Is Virtual Counselling for Me?

Virtual counselling has rapidly become a preferred option for many people seeking mental health support. Virtual counselling involves engaging in counselling sessions using technology such as video meet, telephone, email, and live chat. Some other common names for Virtual Counselling include Telemental Health, Online Counselling, and Telepsychology. Several studies have found this type of counselling to be effective and sometimes more than in-person counselling.* 

Although virtual counselling works well for many people, whether or not it is a fit for you involves some considerations. If you are questioning whether or not it would work for you, it can be helpful to consider the pros and cons and how they fit with your situation. Preparation before sessions can also help with the overall experience.

Considerations 

Whether virtual counselling is a fit for you is not an easy answer. There is no one size fits all type of service delivery as everyone is unique and has individual needs. Your mental health requires special care and your questions about what will benefit your mental health are positive steps!

Upsides of Virtual Counselling

-Saves time, energy, and money. There is no stress involved with transportation or taking additional time off work or anywhere else.

-Comfortable. For many people their home environment will be the most comfortable place for them to spend time. Counselling at home may result in less anxiety, which can lead to more openness about some topics or developing new skills. 

-Confidential. There is no waiting room where you may see other people. Virtual counselling also provides options that do not require you to turn on your camera. 

-Intimate. Your therapist is able to work with you in your home environment, which can allow them to learn more about who you are and what is important to you.

Downsides of Virtual Counselling

-Technology issues. There is always a chance that you will run into issues with technology and this can disrupt your counselling session. 

-Computer and internet safety. Precautions need to be taken to store private information on your computer and when communicating virtually. 

-Crisis support. If there is a crisis it may be difficult for the therapist to support or to observe the situation. 

-Not as intimate for some people. The sessions are not in-person and this can interfere with what the client may need depending on their situation. If you decide you want to engage in a different form of counselling either than virtual, your therapist will support you. 

Preparation for a Virtual Counselling Session

If you decide to engage in a virtual counselling session, some preparation before your scheduled time can be helpful. Below are some tips that can help with preparation. 

-Headphones. Headphones may help you focus on the session to block out distracting sounds and to hear everything clearly. 

-Test your equipment. You want to make sure that features such as your microphone and camera are working.

-Secure your home network. This can substantially help lower the risk of confidentiality breeches to your information. 

-Communicate. If you live with others, it may be helpful to let them know how long you will be unavailable for and that you need this time to yourself. Let your therapist know if you need to make any adjustments during the session. The therapist wants to make your session as comfortable and beneficial as possible.

-Prepare what you need for notes.  For many people find that taking notes is helpful and important. Notes can help organize thoughts, save ideas for later, track progress, note what you want to bring up during sessions, and note tasks to complete in between sessions.

-Prepare what you need for comfort purposes. The following are just a few examples out of many things that someone may want to have with them during a counselling session: pillows, blankets, something to drink, a fidget(s), doodling or coloring material, gum or mints, and a pet companion(s).

Professional Support

Perhaps after reviewing the considerations in this post and doing some further research, some questions will remain for you. Psychotherapists offering virtual services can help you weigh the upsides and downsides of this form of counselling with you. Please Contact us with your questions or Book Now to reserve a free 15 minute consultation or to book a Counselling Session. We offer virtual counselling through video, phone, and messenger options.

*Poletti, B., Tagini, S., Brugnera, A., Parolin, L., Pievani, L., Ferrucci, R., Compare, A., & Silani, V. (2021). Telepsychotherapy: A leaflet for psychotherapists in the age of COVID-19. A review of the evidence. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 34(3-4), 352-367.