Talking to a counsellor is more than just a way to resolve conflicts and improve your relationship. It can also help you achieve a long-lasting, healthy connection with your partner. Simply put, couples therapy isn’t just for when things have gone really wrong: it’s a tool for making your relationship better in the long run. Despite the benefits of seeing a relationship counsellor, many couples opt not to get professional help for a variety of reasons. One of them is the inconvenience of going to a counsellor’s office in the midst of their busy schedule. This is where online couples therapy comes in. It is an option you can consider if you and your partner have challenges visiting the counsellor’s office.
What Is Online Couples Therapy?
Online couples therapy or counselling (also known as teletherapy or cybertherapy) is a form of counselling that can be done remotely with the help of technology. The idea is to connect with your partner and your counsellor on a secure platform, where you can either talk over video or chat in real-time. With online counselling, couples can meet with a professional in the comfort of their own home and take part in the therapy session via video or phone. This type of counselling is more accessible than traditional face-to-face counselling, especially for those who live far away from professional help. It is an option that couples who live in different regions or countries can explore. It can also be an excellent alternative if one person in the relationship does not want to see a professional face-to-face because they are too embarrassed about what is happening. As long as you have reliable Internet connections and devices, there are no geographical limitations on where you can meet up with your partner and counsellor in cyberspace. In fact, you can be in different time zones and still have a counselling session. 
How Does Online Couples Therapy Work?
Online relationship counselling is a combination of a video call, text chat and email. A counsellor will meet with you via video or chat platforms to talk about your relationship problems. You can also use email to send each other messages back and forth as a way to have private conversations. The process is simple: you book an appointment with a counsellor, and then you and your partner will have a session via video chat. Most counsellors use Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime to meet with their clients. In online counselling, the same techniques as in-person therapy are used. The counsellor will ask questions about what’s going on in your life and listen closely to what you say so that they can help guide you through your problems. They will also give advice on how to improve your relationship and make sure that both partners feel heard by each other during these sessions. This way, everyone feels safe talking about their feelings openly without fear of judgement from others around them. In most of the sessions, you and your partner will be present – talking to the relationship counsellor together. You can also expect the counsellor to schedule one-on-one sessions with you and your significant other. The number of sessions largely depends on you and your partner as well as your goals. Remember, the counsellor is there to provide an environment where everyone feels safe talking about their feelings openly without fear of judgement from others around them. They will guide you and your partner as you try to resolve your issues or improve your relationship.
Is Online Couples Counselling Effective?
Yes, online couples counselling is as effective as face-to-face counselling. In one study, couples said online counselling benefitted them and gave them a positive experience. Research also shows that virtual counselling does not prevent couples from building rapport with their counsellor. This addresses the popular notion that it can be difficult to establish a good counsellor-client relationship in this type of counselling since the parties involved do not meet face-to-face. Admittedly, despite these findings, more research is needed to know how effective online counselling is for couples. What is clear, though, is that couples who talk to counsellors, whether online or face-to-face, achieve favourable results when they do it early. To add, their willingness to participate also greatly impacts the success of the therapy. 
Who Should Get Relationship Counselling Online?
Online couples counselling can be an excellent choice for many people. It is often a more affordable option than in-person counselling. It is also more convenient schedule-wise. Moreover, it can help you connect with your partner while maintaining some distance if you feel the need to do so. If you are interested in online counselling, here are other reasons why it might be a good fit for you:
- You want to protect your privacy.
- You are not sure if this will work for you and don’t want to invest too much time or money into something that doesn’t seem right for you.
- Your schedules don’t line up well enough for both of you to attend sessions together at the same time (i.e., one of you works nights).
- You aren’t able to make it to the counsellor’s office because of distance or transportation concerns.
- You cannot find the right relationship counsellor in your area.
It takes a lot of courage and maturity to admit that there are problems in your relationship and decide to seek help from a professional. But taking these steps can help ensure that your relationship can thrive for years to come. If you and your partner have been having difficulties in your relationship, online couples therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. It is as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy, and in some cases, it can even be considered more effective. However, it should be noted that there’s no one size fits all approach to couples counselling. It’s a very individualised process that relies on intimate communication between two people. While online therapy can be effective for some, others may find face-to-face meetings more helpful. The best solution for you is the one that works — and if there’s ever any doubt, consulting a professional is always a great idea in any case. Do you want to talk to a relationship counsellor but have a hectic schedule? At Access Counselling, we have experienced counsellors who offer online couples therapy. Click here to book an appointment! Image supplied royalty free by 3R as part of SEO Service
