There is growing evidence that online therapy is a useful and cost-effective way of providing psychological support. A recent Lancet study of online cognitive behaviour therapy found that it more than doubled the chances of recovery. Therapist-delivered internet psychotherapy for depression in primary care: a randomised controlled controlled trial’.
What is online counselling?
Sometimes called e-counseling or e-therapy, this is a way of working with a counselor without visiting their office for a face-to-face meeting with them. Instead, the counseling ‘sessions’ are conducted online by exchanging e-mails with your counselor or via instant chat. The advantage of this approach is that you can complete the work with your counselor at a time and place to suit you.
Situations where online counseling works well
This for of counseling may be a good solution if:
you are very busy, perhaps working long hours or unusual shifts, or you travel frequently, and find it very difficult to fit in regular face-to-face appointments;
you are housebound for some reason – for instance, if you have limited mobility or care for small children or elderly parents;
if you are worried about seeing a counselor face-to-face and prefer the extra privacy offered by e-mail or online chat counseling;
if you find it easier to explore issues and feelings when you write them down, rather than talking about them.
If any of these apply to you, Online Counselling Kelowna may be the solution you are looking for. As long as you have reasonable access to a computer and feel comfortable communicating via e-mail or instant chat, then it is a quick and simple way of working with a counselor.
Counseling is a joint effort – by sharing your thoughts and feelings with your counselor you will no longer be dealing with them on your own. Your counselor can work with you to find new ways of understanding the difficulties you are facing, and encourage you to explore new ways forward – perhaps by problem-solving, perhaps by challenging, or perhaps by using another approach that seems to suit your needs.
Situations where online counseling is not suitable
If you have severe or deep-rooted issues, you will benefit most from face-to-face counseling or psychotherapy. Online counseling is unlikely to provide the level of support you need.
