Online therapy allows you to speak with a qualified mental health professional remotely, usually through a secure video or audio session. Instead of travelling to a clinic or counselling centre, you can attend your session from a private and comfortable location that works for you.
Before your session, you will usually receive information about how to join your appointment. At the scheduled time, you connect with your therapist using your phone, tablet, or computer.
To attend an online therapy session, you will need:
- A phone, tablet, or computer
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet and private place where you feel comfortable talking
- Headphones or earphones if you would like additional privacy
- Enough uninterrupted time for your session
Once the session begins, online therapy works much like an in-person therapy session. Your therapist will talk with you, listen to what you are experiencing, and help you explore the thoughts, emotions, situations, or relationships that may be affecting your wellbeing.
Depending on what you would like support with, you and your therapist may:
- Talk about what has been happening in your life and how you have been feeling
- Explore thoughts, emotions, behaviours, or patterns that you have noticed
- Identify concerns you would like to work on
- Set personal goals for therapy
- Develop ways of understanding or responding to difficult situations
- Learn and practise coping strategies or other therapeutic techniques
- Reflect on progress and adjust what you focus on as therapy continues
You do not need to prepare a perfect explanation of what you are going through before joining the session. You can simply start with what feels most important, or even tell your therapist that you are unsure where to begin. They can help guide the conversation from there.
Just like in-person therapy, you decide how much you feel comfortable sharing. You can take your time, ask questions, pause when you need to, and talk about concerns at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Some people also find that being in their own familiar environment makes it easier to open up. Others may simply appreciate being able to access therapy without having to factor in travel time, distance, or getting to a clinic.
Online therapy can be particularly useful if you:
- Live far from therapy services
- Have a busy work, study, or family schedule
- Prefer speaking from a familiar environment
- Have difficulty travelling regularly
- Want greater flexibility in fitting therapy into your routine
What matters most is finding a space where you can speak privately and feel comfortable engaging in the conversation.
Online therapy brings the human connection and professional support of therapy into a setting that may be easier to access, giving you greater flexibility while still allowing you and your therapist to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship.