Is online counselling as good as in-person counselling?
Firstly what is Online Counselling?
This is confusing as online counselling can refer to counselling via video conferencing software such as Zoom, Teams and Skype but has also been used to mean counselling via email and counselling via text.
In this article online counselling means counselling via video conferencing software.
In 2020 a lot of therapy was moved online as the global pandemic meant many of us were in lockdowns and unable to meet in person. This unlocked online counselling for many counsellors and clients alike.
Before 2020 online counselling was often seen as a lesser cousin of in-person counselling. It was sometimes frowned upon by older counsellors as not proper counselling, not as effective and not as valid. But is this true?
It is true that the two forms of counselling are different and have some different considerations, but is it true that online counselling is less effective?
Fortunately a lot of research has been done in this area that helps answer this question.
Here is what some of the research says -
Online Counselling improves access to those who may find it difficult to attend in person. This includes those with physical difficulties, those with long distances to travel and those who feel unable to leave their home due to extreme anxiety or depression (Mishna et al., 2015)
Clients have shown that they are equally satisfied with online counselling as they are with in-person as a systematic review (14 studies identified) comparing treatment satisfaction of in person-versus phone/video therapy shows. (Jenkins-Guarnieriet al., 2015). Clients also rated the quality of the relationship with their counsellor as being as positive with online counselling as it is in person. (Berger, 2016; Reese et al., 2016; Shepler at al., 2016)
Studies have also shown that online counselling is equal as effective as in-person counselling. With one stating “There was no different in outcome of counselling as both therapy types were equally effective.” (Norwood, Moghaddam, Malins and Sabin‐Farrell, 2018)
In conclusion many studies show that not only is online counselling as valid as other ways of delivering therapy but also it can increase access to therapy and clients find it as easy to form relationships with their therapists.
My own, nearly three year, experience of providing and receiving counselling online led me to believe that it works just as well, and my client feedback suggests the same, but it is important to qualify this with research. As one paper said online counselling is here to stay so hopefully we will see more research in this area and less reticence to embrace new approaches.
If you would like to find out more about how online counselling could benefit you then please get in touch.
