When I look back at the past year, I can see the world has changed beyond recognition. Along with many other things, the way I work also changed. In March 2020, I made the decision to stop working face to face with clients, to protect both myself and them, especially as I was pregnant in March 2020. It was a bold move and I am grateful that so many of the people I was working with trusted me enough to take our work together online. I am pleased to say the transition into the online world went really well, so much so, that it is something I plan to keep up, even post pandemic, especially as a return to work after a short break for maternity leave.
Pre-pandemic me would have been sceptical about online therapy and would have privileged working face to face, however the experience of actually working online has taught me how affective the work can be and in some cases it can be enhanced.
One key advantage to working online, is not needing to plan in travel time! Therapy in your own home means that arriving is just a button click away, no public transport, no driving, no parking. A big plus in the winter months. This might also open up coming to counselling for those who may find it difficult to get out and about, ensuring inclusivity.
For me personally, offering therapy online means that I can be more flexible about when I work and can offer a wider range of appointments, including evening slots. Unlike when I work face to face, when I need to consider the room availability of where I am working. From a clients perspective this means being able to offer the most suitable time for them, resulting in less missed appointments.
Another advantage is being able to choose a therapist anywhere you want. Sometimes people worry about bumping into their therapist out of context, what better way to avoid this happening than to choose a therapist from a different geographical location. Also it removes the fear of bumping into someone you might know in the waiting room.
I have also noticed that there can be a deeper connection with a clients vulnerable part of themselves, leading to wider disclosure of concerning issues. Maybe this is because of being within familiar surroundings and therefore more able to open up freely.
Online socialisation seems to have become part of our new normal. However, there is something difficult about group communications online. Thankfully it is much easier to communicate when it is a one to one situation. Many people are seeking connection right now. My belief is that online therapy can provide an opportunity for connection and facilitate a safe space in which to work therapeutically. Of course it is important that the client feels like they are safe where they are and that they feel able to open up and talk.
Now therapy online is not to be undertaken without caution. There are various ways of engaging with people online and it is important that you choose a reputable source and ensure the therapist that you choose to work with is registered with an awarding body such as the UKCP or BACP. You can search registers online. In addition to this, make sure you choose a method that is right for you. There are lots of online apps offering therapy, which have limited evidence to suggest they are affective.
Of course there are downsides to online therapy. Not having the right technology can be a block for some. You need to have a device which can connect to the internet and has a camera, where you can see the screen at the same time. For this reason, I am happy to work with people on the telephone, to make sure that I remain open to working with those without the right technology.
Most importantly, right now counselling could go ahead in a face to face environment with the right covid secure measures in place, however, this is never a 100% certainty. Although I don’t believe that online therapy will ever be a permanent replacement for face to face therapy for some, it is a good stop gap for now, which is why I would always be open to starting work with someone online, with the view of moving to a face to face environment when we can. This might be particularly relevant for you if this is a reason for not starting therapy now.
There are some clear advantages to working online and having done it now for almost a year now, I am pleased to say my own pre-judgements of the world of online therapy were wrong. If you’re in the same position as me, then why not give it a go and see how it goes and find out if it’s for you…
