Is Online Therapy Right for Me? Pros, Considerations, and How to Decide
Online therapy has become a common way for people to access counselling, especially since the pandemic, but even now, a few years on, clients ask, “Will it feel the same?” or “Can I really open up properly if it’s not face-to-face?”
It’s a valid question and like most things in therapy, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, it depends on your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of what online therapy offers, what to consider, and how to know if it might be a good fit for you.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
1. Flexibility
Online therapy can slot into your life more easily as you don’t need to factor in travel time, parking, or childcare and for many of my clients who work shifts, have kids, or travel a lot, this makes a huge difference.
2. Comfort
Some people find it easier to open up from their own space, whether you’re on your sofa with a cup of tea or coffee or taking time out somewhere quiet and safe in your lunch break, therapy can feel more relaxed when you’re in familiar surroundings.
3. Accessibility
If you live somewhere rural or have mobility issues, online therapy makes support more reachable as you’re not limited by geography, you can choose the right therapist for you, not just the closest one.
4. Continuity
Life happens. I’ve had clients continue therapy while travelling for work or moving house as with online therapy, you can often keep your sessions going no matter what, it can be a real anchor during transitions..
Things to Think About
1. Privacy at Home
Can you speak freely where you are? If you live with others and don’t feel you have a quiet or private space, that might get in the way as confidentiality is just as important online as it is face-to-face.
2. Technical Stuff
It’s worth checking you’ve got a reliable internet connection and feel comfortable using Zoom (I use Zoom as it is encrypted to make sure your privacy is protected) or other platforms. I always to do a short tech-check call if you’re unsure before we start.
3. Personal Connection
Some people just prefer being in the same room and that’s totally valid, if body language and in-person presence feel important to you, online therapy might not meet that need. But I’ve also worked with clients who were surprised by how connected they felt online, some clients even say it’s easier to be honest when we’re not in the same room.
Is Online Therapy Effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship concerns. What matters most is the relationship you build with your therapist, and that can happen through a screen just as much as across the room.
In my work at Roles We Play Counselling, I use a mix of Transactional Analysis and CBT, both of which work well online.
How to Decide If It’s Right for You
If you’re on the fence, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Do I have a private space where I can talk openly?
Would I find it easier to fit therapy into my routine without travel?
Am I comfortable using video calls, or could I get used to it?
Would I feel less anxious opening up from my own space?
Does flexibility matter to me more than physical presence?
Sometimes, the only way to really know is to try it. Some of my clients started online thinking they’d switch to face-to-face later, and ended up choosing to stay online long-term.
Still Not Sure?
That’s okay. You don’t have to decide everything right away, I offer a free 15-minute intro call where we can talk through what you're looking for, and I can answer any questions you have about working online.
Therapy should feel like a support, not a stress and if online therapy helps remove barriers and makes it easier for you to show up for yourself, it could be worth exploring, so if you're curious about online therapy and want to see whether it could work for you, feel free to get in touch. I offer online sessions across the UK and provide a warm, down-to-earth space to explore whatever’s on your mind.
You can also read more about what to expect from your first session, especially if therapy is new to you.
