Life gets hard. You know it, I know it, and there is little point in denying it. When you try to repress your feelings, it often bubbles up in unexpected and unwelcome ways. Instead, facing them head-on can be tough at the moment, but it will allow you to address your conscious and unconscious concerns. Therapy can be scary: opening up to a stranger about your going on, your concerns, your insecurities, and your aspirations. We know better than anyone it is tough.
First, we applaud you for taking the first step: showing interest in therapy! while therapy can help you work through issues that may arise in your life, it can also just be nice to have someone to share your ideas. They help you on your journey to self-discovery, or just someone in your corner. You do not necessarily have to go through a life crisis to seek online therapy!
Debating the costs and benefits of online therapy can seem daunting. As such, we are here to help you make an informed decision. Here are the six benefits of online therapy:
Benefit #1: Good atmosphere
Although counsellors and therapists go out of their way to create a space in person that feels right for you, everybody has different levels of comfort at the end of the day. You know yourself best, so being able to choose a location that feels right for you is one of the key benefits of online therapy.
Whether you prefer to sit comfortably on the rug in your bedroom, recline in the passenger seat of your car, or sit cross-legged on your bathroom floor, online therapy allows you to create a space where you feel as comfortable as possible to share your thoughts and feelings. When you have to set aside time to get ready, travel, and then commute back, therapy can begin to feel like a hassle or even a job, and that is the furthest thing from what we want.
Conversely, online counselling can feel like you are simply video chatting with an old friend or talking to your mom on the phone, allowing you to feel more comfortable sharing your going.
Benefit #2: Convenience
The time you save commuting is a given. Therapy often can have a hefty price tag— adding the extra cost and stress of commuting is not something we love, especially when you are simply on the road to self-improvement! Taking that extra stressor out of the equation can help you focus on what is important here: yourself.
Many also do not have the privilege of easily accessible transportation, and perhaps at the end of a long work day, the last thing you want to do is commute even further. We understand that and think online therapy is the ultimate solution!
Benefit #3: Flexibility with scheduling
Similar to the point above, the ease of access to online therapy means increased flexibility when scheduling appointments and chatting with your therapist.
Missed buses and traffic jams are unpredictable: avoiding all that hassle means you can dedicate less time to travelling and talking, allowing you to create a schedule and routine that works for you.
Benefit #4: Increased accessibility
Unfortunately, not everybody is blessed with the ability to travel to seek therapy. Perhaps you live in more rural or remote areas and do not have many options nearby.
Maybe you have a physical disability that makes it difficult to get out of the house. Online therapy provides a remedy to these problems by providing options allowing you to speak from the comfort of your own home.
Benefit #5: Increased affordability
Therapy, unfortunately, can carry around a hefty price tag. Due to the recent rise in online counselling, however, we have found that there are increasing options for therapists that can fit within your budget.
If one does not work for you, that is alright! There are so many more to choose from; you are bound to find one that fits your needs financially and mentally.
Benefit #6: Increased options for therapists and support
Finding one that works for you may be difficult if you are limited to only nearby therapists. You may find yourself trying to pick between a therapist you connect with, but far from you and a therapist you do not click so well with but is much more convenient.
Turning to remote therapy can remove that stress, opening up a whole realm of possibilities. No longer will you be bound by your geographic area.