5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Online Counseling

Online counseling has become increasingly popular in recent years as telehealth options become more widely available. Working with a therapist online allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and set up appointments on your own schedule.

But, some people worry that counseling online isn’t as effective as therapy in person, since you’re missing that direct contact.

So, what can you do to get the most from online counseling so it benefits your mental health?

1. Know Your Goals

Before you even get started with an online therapist, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you wish to accomplish through your sessions. Have a plan in mind, as well as an end goal. Knowing that can help to keep you focused and on the right track as you go through this new journey with your therapist.

But don't worry if you are not sure what exactly you need to work on! That is where tip #2 comes in:

2. Set Goals Along the Way – With Your Therapist

As you start to talk to your therapist, it’s a good idea to inform them of your existing goals and set new ones with them. Your goals should be realistic, specific, and completely about you. Once you complete a goal with your therapist, work with them to set a new one and talk about your plan of action for how you’ll achieve it.

3. Find the Therapist that Fits Your Needs

One of the benefits of online therapy is that you can choose a counselor from anywhere in the country, as long as they are licensed to practice where you are located. You’re not limited by travel, so you don’t have to choose someone in your immediate geographical area.

Because of that, you can look for a therapist who specializes in your needs. Or, try a session with a few different counselors until you find the right fit for you. Working with a therapist you trust and feel comfortable talking to can make a big difference.

4. Prioritize Your Session Time

There are usually several different options you can choose from when setting up your appointments in advance online. Some therapists require 24-hours notice, others want you to do weekly sessions, etc.

Whatever schedule you decide on, make sure you’re setting aside that specific 45 minutes-1 hour strictly for counseling. Don’t try to multitask just because you’re talking to your counselor online. Don’t let yourself get distracted by things around your home. Think of it as “me” time. Focus your attention on the work that needs to be done during each session.

5. Be Honest

To get the most out of online therapy, it’s important to be as open and honest as possible with your counselor. One of the reasons people don’t seek out counseling when they may need it is because they feel embarrassed or ashamed.

There is nothing to feel shame for when you’re talking to a counselor. The more open you are about your struggles, the more they’ll understand. So, they can develop a plan that is specifically meant to help you.

By opening up, you can also help yourself. Being honest can often make you see some of the underlying causes of your struggles, instead of pushing them down or trying to ignore them.

If you’re considering online counseling or you’ve already tried it but feel you haven’t gotten much out of it, keep these tips in mind and give it another shot. You may not have had the right counselor to work with. Or, maybe you weren’t putting as much into the entire experience as you could have been. Whatever the case, online therapy can help just as well as in-person sessions if you’re willing to put in the effort and take it seriously.

Find out more about me at my website, subscribe to my Blog, Like and Follow me on Facebook, or Contact Me on my webpage, or with an email at DrJT@CreativeSolutionsOnline.org I’d love to hear from you!

*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.

What is Online Counseling?

Is Online Counseling right for me?

Author

Jennifer Tzoumas
I hold active licenses for independent practice in Texas and Pennsylvania, and an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted from the PSYPACT Commission, that allows for independent practice in approximately 30 of the 50 United States (check https://www.verifypsypact.org/ to see if your state participates). I have been married for 25 years, and have two teenage daughters. Although I enjoy social gatherings in small doses, I am more of an introvert (I prefer working one-on-one, or in small groups). Outside the office, I consider myself an avid reader, recreational runner/weight lifter, and part-time gardener. I am active in my church and enjoy watching my daughters in their activities (dance, TaeKwonDo, and marching band).
View all posts