Benefits of Online Counselling

Counselling using the power of the internet has never been more relevant than during the Coronavirus pandemic. Using the internet to conduct our interactions and livelihoods has been on the increase for years, but in recent times it has forced many to reconsider how they integrate technology into the everyday. Accessing psychological services remains a viable option for those seeking treatment for mental health challenges during these times.

Below are some benefits for those of you considering it or just wishing to learn a bit more about it. Keep in mind that online counselling can include things like email counselling, WhatsApp or sms/text counselling, however, the below information more specifically relates to using video chat technology associated with platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or Google Hangout.

#1

Online Counselling For Convenience and Affordability

Our streets are getting more congested, the price of petrol keeps creeping up, and people are working longer and longer hours during the workweek. These are just a few factors that mean many people favour the idea of being able to take out their laptop, possibly from the comfort and familiarity of their office, bedroom, or home study, and can receive counselling from a qualified therapist. Saving on travel time and travel expense, and not having to deal with stresses of gridlocked roads are clearly great incentives to consider online counselling.

#2

Online Counselling for Remote Areas

There may be many reasons why you cannot physically consult with the psychologist you are in therapy with. You may be out of town on a work project, you might have relocated to another city or even country; your car might have broken down, or maybe the psychologist that resonated with you the most during your Google search just isn’t close enough to you, but you want to enter therapy with that person nevertheless. The internet has made it possible for you to see just about anybody out there whose services you feel are the right fit for you.

#3

Online Counselling for EFFECTIVENESS

Possibly the reason that makes the whole concept of online counselling worth exploring in the first place, it works! Research into the efficacy of online therapy has shown fairly consistently, that it produces improvements in people’s mental wellbeing with similar success rates to that of in-person therapy.

#4

Online Counselling For Privacy

Client confidentiality has always been the bedrock of effective and ethical practice in the field of Psychology, and that should remain the case when working online with a psychologist. For some, online counselling offers an added feeling of anonymity, as some may prefer to not have to see other people at the therapist’s offices or waiting rooms.

Things you should think about

A good therapist utilising online counselling should ensure that they are conducting the session in a space that provides as much privacy and security as it would with in-person therapy. However, you as the client should consider the space you will be sitting in during the session. Because there are now two locations being utilised for online consultations (the psychologist’s office and yours), you are responsible for ensuring the space you will be sitting in is suitable for psychotherapy.

Things to consider are:

1. Choose a location that is quiet, offers privacy, and is free from distractions.

2. Ensure that it also offers you a private (Starbucks is out!) and reliable internet connection.

3. Set aside the consultation time as an appointment in your diary the same way you would if you were consulting face-to-face.

4. Where possible use a headset with microphone (instead of audio playing on the speakers of your device), it just offers another layer of confidentiality and privacy.

5. Where possible, use a laptop or desktop computer (instead of a smartphone). Ensure also that your computers camera is working properly.

Also, remember that working online may not be the right fit for everyone. If you feel that online counselling is not meeting your needs, feel free to express this, and rather proceed with in-person sessions. For those individuals experiencing more severe challenges, online services may not be appropriate. If you are unsure what is right for you, speak to your prospective therapist for guidance on the best way forward regarding your treatment.

I’m a Clinical Psychologist situated in Randburg, in close proximity to the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, such as Rosebank and Sandton.

I work with individuals, couples, families, and small groups to address current challenges with a solution-focused approach. These challenges may include some more common complaints such as depression, and anxiety, or those trying to come to terms with trauma or bereavement.