Have you ever considered online therapy? 72% of therapists believe people are now more open to therapy than ever before. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, online methods have quickly become a method that more clients require due to their needs. However, is it the same as in-person counselling? With online counselling, you receive the same treatment but within the comfort of your own home instead - a sometimes preferred choice for people starting therapy for the first time.But how does online therapy work exactly? And in what ways is online therapy effective?Here's a closer look at what to expect from online counselling through its pros and cons:

How does online therapy work?

Every type of therapy that I offer starts with a consultation to understand your needs and which methods are the appropriate approach. We discuss the therapeutic contract and the parameters of confidentiality. During this initial consultation, we can confirm when your sessions should occur and at what frequency. My online sessions take place on Zoom. Then, when it comes time for us to start our work together, sessions will take place as they would in person. First, we will discuss your thoughts and feelings over a video call. Then I will provide the same unconditional support and empathy to help you gradually overcome your issues in a safe and friendly environment - your home.

What to be aware of as a client.

I always recommend finding the right therapist for you before starting any course of treatment. Before diving into the deep end, consider a therapist you not only get along with but feel 100% comfortable with when opening up to them. Therapy covers some potentially uncomfortable topics. But I assure you that when in session with me, control of the narrative is in your hands - especially in my person-centred therapy sessions. As a specialist person-centred therapist, my clients and I can all attest to the benefits that person-centred counselling brings to the table, even if you're new to therapy. If this sounds like an area that would suit you, read more about it through my regularly updated articles.

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy offers many benefits to people all over the world. But to make your decision, it's important to understand the pros and cons of online therapy. So here's just an insight into online counselling pros and cons:

Pro: Remote area convenience.

Firstly, online therapy benefits those who live in remote areas. If you yourself live in a remote area, chances are that in-person therapy requires travel time and expense. But with online counselling, the therapist can be with you wherever you are. Instead of travelling long distances to see a therapist in person, you can simply open your laptop and have a quick video chat. For remote areas, online therapy is a godsend and ensures you take less time out of your already busy schedule.Furthermore, its convenience is unmatched when suiting your lifestyle and busy schedule. Adding additional time for travel to a session can make it unattainable for some. But when online, appointments can be much more manageable.

Con: Body language is limited.

On a video call, it can sometimes be harder to decipher your body language, which is vital in my treatments. Not to mention, there could also be a delay in the video call. As a result, this may alter the flow of the conversation due to outdated technology, for example. Not only that, but the quality of a video call is, at times, drastically different to what we see in real life. So, your therapist may recommend an in-person appointment before transitioning online. However, it's not impossible to decipher body language through a video call, especially if you frame the session well.

Pro: Flexibility of appointments.

Additionally to the above, online therapy is flexible. Don't have time to travel? Online therapy immediately fits in with our hectic lives. You could also argue that therapists have some leeway in their schedule too. If there's a cancellation, the practitioner can fill the space with a last-minute booking. Online therapy instantly fits into our daily routine without interruption. As soon as you finish, you have the option to continue with your day as you would or take time out to reflect on what can be a difficult process.

Con: Reliance on technology.

Unfortunately, online therapy may not be the best option if you have a poor internet connection. That's because it heavily relies on your WiFi speed and quality. In addition, a poor internet connection means the video call could struggle to provide a clear display. As expected, your therapist needs to see you in person to hold a deep conversation. And if they can't, this can dampen the success of your sessions. The reliance on technology could be a roadblock for many, especially those who live in rural areas with limited internet access.

Pro: No drop off in effectiveness.

Lastly, online counselling provides the same quality of care, support and guidance as in-person counselling. There is no drop-off in effectiveness. In fact, for some people, online therapy may even be more effective than in-person therapy. For example, if you suffer from social anxiety, you won't need to worry about leaving the house to attend your therapy appointment. Instead, you can do it from the comfort of your own home, which could lead you to build up the courage to overcome your fears and traverse the outside world.Online therapy is a relatively new approach with its fair share of pros and cons. But if you believe this therapy concept could work for you, then enquire today, and we can discuss the ins and outs to ensure it's the right option. As a person-centred counsellor based in Warrington, Cheshire, I have a wealth of experience in helping all my clients find the right solutions for them. So if you would like to learn more about how I work - or if you want to book an online session - please visit my website and let's get you on the road to recovery.