhere in the world. This is a great option for anyone who is always on the go or lives in a remote area.
6. Wider Selection
Clients aren’t limited to therapists in their immediate vicinity and can select a therapist from a broader pool, ensuring a better fit.
7. Reduced Anxiety
Clients who suffer from social anxiety or agoraphobia may find online sessions less intimidating. This also eliminates the need for waiting rooms and the anxiety associated with sitting in a public space.
So what’s holding you back from starting counselling?
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