Online counselling has slowly increased in popularity, but you are probably wondering if it is safe and trustworthy.
You will be surprised to know that online counselling has a lot of benefits, and you can trust a therapist for help. However, you need to be careful since online counselling does come with its fair share of shortcomings.
Keeping this in mind, we have compiled this guide to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of online counselling.
Advantages Of Online Counselling
1. Ideal For People With Anxiety Issues
If you suffer from social anxiety and struggle to communicate with people in a new place, getting in touch with an online counsellor can be a good option. When it comes to online therapy, you don’t need to reveal much information to the therapist, and the chances of facing stereotypical opinions are less. As such, you can confidently communicate your problem without getting a panic attack.
2. Comfort Of Your Home
In an online counselling setting, you don’t need to visit the therapist in his office. You can simply video call or talk to him through a voice chat and share the problem with him. Hence, it is beneficial for those who like to travel a lot since they can access online counselling anywhere in the world while being comfortable.
3. Beneficial For People With Disabilities
People who suffer from physical disabilities might find it challenging to visit a therapist regularly when they are dealing with mental breakdowns. In such cases, we highly recommend taking online counselling sessions since it is one of the easiest ways of getting psychological help in the comfort of your home.
Disadvantages Of Online Counselling
1. Privacy, Unreliable Technology And Confidentiality
An online therapist usually tries their best to keep the confidentiality and privacy of the person they are treating; however, an online setting can be quite tricky. Hackers are known for invading other people’s privacy by stealing information and selling it on the black market.
Some hackers prefer to use the leaked information to harass the victim and blackmail them for money. Therefore, you can not fully rely on technology since it is prone to cyber-attacks.
2. Lack Of Response At Times Of Emergency
Sometimes you might go through a sudden mental breakdown, and you might need a therapist’s help. However, a therapist might not be available all the time to attend to your problems, especially if you try to contact them online. In some cases, they might face technical issues preventing them from reaching out to you.
3. Overlooks Body Language
A therapist can analyze a person by reading their body language; however, this is impossible in an online session. Missing out on vocal and visual cues can prevent a therapist from fully analyzing a person, and this may cause more harm than good.
Conclusion
With that, we have reached the end of the guide. As we have mentioned earlier, online counselling does have its pros and cons; therefore, you get to decide if it is safe for you. If you take the correct precautions, there is nothing to worry about, and you can benefit from it tremendously.
That said, if you are dealing with relationship issues, you can get online counselling to restore love and bond with your partner. Stay safe, and see you next time!
