As our digital world continues to expand, so does the number of people utilizing technological platforms for various services, including mental health support.
The pandemic played a pivotal role in this trend by prompting many mental health professionals to transition their practices to virtual methods of delivery through text, video, or phone calls.
With this shift to online counselling, you may understandably have questions and hesitations. You may wonder if virtual therapy is effective or what it has to offer compared to traditional in-person sessions.
The good news is that whether therapy happens online or in person, a trained mental health professional is equipped to support you in setting goals, developing coping strategies, and navigating your challenges.
In this guide, we’ll explore what online counselling entails, examining its benefits and drawbacks and its overall effectiveness. Read on to discover more and determine if online therapy might be right for you.
What is Virtual Therapy?
Before diving into the specifics of virtual therapy, you’ll first need to understand what therapy itself is.
Therapy is the process in which an individual seeking mental health support regularly meets with a trained mental health professional to work on shared therapeutic goals.
This therapeutic process fosters a therapeutic alliance, which is a professional relationship aimed at addressing the personal, social, or psychological goals faced by the client.
During therapy, the mental health professional utilizes various therapeutic techniques to help you identify your strengths, enabling you to leverage them as you work toward your goals. The process also focuses on addressing challenges and identifying effective coping mechanisms.
Online therapy, also known as virtual therapy or teletherapy, involves receiving this therapeutic support through online platforms, such as phone, text, or video calls.
Unlike traditional counselling, where you must travel to the physical office, online therapy meets you where you are. It allows you to connect from the comfort of your own space, whether it's in your living room or office space, as long as you have internet access.
How Does the Cost of Online Therapy Compare to In-Person?
The cost of online therapy itself typically aligns with that of in-person sessions, as you receive the same type of support for a similar duration.
However, there are several key advantages that online therapy may offer, including:
Lowers Costs: Sometimes online therapy may be cheaper, as online sessions may provide options for shorter session times or monthly packages, potentially reducing overall expenses.
Elimination of Travel Costs: Commuting to in-person sessions can incur costs related to transit or gas. Virtual therapy eliminates this burden, allowing you to save on transportation expenses.
How Often Should I Attend Online Therapy?
The frequency of online therapy sessions varies from person to person. The therapist will take into account your goals and needs.
Generally, during the initial phase of therapy, clients may attend once a week or biweekly. This frequency helps establish a strong therapeutic alliance and ensures consistent support as you work toward your goals.
As therapy progresses, you can choose to continue at the same pace or taper off the sessions in collaboration with your therapist, ensuring that adjustments are made as needed.
What Are the Benefits of Online Therapy?
Choosing between virtual or in-person counselling is often a matter of personal comfort.
Here are some key advantages of online therapy that may enhance your therapeutic experience:
Flexibility: Online counselling allows you to schedule sessions at convenient times, accommodating your busy lifestyle. In contrast, this flexibility can be challenging with in-person sessions due to commuting constraints.
Accessibility: In-person therapy may not be accessible due to various factors such as a lack of wheelchair accessibility, location, and physical limitations. Virtual therapy alleviates these issues by enabling you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home, without the need to travel.
Increased Comfort: Many individuals may feel more at ease discussing your challenges from your own home. You can even bring your dog into the therapy sessions if that calms your nerves. This familiarity can foster open and honest conversations with your therapist, leading to greater therapeutic benefits.
Wider Selection of Therapists: In-person sessions are typically restricted to therapists within your geographical region or a reasonable commuting distance. This creates a limit to the number of professionals you can see. Online therapy broadens your options by allowing you to connect with professionals outside your immediate geographical area. This increase in choices can lead to finding a therapist whose expertise aligns better with your needs.
Variety of Formats: In-person therapy usually involves conversations that occur verbally. Virtual therapy, on the other hand, includes diverse communication methods such as video calls, phone sessions, text-based therapy, or email support. This array of options allows you to select a format that best suits your comfort level and access needs.
Affordability: Some mental health professionals offer lower-cost options for virtual sessions by avoiding office-related expenses, combined with savings from not having to commute.
Privacy: When commuting to in-person services, you may be worried about who will see you go into a therapy office. Online therapy provides a level of confidentiality. You can participate from your home, reducing worries about being seen entering a therapy session, especially for those with social anxiety.
Overall, virtual therapy represents a flexible, accessible, and effective alternative to traditional in-person sessions.
Can I do Online Therapy on a Phone or Tablet?
Yes! As mentioned above, online therapy can be conducted using a variety of devices, including phones and tablets.
As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can use whichever device you find most comfortable.
Is My Privacy Protected, and Will Everything Be Confidential in Online Therapy?
Blue Sky Learning prioritizes the privacy and security of information. Mental health professionals are obligated to use platforms compliant with PHIPA, PIPEDA, and other laws that govern the confidentiality of medical records in their region.
