Online Counselling

Online counselling, particularly in Ireland is not something that we often associate with therapy. When we think of counselling in Ireland we think of going to see somebody in an office face to face. In this covid era, it is or has been the only option for many and we have become more accustomed to it. I have been offering this service for a few years and am delighted that it is now an option that people think of when it comes to doing the work of counselling or therapy.

Online Counselling offers flexibility, convenience, comfort, safety, confidentiality and choice of a counsellor for those that chose it. I often get asked how does online counselling work and is this as effective as seeing a therapist in person. I hope to offer some answers to these questions in this post.

How does Online Counselling work?
Online Counselling is counselling via secure online mediums such as, video, telephone, email and instant messaging. It is generally an appointment time usually 50 minutes or email exchange once a week with a counsellor. You can discuss how you are feeling and look at ways to manage or process what has brought you to counselling. When you begin working with a counsellor online what you look at in terms of content is your decision and this is not any different to how you work with a counsellor in person. How long you work with a counsellor online is also your decision and one that you can also make together with your counsellor. Due to the nature of Online counselling, there is a higher chance of misunderstanding so its important that you communicate with your counsellor if you feel misunderstood.

Is it as effective as seeing a therapist in person?
Research has found ‘much support for the application of psychotherapeutic interventions through the Internet, using various approaches, methods, and online modalities……and on the average, is as effective as face-to-face intervention’. In my own professional and personal experience, online counselling has also proven to be as effective and the most important factor is how well you get along with your counsellor. I suggest you talk to me prior to our first session for 15 minutes and see how you feel about working together.

Online counselling is not intended to take the place of seeing a counsellor in person however it is amazing that we can connect with this support online. Online counselling has proven to be effective if you are finding it challenging with anxiety or stress. Clients have found that they can be open about how they are feeling and are supported in living the life they really want to live. Clients who have attended both online and face to face have even stated that with online counselling they feel more comfortable to disclose issues that they are experiencing.

Going to therapy particularly for the first time may not be easy and I understand how difficult it is to come to that decision and contact a therapist. Online counselling can be a way for you to work with someone that isn’t as daunting as going to see a therapist in your local town and you can work with the right therapist for you. Online Counselling is not suitable for everyone and we would assess if this is suitable for you.

I am very happy to discuss working online and answering any questions you may have. To book your free 15-minute online consultation contact Elva today on elvamcdonagh@protonmail.com or 087 7778954

For more research on the area of online counselling here are some links;

Andersson, G., & Cuijpers, P. (2009). Internet-based and other computerized psychological treatments for adult depression: A meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 38(4), 196-205. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20183695
Barak, Azy, et al. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26.2-4: 109-160. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228830802094429#.VI8vaCvF_hs
Nagel, D. (2011). The future of online therapy. Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Washington, D.C. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/e561872012-001
Neimark, G. Patients and text messaging: A boundary issue. (2009). The American Journal of Psychiatry. 166(11), 1298-1299. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09071012
Wantland, D. J., Portillo, C. J., Holzemer, W. L., Slaughter, R., & McGhee, E. M. (2004). The effectiveness of Web-based vs. non-Web-based interventions: a meta-analysis of behavioral change outcomes. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6(4). http://www.jmir.org/2004/4/e40/