People are increasingly turning to online counselling services.
I recently made a big move, I handed in the keys to my office and shifted to an online-only service for my counselling clients.
While I know and acknowledge that online counselling can be difficult for some, for me it was challenging to justify the financial implications of having a physical space on a commercial property.
It was also difficult to work around client needs.
What I mean is that typically counsellors like myself might not work a standard day and see many clients, like say a Doctor would.
Because our sessions are typically an hour, we might only see a couple of clients during the day, then finish with sessions late afternoon or early evening to accommodate our client’s own work and personal commitments.
So that meant that some days, when I still had the office, I was travelling to and from the location two or three times each day.
People are now more adapted to online therapy.
Yes, Covid certainly changed the landscape in this regard. It was during those dark days that we all became more familiar with Zoom and other online communication options.
For about 12 months I worked with clients online and some of those clients continued to use the online form of delivering a counselling session after the period concluded.
For them, the option of not having to travel across town, find parking, get home in time to pick up kids from school, etc made the virtual sessions a more attractive option.
Naturally, with significantly reduced overheads, online counselling also helps keep therapy more financially accessible to more people (I haven’t raised my rates in three years), and opens up opportunities to assist people in regional and remote areas as well.
Does it work as well as face-to-face therapy?
According to Psychology Today, several studies show that there are no significant differences in outcomes between online and in-person therapy.
While Very Well Mind also found lots of positives in receiving therapy services online.
Will the online trend continue?
Market research group Technavio has predicted the global online therapy services market will grow significantly between 2025 and 2029.
They predict that revenues from the online model will grow by more than 50% as the market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing telehealth adoption and mental health awareness.
“Traditional in-person therapy is being supplemented by cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, person-centered therapy, and other evidence-based therapies delivered via platforms such as telehealth counselling.” – Technavio
Why not give it a go?
If you are a little reticent to try online therapy, remember that while we may not be in the same room, I will be just as tuned in and focused on you and your needs as I would be in a face-to-face setting.
Your confidentiality is just as assured, and you will also receive the same care and the same therapy approach that would be delivered if we weren’t in an online setting.
