The Benefits of Online Counselling in BC: Accessibility and Effectiveness of Virtual Therapy.
Image of a laptop open and the screen turned on for online counselling. To the right is a mug and in front of the laptop is an open notebook and pen.
When I first started therapy, it wasn’t in the comfort of a therapist’s cozy couch, tissues nearby, and fidgets in hand. Therapy for me began with over the phone counselling at the counter of my parent's kitchen (when no one was home).
Feelings were too much.
Terrified of being seen.
I was too much.
But I needed help.
As a therapist, I am passionate about offering online, or virtual, counselling options. Here is what I wish more people knew about online therapy, how it helps, and why it might be a good fit for you too.
Flexibility, Accessibility, and Preferences in Online Counselling
There are many reasons why one might choose online therapy. Many of my clients choose online to avoid traffic or the energy it takes to come to sessions. For others, it's due to living in more remote parts of BC wanting to discuss stigmatized topics like religious trauma or disordered eating.
However, there are many other reasons why you might choose online therapy.
You might decide to choose online therapy if you:
Want to avoid commuting, parking, or navigating tight schedules
Have accessibility concerns
Want mental health supports while living in a rural community
Are immuno-compromised, are sick, or who have loved ones who are too
Prefer to have sessions from the comfort of your home
Are a home body (plus you can cozy up in bed with blankets or pets!)
Find in-person too intimidating
For whatever reason, there are many reasons why people choose to do therapy online.
The Effectiveness of Online Therapy
It is a common misconception that virtual therapy is not as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic the use of online therapies has skyrocketed. Because of this, we now have more information on the efficacy of online therapies.
What we know about online therapy is that can be as effective as face-to-face therapy. In particular, these studies have shown positive outcomes for mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
As a relational and experiential therapist, a sense of me being “with you" is crucial, in-person or virtual. Due to the absence of a face-to-face experience, the online therapeutic relationship is crucial. Finding a therapist who is comfortable working online is SO important. If you get the sense that your therapist is "there" with you and can pick up on the things that are hard or easy in session, you might have a good fit!
Finding Online Counselling Options Within BC
If you are wanting to try out online therapy there are a few options or ways to find a therapist who might be a good fit for you. I recommend Psychology Today, Counselling BC, or the BCACC directory to look for therapists who offer online counselling. Often you can filter out for online therapists alongside any issues you wish to explore in therapy (i.e. trauma, disordered eating, anxiety, etc.).
When you are looking for your online therapist, fit with your therapist matters. Consider the same things as you might with a face-to-face counsellor. It might take a few sessions to know for yourself but here are some questions to consider.
Did the session have a certain sense of ease? (alongside all the potential uncomfy feels)
Did you feel like your therapist could see, hear, and understand you?
Did you not feel shamed or judged for your struggles?
If you had any questions or issues to clarify, did you get the sense that they were open to questions and feedback?
These are just some questions to reflect on which is especially true within an online setting. I trust your ability to sense and know if or when someone is a good fit!
There are many benefits and reasons for choosing online counselling, whether it’s access to care, convenience, or preference. There are lots of online counselling options available! Learn more about 15-minute consults for online therapy with me or book with me if you’re curious about online counselling!
