LAURA BARBER COUNSELLING
Psychotherapist, Counselling in Muskoka
Virtual Counselling
I offer online counselling across Ontario from a secure video platform! Whether you live in Muskoka, the Greater Toronto area or anywhere in between, online therapy allows you to access therapy from anywhere in Ontario.
Prior to the need for physical distancing many people opted for video counselling sessions, and I suspect that in the future even more people will continue with online therapy for some of the following reasons:
- Comfort: Online video counselling allows people to access therapy sessions in locations that feel safe and comfortable in . For some, that might be at their home, for others perhaps it’s on their lunch break from their office or a private location outdoors. As long as there is reliable internet available and a confidential place to speak, then video sessions are possible! Feeling safe and comfortable is an important element in therapy practice. Online counselling allows clients to chose what safety and comfort means to them.
- Convenience & Flexibility: Online counselling can be more flexible than traditional in-person office sessions. Counsellors are able to work outside of traditional “office hours” which allows for more flexible appointment times such as evenings and weekend hours. Video therapy is more convenient as there is no travel time or travel cost, no stress of traffic while commuting, and no parking fees and hassles. Hoping online for a session with your therapist can save a lot of time! Online counselling also allows the flexibility for clients to continue accessing support if they are out of the area for example while traveling or out of town for business.
- Affordability: Some therapists are able to charge lower fees for online sessions. This is because with video therapy they do not have to pay for some associated overhead costs such as renting an office space. The ability to lower costs for online sessions will vary for each practitioner.
- Accessibility: A great benefit of online counselling is the ability for people to access therapy from remote locations. This option allows people living in rural or remote locations with minimal access to services more options for counselling. Online options provide people with physical or psychological limitations who are unable or have difficulty accessing in-person support more options to receive the therapy they need.
- Effective: It is true that video counselling is different than in person therapy and might take some getting used to if you are used to seeing a therapist in the office. That said, it is important to know that video counselling is a highly effective form of counselling. Research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in person sessions are! Check out some research on the effectiveness of online therapy here, here and here!
Although online counselling works for many people, I understand that it is not for everyone. Some people do not have access to reliable internet, do not have the technology, do not feel comfortable or simply prefer in person sessions. Online counselling is not the best option for someone who is in a high risk or crisis situation. If someone’s safety is a concern I would encourage them to seek in person support in their local community if possible.
As a therapist, I find video counselling to be very effective and convenient for most people. Getting to an office appointment can be a barrier for many people seeking support for a variety of reasons. If you’re interested in learning more about online counselling in Ontario or would like to book a counselling session please reach out.
