3 Benefits To Online Counseling

I’ve been a therapist for over 15 years and for most of those years, my work with clients was primarily done in person in a counseling office. When the options for telehealth came along, I myself wasn’t sure what I would think about doing virtual counseling sessions, but I’ve really come to love it. I found that the face-to-face part of being with people that I love, I still get to enjoy because of modern technology. 

I quickly learned the only real difference in doing counseling virtually versus in person is location. Yes, just location – and because of that difference in location, there are some real benefits to doing counseling virtually.

1. Convenience 

You can attend your session from the location of your choice based on where you need to be that day. As long as you have a device like a smartphone or a laptop with a strong internet connection and a quiet place with privacy, you can attend your session!  You also eliminate all the travel time and traffic considerations that can make scheduling tough. With virtual, you can block out the time on your calendar for your actual session, without needing to block out all the extra time to get to and from your appointment.

2. Consistency 

Because of the convenience, virtual sessions also create consistency. Studies show that when clients are more consistent in coming to therapy, they get better results. Consistency helps create the momentum that leads to lasting change. With the option for virtual sessions, work or personal travel doesn’t have to force you to take a break with your therapy. Neither does a little head cold. If you’re a little under the weather and don’t want to spread germs, but don’t really want to miss your appointment either, virtual sessions keep you on track. 

3. Comfort

And finally, virtual sessions bring comfort. You get to do your therapy sessions in a place of your choosing, your safe space that is already familiar. Maybe that’s your favorite comfy chair or couch. Maybe that’s in your office. I’ve even had clients do their sessions in their car at the park. Pick a place that you can relax and be free of distractions.

These “3 C’s” – convenience, consistency, and comfort – are huge benefits to doing counseling virtually.  If you haven’t tried it before, I encourage you to give it a shot, whether it be for one of your sessions or all of them! You may find that you like it just as much, if not even better.

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