You might have seen the term “online counselling” or “remote therapy” and felt unsure. Can it really work if you’re not in the same room? What if you can’t get privacy at home? Isn’t it all a bit awkward?
What is online counselling?
Online (or remote) counselling simply means your sessions happen via video or phone, rather than face-to-face in a therapy room.
With me, that usually means we meet on Zoom. You choose whether your camera is on or off. Some clients prefer phone calls and that’s absolutely fine too. You still get a real, human, one-to-one conversation - just from a place that works for you.
Does it actually work?
Yes, recent research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as actually sitting in a room with someone. All the same principles apply:
A safe, confidential space to explore what’s going on for you
A chance to slow down, reflect, and find a way forward
A therapeutic relationship based on trust, curiosity, and care
For some people, it's not the right thing to do though, for example for those in psychosis or just purely through preference and that's why it's always best to have an initial introductory chat with your chosen therapist.
The benefits of online counselling
It fits into your life. No commute. No rearranging your day. You can book a session during a lunch break, a quiet hour at home, or after the kids are in bed.
You’re in your own space. Some people find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment - your sofa, a quiet room, or even your parked car.
Location doesn’t matter. You can work with a counsellor you feel comfortable with, even if they don’t live nearby.
No bumping into someone you know before or after, you can just carry on with your day.
During my training, our own personal counselling was mandatory (of course you'd want a counsellor that had worked on their own stuff right?!) and I did a block of sessions online. I did find the first few moments a bit weird - like I was on a work call - but my therapist soon helped me to relax into it and I almost forgot we weren't in the same room.
I sat in a chair overlooking some trees and afterwards I'd just sit and look out the window, letting whatever the session had brought up just mull over for a while, before getting back to my day. I found it just as helpful as meeting up face-to-face, and so very, very convenient!
What about privacy and connection?
This is often the biggest worry. Will it feel real? Can you really open up if you’re not in a therapy room? The answer is: you might be surprised. Connection doesn’t rely on four walls. What matters is being listened to properly, without judgement. That can happen on a screen or on a call just as powerfully as in person.
One of the things you'll do in your first session with your counsellor is talk about privacy and they'll work hard to help you feel at ease. You might need to find your space away from the communal parts of the home - a shed, a garage, a garden.
Checklist: Setting up for remote counselling
Here are some things to think about to make the most of your sessions:
Find a private space: somewhere no one can overhear you and you feel happy to talk openly. This is your time, make sure everyone in your household respects this.
Pick a spot that’s slightly different from everyday, so a different chair or corner than where you usually work, to create yourself your own 'therapeutic space'.
Make it physically comfortable for yourself: Warm enough? Quiet? Cushions? Water?– A tissue nearby (just in case). And, turn off distractions - ringtones and email pings - this is your space and time.
Give yourself a buffer either side: 10 minutes before to settle, not rush in and 10-15 minutes after to breathe and reflect is always a good idea. Avoid diving straight back into emails or childcare if you can.
Have a back-up plan for tech: Is your device charged? Got headphones if needed If the video freezes, have a plan with your counsellor to switch to phone.
Distractions will probably happen - the cat that needs letting out, the delivery that arrives...these are all things to talk about with your therapist, so you know what to do when it happens.
Want to give it a try?
If you're someone who finds it hard to carve out time for yourself, or if you've been putting therapy off because of logistics, remote counselling might be what makes it finally doable.
If you’re curious but unsure, I offer a free 20-minute introductory call. It’s a chance to ask questions and get a feel for how it could work for you, no pressure, no obligation.
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