Telehealth Counselling: Is It The Right For You?

Telehealth counselling is a great option for many, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Whilst telehealth appointments come with greater flexibility and convenience, they also come with their own set of barriers that need to be considered. Certain counselling approaches work better virtually and knowing what to expect can make a big difference to help manage any hiccups along the way.  Here’s what to keep in mind when considering virtual sessions:

Ask: Am I a Good Candidate for Virtual Sessions?

One of the most crucial things to consider before scheduling your first online appointment is whether you feel you can comfortably engage in telehealth counselling. Are you familiar with video platforms like Zoom or Google Meet? It might be helpful to test your tech beforehand to familiarise yourself so you can better focus during the session and manage tech issues quickly should they arise. Do you have a quiet, private space? Confidentiality matters and it’s important to have a safe space to speak about private topics comfortably and without interruptions. Are you in acute distress? If you’re struggling with intense emotional distress, immediate support may be needed for your own safety and wellbeing. Safety protocols should be in place to help get you immediate support if needed, often in-person, such as calling an emergency contact.

Is The Preferred Therapeutic Approach Telehealth-Friendly?

Even though counselling can be very telehealth-friendly, some counselling approaches may have limitations when solely being conducted virtually. For example, due to its structured and goal-oriented approach, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a natural fit for virtual sessions. Similarly, Solution-Focused Therapy’s short-term and goal driven approach makes it easily effective through telehealth sessions. Mindfulness-Based Therapies that guide you to focus on the present are also adaptable for online consultations, assuming both yourself and the clinician are well prepared. However, Exposure-Based Interventions or intensive trauma therapies, may be better suited for in-person support for increased sense of emotional safety and containment as clinicians can provide immediate support in-person. That said, some trauma survivors or people seeing exposure-based therapy prefer telehealth for its sense of control and distance, so it’s about finding what works best for you.

Overall, it’s important to discuss all barriers and challenges with your mental health clinician to work better virtually. Knowing what to expect and whether your preferred treatment style or personal goals is compatible with telehealth sessions can make a big difference. Want to know more about what to expect in your first session, whether it’s face-to-face or virtually? Click here to learn more.