Online therapy has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Due to technological advancements, they can easily access counseling services no matter where someone is located. Whether sitting in their car on a lunch break or at a coffee shop, connecting with a therapist has never been easier.
Online therapy is not new and has existed for over a decade. However, due to the pandemic, online therapy became the only option for people to receive help through life’s challenges. It was the best middle ground for clients to receive help from therapists forced to shut their doors to the public.
And while many therapy practices are now accepting in-person sessions, online therapy is not going away due to the many benefits. Many people are still hesitant about therapy in general, so we want the focus of this post to center around online therapy and why it is so beneficial.
4 Benefits of Online Therapy
Provides flexibility
One of the most beneficial aspects of online therapy is its flexibility in scheduling sessions.
Many people find it hard to go to in-person sessions. We all juggle work, school, kids, social lives, and household responsibilities. It can make it impossible to carve out time to drive to the therapist’s office, stay for a 45 to 60-minute session, then drive back.
Because of online therapy, you are cutting out commuting time, sitting in traffic, etc.
It’s also convenient because it can be done anywhere, at any time. Most therapists offer evening times for online therapy, specifically for these reasons and more.
It’s More Comfortable
Many are becoming more open to the idea of therapy. But it can still be highly uncomfortable. You’re in a new environment with someone you have never met, which can be very intimidating.
Online therapy is fantastic because it lets someone be in the most comfortable environment. This helps to open up if they are nervous and don’t know what to expect from a therapy session. It is also fantastic for people with social anxiety or chronic health conditions preventing them from leaving the house.
Better Access To More Therapists
With traditional therapy, unfortunately, you are limited to the available therapists in your area or within close driving distance. This means there is a good chance you may end up on a waiting list before you can even start your first session.
Online therapy takes away those limitations.
As long as they are a licensed therapist within your state, they can legally see you as a client. With online therapy, you can be across the state from your therapist, which wouldn’t make a difference in the service you receive.
This, in turn, also opens you up to a broader pool of therapists that you can work with.
More Ways To Communicate With Each Other
We live in a technology-driven world. Which is great for a therapist-client relationship. Outside of sessions, most therapists are happy to shoot back a quick email if you find that, in-between sessions, you are struggling.
For instance, we often receive emails when someone finds their anxiety spiking really bad throughout the week. Within a reasonable timeframe, we can reply with resources or tips to help them deal with their anxiety or find a different way to self-soothe.
Therapy, in general, is so important for our mental health. Whether you are seeing someone in person or virtually, all that matters is opening up to the possibility of true healing.
If you are interested in learning more about online therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to begin the process.