All communications between you and your mental health provider are secured with end-to-end encryption, ensuring the information remains secure, just as it would in an in-person session.
Confidentiality is upheld to the same standards as traditional therapy, with exceptions a few exceptions in situations where there is imminent danger to yourself or others, a child is being abused, sexual abuse by a healthcare provider, or the healthcare provider is subpoenaed by the courts.
What Are the Downfalls of Virtual Therapy?
While online therapy has several benefits, it also comes with challenges, including:
Limited Body Language Cues: In-person settings allow therapists to observe mannerisms and body language, which can provide valuable insights. This nuance can be harder to gauge in a virtual context, especially for clients who struggle with verbal expression.
Internet Connection Issues: Technical problems can disrupt sessions, necessitating a backup plan, such as switching to phone or text formats.
Noise Disruptions: Connecting for therapy in a shared space may lead to distractions. Consider installing noise-cancelling products or designating a quiet space for your sessions.
Technological Difficulties: While online therapy doesn't demand a high level of tech proficiency, it does require you to be comfortable using devices. If complications arise, phone sessions can serve as a simpler alternative.
Are Online Therapy Sessions Covered by Insurance?
Yes, online sessions may be covered by insurance, but this will depend on your specific insurance plan. Confirm with your insurance provider which professionals are covered, as options may vary.
Some plans cover registered therapists, registered social workers, or psychologists, while others only cover select categories. Additionally, ensure that your chosen therapist is willing to accept your insurance.
How Should I Prepare for an Online Therapy Session?
Preparing for an online therapy session mirrors preparation for any therapy format. It's advisable to:
Formulate questions to discuss with your therapist.
Ensure a reliable internet connection and phone access.
Create a comfortable, private space for your session.
Follow specific instructions provided by your therapist on joining the virtual sessions.
What Types of Therapy Can Be Done Online?
Numerous therapy modalities can be effectively conducted online. Here are some applicable types of therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An approach that takes into account that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. It is a structured approach where a client is encouraged to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Used to support you in managing your behaviours by using techniques that work to manage your emotions and improve your mindfulness skills and interpersonal relationships.
Psychodynamic Therapy: A client explores how past experiences and unconscious processes shape their current behaviours.
Coaching and Life Skills Training: Online sessions offer the flexibility to conduct coaching sessions where you can work on developing life skills.
Moreover, online therapy might also include various approaches such as:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Mindfulness-Based Counselling
Somatic Counselling
Narrative Therapy
Art Therapy
Marital Counselling
Person-Centered Therapy
Strength-Based Therapy
And more...
Overall, online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, offering a variety of techniques to suit individual needs.
What Can Online Therapy Help With?
Blue Sky Learning supports clients facing a range of challenges, including:
Anger management
Anxiety
Mood disorders
Chronic pain
Trauma and PTSD/CPTSD
Relationship issues
Pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum
Grief
Personality disorders
Dissociative disorders
Schizophrenia
Impulse control disorder
Life transitions
Peer relationships
Self-esteem
Stress
And many more...
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
There has been a significant increase in individuals seeking mental health services in the past decade.
Many wrongfully once assumed that online therapy was less effective than in-person sessions. However, this perception shifted during the pandemic when therapists had no choice but to see people virtually, whether they preferred this or not.
Research indicates that online therapy, particularly in forms like CBT, can be just as effective, and in some cases even more effective, than traditional therapy.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online therapy in the format of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective and acceptable form of healthcare.
Moreover, a 2017 study for veterans suffering from PTSD showed that being able to access therapy from the comfort of your own home increased the uptake of the therapy sessions rated as beneficial.
What Options Are Available if Online 1:1 Therapy Isn’t for Me?
If online therapy isn’t for you, Blue Sky Learning offers alternative options, including hosting in-person events in partnership with Hard Feelings Toronto.
Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Determining whether online therapy is suitable involves reflecting on your personal preferences, circumstances, and needs. Consider these questions:
Am I comfortable discussing personal issues in a virtual setting?
Do I feel comfortable navigating virtual technology?
Do I need flexible scheduling options?
Is there a private space available for my sessions?
If you are unsure, I’d encourage you to book a free consultation to assess your comfort level with online interactions. This consultation will also provide an opportunity to learn more about your therapist and gain answers to your questions about online therapy.
How Do I Book an Online Therapy Session?
Blue Sky Learning provides free 20-minute consultations to help you determine your compatibility with a therapist.
If you are a neurodivergent individual seeking a neurodivergent-affirming therapist, reach out by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca, calling 1-437-291-8807, or going through the link below.
Appointments are scheduled online through the Jane App, upon which your therapist will send you further instructions to prepare for your initial consultation.
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