It‘s never been easier to connect with a counsellor online! Clients reach out to us during all sorts of times of uncertainty, change, or just tough life events. Adversity and stress can really challenge our coping, strain our relationships, and may take a toll on our mental health.
Many mental health professionals had major hesitations about online counselling (especially at the beginning of the pandemic shutdown) – there is a belief that there is something irreplaceable about being in the same physical space as a client. That said, we have had many clients who now actually prefer video or phone counselling! Both can be such great options. Read on if you are considering these possibilities, or trying to weigh the pros and cons. Here are a few benefits to online counselling options.
Online counselling is unbelievably convenient
Going to see your therapist is unlike most other appointments you have, in that you really don’t need to be there in person (sorry but it can’t say that for the dentist, RMT, physio, hair, chiropractor, etc.) We, as counsellors, are fortunate in that we can provide services without you having to leave your home. This helps therapists reach more clients who are struggling and looking for support.
Counselling from the comfort of your home
With online counselling, no commute is required, no trying to squeeze an appointment in over your lunch break without the boss noticing you left early, no trying to find parking or even paying for gas or transit. If you are working from home, you can seamlessly weave a session into your day as needed. This can be a welcome change from the stress of getting to appointments, and provide you with options that fit with your schedule.
New clients get used to online counselling quickly
For some people who are used to traditional therapy, they may have hesitations – we get that. But we have found that after figuring out the technical stuff (which is actually very straightforward with our online software JANE), within a few minutes you will forget that there is even a screen between you and your counsellor.
Camera shy? Telephone counselling moves you toward your goals – quickly
And for those of you who are still feeling camera shy after reading this, telephone counselling can also be really effective. There is actually evidence suggesting that people delve into their issues soon and work towards a resolution much more effectively than in-person. Imagine having a safe space to discuss your most personal issues, a supportive voice on the end of the phone… but without feeling like they are staring back at you are analyzing your body language (not that we do that)! We are always amazed at how effective this modality can be, and it seems as though people are more willing to open up and cut to the chase on the phone.
Connect with a counsellor
If you are ready to dive deeper and focus on improving your coping, or just looking to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, you may benefit from working through this with one of our counsellors. To book either an in-person or online counselling session, click here.
If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, we’ll be happy to match you with a counsellor who can help.
