In recent years, more people than ever have turned to online therapy. But is it as effective as seeing a therapist in person?
As someone who offers remote counselling, I know there are real benefits, but also a few challenges. This blog post can help you decide what’s right for you.
How Is Online Therapy Different from In-Person Therapy?
At its core, therapy is about building a safe, trusting relationship where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. That doesn’t change whether you’re in the same room or meeting over a screen. For some people, bringing therapy into their own space is ideal. For others, it might not be.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
- Convenience and flexibility: Online sessions can fit more easily into your schedule. There's no need to factor in travel time or take time off work.
- Feeling safe in your own space: Being at home can help you feel more comfortable opening up, especially if you feel anxious about new settings.
- No commute, no parking, no stress: If the practical side of getting to therapy (driving, parking, or dealing with public transport) is a barrier, online therapy removes this.
- Accessibility: If you live in a rural area or have mobility challenges, online counselling can give you access to support that might not otherwise be available.
- More choice: You aren’t limited to the therapists in your area, which can make it easier to find someone who fits your exact needs.
The Challenges of Online Therapy
- Less non-verbal communication: Online sessions, especially by phone, can make it harder to read body language. As a therapist, I pay close attention to tone, pace, and pauses, but I may miss some of the subtler cues.
- Your space might be distracting: You might find it harder to focus if you’re at home, especially if you're sharing space with others or feel self-conscious about being overheard.
- Vulnerability: Some people find that the feeling of anonymity allows them to open up quicker online, especially over telephone. This may leave them feeling vulnerable after a session.
- Lack of separation: When therapy takes place at home, it can sometimes blur the boundary between the session and the rest of your day. Some people find it harder to “leave the session behind.”
- Tech issues: Every now and then, Wi-Fi drops out or a call glitches. It’s usually fixable, but it can interrupt the flow of a session.
Is Online Therapy Actually Effective?
Yes, it can be. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person support for many mental health concerns (such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD).
The key ingredient in therapy is the relationship between client and counsellor. Studies consistently show that what matters most is feeling heard, understood, and safe. If you can build that kind of connection remotely, the format itself doesn't matter all that much.
Final Thoughts
Online therapy offers flexibility and access to people who may otherwise not have it. While it’s not perfect for everyone, it’s a valid, effective option.
If you’re considering it, you might ask yourself:
- What do I need in order to feel safe and present in a session?
- Do I have a quiet, private space to talk?
- Would I prefer seeing someone face-to-face, or does the idea of therapy from home feel right?
I’ve had both in-person and online therapy, and here’s how I would find a private therapist if I was looking for one right now.
I would first think about the qualities I want in a therapist. Maybe I want them to be a similar age to me, or the same gender as me, or a different gender to me. Or maybe I want them to specialise or have experience in a particular area, like LGBTQ+ issues. I’d search for therapists who fit these criteria and consider my preference for online or in-person therapy last.
There are many ways to find the right therapist for you. If you’d like to read more about this, I have a blog post on the topic here.
If you want to learn more about me, or you’re wondering if I’d be the right therapist for you, take a look at my home page.