The benefits of online counselling

Most of us came to online anything as a result of the pandemic. While COVID-19 was traumatic in so many ways one positive is that counselling online became normalized for a lot of people. As a result, counselling online has become an outlet for people everywhere that are suffering from mental health issues.

But counselling has other benefits as well. If you live in a small town and want to keep your sessions private and discreet, it’s nice to know that you never have to cross paths with the person that you’ve poured your heart out to at the grocery store.

Part of the ethics of being a counsellor is that we will never tell your secrets but for you, it can still sometimes feel uncomfortable to be at a party or a group ride with the person who knows the less savoury parts of your love life. Privacy and complete discretion are assured.

Virtual counselling is a great choice for those living in remote areas. If access to mental health treatment is limited due to availability, online counselling is a phenomenal solution. If you have to drive long distances and spend time just getting to your appointments, counselling sessions can be burdensome. With reliable internet access, online counselling allows for fast and easy access to treatments that were perhaps previously unavailable.

Another benefit for all of us is the smaller cost, less travel time and convenience. Leading the busy lives that we all lead, on top of the price of fuel, babysitting, parking, not to mention traffic, means a whole lot less stress when our counsellor lets us in from their virtual waiting room.

You also get the opportunity to have your session done in the atmosphere that feels the most relaxing and beneficial to you. You can wear comfy clothes, light candles, use aromatherapy oils to elicit a peaceful environment or maybe have your furry friend next to you for a serotonin boost if things get tough.

As a counsellor, I personally love to do online sessions. I get to meet pets, children, and occasionally partners. I see the inside of your homes, your artwork, and your photos, and get to see your favourite chair, cozy clothes or business attire as you fit in your session in between meetings at work. Using the secured Zoom platform, I lose nothing, I catch when you’re quiet because you’re connecting things in your mind or when you’re having an emotional moment. One study by E-Mental Health in Canada noted that Internet-based delivery of mental health services is as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment by clinical professionals.

So if you’re going through a difficult time, help is so close by and can come right to your home. I hope to see you soon