Benefits of online and video therapy:
1. Travel time / scheduling.
I’ve found that remote sessions offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling, both during and outside of traditional business hours.
By eliminating the travel time to my office, you are able to fit Counselling into your busy schedule. Coming home from work and sitting in front of the computer is easier than rushing home getting changed and driving to a session.
2. Not having to hire a babysitter / childcare for Couples with Children.
Sometimes young children can stay in a separate room and watch a show or play by themselves during a session. This reduces the cost of a babysitter as well as the logistics involved in finding childcare. Very young children can sometimes be in the same room as the session and can be attended to as necessary. I don’t mind if babies sit with parents during the session, but sometimes young children can disrupt the session, not allowing you to get the most from the session and focus your attention on the work we are doing. As well, sometimes topics and emotions that come up in the session may not be appropriate for young children to hear and see.
3. Accessibility.
Online counselling is easily accessible to all those who wish to use it. Online therapy overcomes barriers that may preclude others from seeking therapy. For example, individuals residing in rural or remote areas where there are no counselling services can benefit from the accessibility of online counselling. Those that are physically disabled or unable to leave their home can also easily access such services with little inconvenience. Those that have visual and hearing impairments can also benefit from such services.
Online counselling has also shown to be effective in encouraging children and teenagers to receive therapy, as they seem to be more comfortable with using the Internet. Anyone who has access to the internet can make use of such services at their convenience. Even if therapists are not available at all times, emailing for instance may give the client the perception that they are interacting with their therapist at the time of writing the email and sending it.
4. You can attend counselling when you’re travelling or working.
For some clients, the ability to see therapists remotely can make or break the ability to continue therapy. Knowing you could have a session remotely during work travels or during work time can give you peace of mind, and allow you to continue seeing me if you are an out of town worker or have very busy long workdays.
5. Last-minute appointments are more possible.
Sometimes I will be able to fit you in relatively last minute, this means you are more likely to reach out about a semi-urgent issue that has come up, rather than waiting a few weeks for your next session. That’s a great feeling, and encourages you to take care of yourself and grow!