The Benefits of Remote Therapy & Online Counselling

Even before the COVID-19 global pandemic began, many counsellors had already started to practice online counselling and remote therapy.

This involves the use of online platforms like FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom to provide therapy from afar.

With the pandemic, however, remote therapy has become more useful than ever before. However, some people seem to believe that remote therapy isn’t as good as doing it face-to-face. This isn’t the case, however — if done properly, remote therapy is just as effective.

You can consult a therapist online through remote counselling, whether you are located in or near Ottawa – where most of our counsellors are based – or anywhere across Ontario and elsewhere in Canada.

In What Ways Is Remote Therapy Useful?

What remote therapy (aka “teletherapy”) does is change the medium through which you communicate with your therapist.

In most cases, a video or messenger application becomes an intermediate. This means that anything traditional face-to-face counselling sessions can be used on – remote therapy can also do.

Among these are the following:

Couples counselling

Couples counselling helps address any problems and issues that you may have in your relationship with your partner.

An online environment is still conducive to proper communication or airing grievances, unlike what many believe. This is especially important nowadays since there was a spike in divorce and separation incidences during the pandemic.

If you want your relationship to work, then couples counselling is an excellent course of action.

Divorce cases have increased due to the pandemic.

Couple’s therapy was thought by some to be a no-go – but thanks to online counselling and remote therapy, it is very much feasible.

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, etc.

Mental health conditions should not be taken lightly since they affect all aspects of a person’s life.

Most mental health conditions – e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addiction, etc. – have various forms of therapy that can help. Online counselling makes this more accessible during the pandemic.

Since many conditions can become aggravated by the lockdown, prioritizing mental health is more important now than ever.

Remote counselling and online therapy are an excellent avenue for the journey to recovery.

Work and employment counselling

Work and employment counselling involves career management, workplace therapy, and work-life balance concerns.

Changes in one’s employment status have been a great concern for many people in the past few months.

Others have had trouble adjusting to working remotely.

Work and employment counselling can be a great help for people and companies finding themselves in these situations.

Is Online Therapy Just as Effective?

There is a common misconception that remote therapy isn’t as efficient as seeing a counsellor face-to-face.

While a face-to-face session is certainly more personal, online sessions are just as effective.

Remember that the most critical factors in therapy are your thoughts and words. As long as these are properly conveyed to your therapist, and they reciprocate, there will be progress.

Do not let your doubt of the effectiveness of remote therapy get in the way of this progress. Act and speak as you would in face-to-face therapy, and trust the process.

The Benefits of Remote Therapy

Aside from being just as effective as face-to-face sessions, remote therapy offers many other benefits. Some of these include the following:

1.      Convenience

Remote therapy is much more convenient than face-to-face sessions.

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home or worry about the commute.

Waiting outside or in a lobby for your therapist also won’t be a problem anymore.

2.      Safety

This is possibly the most significant benefit you can get from remote counselling.

You’re getting professional help within the safety of your own home, away from the pandemic and other threats.

You don’t have to expose yourself to the outside world if you choose to get professional help remotely.

3.      Flexibility and Ease

It’s much easier to schedule therapy sessions, both on your and your therapist’s part.

All you need to do is contact your therapist’s office, find free times, and go online. It’s that easy.

4.      Anonymity and Privacy

While it’s true that seeking therapy is NOT something to be ashamed about, some still want to keep it private.

Going for online therapy means that you’re well away from the prying eyes of other people. Also, anonymity is easier for online transactions, so there’s also this to consider if you want privacy.

5.      Wider Range of Reach

Counsellors cater to specific areas — it will be inconvenient to get therapy from faraway clinics, after all.

This problem is bypassed in remote therapy.

You’re free to choose any counsellor that you wish, regardless of location, as long as they’re available. This means you can get the best help no matter where you are or where they are.

6.      Good for Remote Locations

Not everyone has access to good mental health resources and services, especially those in remote areas.

With remote therapy, anyone with an Internet connection can now get professional help wherever they may be.

Disadvantages of Remote Therapy

Remote therapy, as great as the benefits are, is not without its disadvantages.

Consider these factors before you decide:

1.      Environment

The environment of your home may not always be conducive to online counselling.

Of course, this can be remedied by creating a setup where you feel comfortable talking to your counsellor.

2.      Need for devices & internet connection

You can’t do remote counselling properly if you don’t have compatible devices or a stable Internet connection.

Luckily, nearly every modern smart device can be used for this purpose.

3.      Communication issues

With remote counselling, you are limited to exchanging words on a digital platform, usually through video.

This means that communication may be a bit limited. For example, some consider it an added challenge read someone’s subtle changes in expression or body language via video. This has not, however, been the experience of our counsellors and therapists here at Capital Choice Counselling.

4.      Privacy for those who don’t live alone

It is understandable for you to want to keep your thoughts and words during a therapy session private.

However, this may not be possible if you do not live alone. If you don’t have a private room to do your therapy sessions from, talk to us about alternatives.

All sessions with counsellors at Capital Choice are fully confidential, and we hold privacy and security in the highest regard.

See a Therapist from the Comfort of Your Own Home

Don’t let the online medium make you think that remote therapy isn’t effective. It can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, with added benefits. Try it out, act like how you normally would, and see the improvement.

Those in Ottawa and the surrounding areas will find Capital Choice to be an excellent choice for therapy.

Start the process by clicking on ‘Our Counsellors by Expertise.’ Then, once you’ve found a counsellor that suits your needs, get in touch with them directly.

We’re always here to help at Capital Choice Counselling. It is our ongoing commitment to make counselling and therapy available to the public.