As you know from our previous blog, there are many benefits to counselling. Online counselling also has added benefits that you might not have thought of. Accessing online counselling essentially means all you need is a computer with a camera and good internet connection. In this month’s blog, we will discuss 3 benefits of online counselling.
Accessibility
Online counselling must be one of the easiest ways to access formal counselling. Therefore the benefits of counselling can reach people that might not otherwise have access. For people who have a physical disability or mobility issues, they can access support from home. People living in rural and remote areas may have limited or no face to face counselling services nearby. By accessing online counselling, they can get equal access to their required support services. For individuals with mental health issues that find it hard to leave their home, they too can get instant access, especially at those times when accessing their counsellor is critical for their wellbeing.
Convenient
Online counselling can be really convenient. No hassles with delayed public transport or fighting traffic in order to get to your appointment. You can access your counsellor from the comfort of your own home. This can also prove to be economical as there are no travel costs and you are using your time more wisely. You can even pay for your session online. Appointments can be set up at a time that is more convenient for you, which might be after the kids have gone to bed. Because you not bound by the counsellors opening hours of their premises, you can negotiate a time where it suits both parties.
A different way to communicate
Online counselling opens up different ways to communicate. For people with visual or hearing impairments, the online environment may be beneficial. Modifications can be enabled like font size, screen size, brightness, colour and volume providing amendments to suit individual needs. People who may be uncomfortable with traditional face to face counselling may find online counselling more suitable, for example people who have significant anxiety or social phobia. Online counselling can also take the form of writing via a chat or text service. This allows both the client and the therapist to be really thoughtful about their communication and reflect on their feelings prior to putting in writing. Some people may also find writing via chat or text easier as they are less affected by the counsellors nonverbal cues.
Supporting someone with depression and intellectual disability
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.
Nice post…I am a therapist and am thinking about doing on-line therapy…not sure…