Online counselling is a form of therapy that is conducted via the internet. It can take many forms, including video chat, instant messaging, or email. As technology has advanced, online counselling has become increasingly popular, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, despite its growing popularity, online counselling still faces a significant amount of stigma. Many people (therapists included) still believe that online counselling is less effective than in-person counselling, or that it is not as secure. It is important to address these misconceptions and promote the safety and effectiveness of online counselling in order to make mental health support more accessible to those who may be hesitant to seek help otherwise.
Common Misconceptions
Online counselling still faces a significant amount of stigma, with many people believing that it is less effective than in-person counselling or not as secure. However, research is beginning to indicate that online counselling can be just as effective as ‘traditional’ face-to-face counselling, but that there is still a lack of quality evidence for this to be generalisable (source).
Benefits of Online Counselling
Online counselling offers a variety of unique benefits that make it more accessible and convenient for those who may be hesitant to seek help otherwise.
Firstly, online counselling is convenient. Clients can access counselling services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to travel to a physical location. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in rural areas or have limited mobility.
Secondly, online counselling is more accessible. Clients can access counselling services from anywhere in the world, making it possible for those who live in areas without access to mental health services to seek help. Online counselling is also more accessible for those with busy schedules or time constraints.
Thirdly, attending therapy online may lead to something known as disinhibition, which can enable greater honesty and openness in therapy sessions. Disinhibition refers to the tendency for individuals to be more open and revealing when communicating online, as compared to in-person communication. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with social anxiety or have difficulty opening up in face-to-face conversations.
Finally, online counselling is flexible. Clients can choose the method of communication that works best for them, whether it be video chat, instant messaging, or email. This flexibility allows clients to tailor their counselling experience to their individual needs and preferences.
My Personal Experience
As someone who has provided online counselling for many years, I have seen first-hand how beneficial it can be for those who may be hesitant to seek help otherwise. I have worked with clients from all over the world, and have seen how online counselling has made mental health support more accessible and convenient for many individuals. Additionally, I have seen how the flexibility of online counselling allows clients to tailor their counselling experience to their individual needs and preferences.
It’s worth noting that while online counselling offers many unique benefits, it may not be the best fit for everyone. For some individuals, in-person counselling may be more effective or preferable. However, it is important to recognise that this is not due to any fault on the part of the individual seeking therapy, but rather a reflection of the current limitations of online counselling. As technology continues to advance and advances in research and knowledge increases, it is likely that online counselling will develop to become an even greater source of support.
Addressing Stigma in the UK
In the UK, there are several cultural and societal factors that contribute to stigma around mental health and counselling.
There is a prevalent culture of stoicism and self-reliance, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a ‘stiff upper lip’ and dealing with problems on one’s own. This can make it difficult for individuals to seek help for mental health issues, as it is often seen as a sign of weakness or failure to do so. This stigma is often similar for both traditional face-to-face counselling and online counselling. Many people still believe that seeking counselling is a sign of weakness or failure, and may be hesitant to seek help due to the fear of being judged or stigmatised.
What’s more, online counselling has traditionally been considered as somehow inferior or ‘less than’ face-to-face counselling. However, the rapid shift to online counselling during COVID-19 has shown that it is a viable way of accessing therapy. As more and more people are turning to online counselling, there has been a shift in attitudes towards it. Many people who were initially hesitant or sceptical about online counselling have found that it can be just as effective as traditional face-to-face counselling – and that it may even have unique benefits that aren’t possible in a face-to-face setting. This shift in attitudes is helping to break down the stigma surrounding online counselling and is making mental health support more accessible to those who may have been hesitant to seek help otherwise.
To overcome the stigma of accessing online counselling in the UK, it is important that therapists and researchers address these cultural and societal factors and promote the effectiveness and accessibility of online counselling. This can be done by increasing awareness and education surrounding mental health and mental illness, advocating for increased funding and resources for mental health care, and directly addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and counselling. By promoting the benefits of both traditional face-to-face counselling and online counselling, we can work to overcome stigma and provide mental health support to those who need it most.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online counselling is a valuable form of therapy that offers a variety of unique benefits, including convenience, accessibility, and flexibility. Despite the stigma that it still faces, research is beginning to show that online counselling can be just as effective as traditional face-to-face counselling. By addressing the misconceptions surrounding online counselling and promoting its effectiveness and safety, we can make mental health support more accessible to those who may be hesitant to seek help otherwise.
