Demand for Online Therapy Sessions has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic. Initially social distancing measures meant all Face to Face therapy moved online out of necessity. Since then, Counselling and Therapy have been deemed an essential service and there are now options for both Face to Face and Online Therapy sessions for clients and practitioners depending on their circumstances and wishes.

Covid19 has created or exacerbated mental health issues for a large number of people. Many are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and stress. Lack of social contact has led to loneliness, isolation and depression. Working from home, while eliminating tiresome commuting, has blurred the boundaries between work and life and the intensity of living in the restricted way we now must, often within a small physical space has created relationship difficulties for couples and families.

All of this has created increased demand for mental health support and for those seeking professional help Online Therapy can be a lifeline, either as a preferred method of therapy or as a supplement, for convenience or accessibility, to Face to Face therapy.

Online Therapy sessions differ slightly from Face to Face therapy: for some it may be less intimate and the technology may seem daunting but it can also facilitate disclosure due to a sense of anonymity and it can be a ‘toe in the water’ to therapy for those who may previously have shied away from it.  

Here are some tips to get the most from your Online Therapy Sessions:

• Find a place in your home which will give you as much privacy as possible. If you live in a shared space, and most do, this might involve asking others in your household not to interrupt you, and perhaps play some music in the rest of the house so you are not at risk of being overheard. 

• Make sure that you are sitting somewhere you will be comfortable for the duration of your session. 

• Set your video or phone screen up on a stable surface. This doesn’t need to be anything fancy; a laptop on a pile of books can work just fine. 

• Close down any emails, programs, notifications or pop ups which might distract you during your Online therapy session. 

• Check whatever technology you intend to use is working and make sure you have a stable internet connection. 

• It is worth considering using earphones or earbuds to shut out any background noise and eliminate any feedback from your Therapist’s microphone. 

• Have a backup plan with your Therapist in case there is a technology problem during your session. A rupture or abrupt end to your session could be unsettling so a plan to continue by phone as an alternative can avoid this.
  
  

Your Online Therapy sessions can be a valuable source of psychological support during a difficult time so don’t hesitate to reach for and use this to help maintain your mental wellbeing. 

All of our Counsellors & Therapists at Feel Better Therapy are fully qualified and accredited with the key professional bodies in Ireland and are skilled to work with a wide range of issues and are there to bring you the care and support you need.

You deserve to be happy!