Benefits of Online Therapy | Is Online Therapy Effective?
Online therapy provides professional counselling and psychotherapy through secure video or telephone sessions. Research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship difficulties. Online therapy for relationship difficulties, in particular, has grown in popularity, offering couples and individuals a convenient way to work through challenges together.
Barak et al. (2008) found that online interventions (CBT, psychoeducational and behavioural interventions) have an effect size of about 0.53 (medium effect) and concluded that internet-based therapies are as effective, or nearly as efficacious, as face-to-face therapy (Anderson et al., 2012)
Please also see the technical requirements at the bottom of this page
Online counselling is proven to be as effective, if not more effective, than face-to-face counselling, with important benefits that bring the experience into the modern era. For some clients, traditional counselling is their choice because they haven’t yet experienced the freedom that online counselling offers.
Many clients find online therapy convenient, accessible and easier to integrate into everyday life, allowing them to engage in therapy from a familiar environment.
Advantages of Online Therapy
Time-zone flexibility – Easier scheduling for clients abroad.
No travel required – Save time on commuting, parking and travel.
Flexible appointments – Fit therapy around work and daily life.
Comfort of home – Speak from a familiar and private environment.
Access to the right therapist – Choose a therapist based on your needs, not your location.
Greater accessibility – Ideal for those with mobility or health difficulties.
UK-wide support – Access therapy wherever you are in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
A calmer experience – Many clients feel more relaxed during online sessions.
Easier to open up – Some people find it easier to discuss sensitive topics online.
Reduced stigma – Begin therapy from the privacy of your own home.
Continuity of care – Continue sessions while travelling or relocating within the UK.
Time efficient – No travelling means more time for yourself.
Environmentally friendly – Reduce unnecessary travel.
Cost-effective – Often more affordable than in-person sessions due to lower overheads.
Access to specialists – Reach therapists who may not be available locally.
Flexible communication – Options for text-based support alongside video sessions.
Who Can Benefit from Online Therapy?
- Online counselling can be especially suitable for people who feel ambivalent about therapy or uncomfortable with traditional face-to-face models. Research shows it is often preferred by those who find it difficult to talk about their problems in person, including people experiencing social phobia, agoraphobia or anxiety disorders.
- In other cases, such as for social anxiety disorder or shyness, online therapy can reach sufferers who might otherwise not seek help, as their very disorder makes the challenge of going to an office an insurmountable challenge. A 2013 study on social anxiety disorder and online therapy followed 24 participants through 12 weeks of Skype therapy. Over 90% reported decreased fear and decreased avoidance of social situations, and 95% reported satisfaction with doing their therapy over the internet.
Potential Limitations of Online Therapy
Things like making a diagram or chart together obviously become more challenging. Your therapist can find ways around this, such as scanning and emailing things.
And of course an in person session can’t get disrupted when a connection fails. Although things like fire alarms can happen, they are unlikely.
And if you are the sort who feels comforted by being in another person’s presence, video therapy does not offer the same experience. So it’s a case of going with what works for you.
Anonymity: Greater anonymity can make therapy more approachable for those uncomfortable with face-to-face sessions.
Cost-Effectiveness: Often more affordable than in-person sessions due to reduced overhead costs for therapists.
Access to Specialists: Easier access to specialised therapists who may not be available locally.
Continued Care: Easier to maintain continuity of care during travel or relocation.
Flexible Communication: Options for text-based communication (chat, email), which can be beneficial for those who express themselves better in writing.
Environmental Considerations: Reduces carbon footprint due to the elimination of travel.
Crisis Management: Immediate access to support in crisis situations where physical presence isn’t possible.
Time-Zone Flexibility: Easier to schedule sessions across different time zones, accommodating international clients.
Privacy: Increased privacy for those who prefer not to visit a public or known location for therapy.
Please note that online and telephone counselling is offered only when a client is in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland ONLY. If you travel abroad, please let Klara know.
Technical requirements for online counselling:
- Technical Requirements
- Computer, tablet or smartphone
- Stable internet connection
- Camera and microphone (video sessions)
- Quiet, private space
- Email access
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