Get Support Wherever You Are
03 Oct – written by Katrin Kemmerzehl – Blog
Life can be busy, complicated, and sometimes overwhelming. Finding the time, energy, or ability to meet a therapist at their office isn’t always easy, and that’s where online counselling can make a real difference.
Also called teletherapy or virtual therapy, online counselling allows you to connect with a qualified therapist via video, phone, or messaging. It’s convenient, flexible, and an effective way to receive support.
Why Online Counselling Works
Research consistently shows that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for a wide range of issues. Studies have found significant improvements in mental health, including anxiety, depression, stress, and overall wellbeing, with telephone counselling also validated as a treatment for depression and health anxiety (Chen et al., 2020; Smith et al., 2021; Jerome & Zaylor, 2000).
Online therapy isn’t just convenient—it’s a clinically proven way to access professional support from wherever you are.
Meeting Online: Creating a Comfortable Space
Online sessions can take place securely through platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Psychology Today Sessions, which are designed to be straightforward and reliable to use. Clear audio and video can help create a sense of presence and connection, while meeting from a familiar environment may help some people feel more at ease. Often, this can make it easier to settle into the therapeutic space and focus on what feels important to explore.
Building Connection and Presence
Some people worry that therapy loses its intimacy online, and it’s true that subtle non-verbal cues, such as gestures, posture shifts, and micro-expressions, can be harder to notice. Yet virtual sessions often reveal a different kind of closeness and authenticity.
Being in one’s own space can spark unexpected moments of insight. Everyday surroundings, a favourite chair, a pet nearby, or even a view from a window, can evoke memories, emotions, or reflections that might not surface in a clinical office.
Objects in the background, sounds in the home, or interactions with family members can offer meaningful context and create a sense of shared experience.
These glimpses into daily life often deepen understanding and make the therapeutic connection feel more personal. The screen, rather than creating distance, can sometimes reveal aspects of life that remain hidden in traditional sessions.
Make the most of your online sessions
Take your time: Without a commute, scheduling a short break before and after a session can help. Simple routines, such as stretching, journaling, or quiet reflection, allow the mind to process and integrate what came up.
Privacy and Technology: Choose a comfortable, private space with a reliable internet or phone connection to minimize interruptions.
Staying Connected: Working online can encourage clear communication and thoughtful check-ins, helping to foster understanding and connection.
Benefits of Online Counselling
Greater Choice: Location is no longer a barrier. You can connect with a therapist who truly aligns with your needs and style.
Flexibility: Online sessions save travel time and fit easily into your schedule, letting you focus your energy on what matters most.
Comfort and Openness: Being in a familiar environment can reduce anxiety and help people feel safer sharing thoughts and feelings.
Accessibility: Online therapy can be especially helpful for those with mobility issues, in rural areas, with social anxiety, or with tight schedules.
Intimacy and Connection: Surprisingly, remote sessions can create a sense of closeness and authenticity. Sharing glimpses of home life, daily routines, or personal spaces often fosters openness and trust. It can feel like a levelling experience, highlighting shared humanity and breaking down the formalities of a therapist’s office.
Final Thoughts
Online counselling is flexible, accessible, and effective. It allows you to connect with a therapist in a way that fits your life while still offering professional guidance, privacy, and support. It can help you navigate challenges, gain insight, and feel supported wherever you are.
If you feel interested in exploring online counselling or have questions about how it works, you’re very welcome to reach out.
References
- Chen, C. K., Nehrig, N., Wash, L., Schneider, J. A., Ashkenazi, S., Cairo, E., Guyton, A. F., & Palfrey, A. (2020). When distance brings us closer: leveraging tele-psychotherapy to build deeper connection. Counselling Psychology Quarterly.
- Smith, K., Moller, N., Cooper, M., Gabriel, L., Roddy, J., & Sheehy, R. (2021). Video counselling and psychotherapy. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research.
- Jerome, L. W., & Zaylor, C. (2000). Cyberspace: Creating a therapeutic environment for telehealth applications. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 31(5), 478-483.
- Gottlieb, L. (2020). The surprising intimacy of online therapy sessions during the pandemic. The Washington Post.
Katrin Kemmerzehl
I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in arranging a consultation.