Is online counseling as beneficial as face-to-face meetings?

Since the last year 2020 when Covid 19 Pandemic hit life worldwide, everything seems shifted online. The transition from personal to professional life was dramatic. We started working online, meeting it could be with friends or colleagues happening on zoom or any other platform. Even our counseling also shifted to online in order to reach more people. But is it equally beneficial as in-person???

What is Online Counseling??

Online counseling sessions are one method of delivering therapies using a laptop, computer, or mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. At Counselor Sharma, we use multiple platforms as per the convenience of the client, like Google Duo or Meet, Zoom, skype, Facetime, and google hangout. 

These platforms allow us to interact with each other while maintaining social distance, and long-distance appointments can easily be arranged. We are able to provide counseling sessions, psychotherapy, and life coaching to the client using this platform in the comfort and safety of their own home.

What happens during an online session?

In an online session, you and your counselor will work with you and identify the issues that bother you, and help you to overcome your difficulties. The content, structure, and duration of the session are the same as face-to-face. The process of scheduling appointments and frequency of the sessions are also as similar as face-to-face sessions. 

The session will be held in a secure room with an advanced form of internet security called encryption, which means that your conversation is safe. Just you need to have a good network with high-speed internet connectivity.

is conducting online sessions equally conducive?

Most people recognize that online counseling will not be as effective as face-to-face counseling. It will lack elements like body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor that provide important insights into a person's well-being. Also, the online environment can impact the bond development between the counselor and you. 

But here is a piece of good news, many Scientific pieces of research has shown that there is no significant difference between online counseling and face-to-face session. Studies published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, Behaviour Research and Therapy, and the Journal of Psychological Disorders variously demonstrated that online counseling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as effective as face-to-face therapy in helping people address a wide range of issues including anxiety and depression, career concerns and relationship issues. 

Which issues can be taken online?

We are able to use an online platform for counseling and coaching for a wide range of issues like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family problems, trauma, self-esteem and self-confidence, and much more. So, in this period of uncertainty, your mental health is more important than ever. 

For more information about our online session or to book a telephone or video Counseling please get in touch.

Further Reading about Online Counseling.