Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, virtual counseling or “telehealth” was becoming increasingly popular. Now that this pandemic has forced most of the world to practice social distancing and stay inside, however, it’s become an even more vital resource than ever.
Virtual counseling for loss, especially during this pandemic, can be just as effective as its in-person counterpart.
If you’re not sure if virtual counseling is right for you, let’s go over a few reasons why it’s highly effective, and how it can help you if you need support.
1. It Offers More Access to Counseling
Some people, especially those who live in rural areas, may have never had the opportunity to go to a counselor before. Virtual counseling allows you to talk with someone no matter where you are in the world. Plus, you’ll do so without leaving the comfort of your home. If you’ve never been able to meet with a counselor because of where you live, virtual counseling gives you the chance to do so.
It also makes counseling accessible to people who might have mobility issues, chronic pain, or other health conditions that keep them from getting out of the house too often. You only need a quiet space within your home to obtain the benefits of online counseling.
2. It Can Create Openness
When you’re in a virtual counseling session, you can do it from the comfort of your home. In an intimate space, it’s easier to open up and be more vulnerable. You may even share more with a counselor virtually than you would during an in-office session.
3. It’s Convenient
It can sometimes be challenging to find a time that works for both you and your counselor. So, you may not get to talk to them as often as you’d like. Plus, the hassle of merely driving to the counselor’s office can dissuade some individuals from keeping the appointment. Especially great for medical personnel and others whose scheduling might make it difficult to access a typical appointment time.
Virtual counseling is convenient and can be done after regular “working hours,” so you can find a time that works for your schedule without having to wait for weeks in between.
4. It’s Affordable
In-person counseling can be expensive. For some people, the cost is an issue that may have kept them away from working with a counselor in the past. However, it has been shown that virtual counseling is more affordable for both the client and the therapist.
Many states are now requiring insurance providers to cover online therapy sessions, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Have you been considering virtual counseling, but you’re not sure if you can afford it? Talk to your insurance company to see if it’s covered.
There are fewer overhead costs to worry about when it comes to virtual therapy from a therapist’s standpoint. So, they can pass those savings onto their clients. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is a different rate for virtual services.
5. It Offers Similar Benefits as In-person Counseling
One of the biggest questions people tend to have about virtual counseling is whether you’ll get the same experience as you would in person. The answer is, for most people, a resounding yes.
Because most virtual therapy sessions are via video chat, you can still see your counselor’s face and expressions, and they can see yours.
If you have a reliable internet connection, a private area of your home, and a willingness to clear time in your schedule, virtual counseling can be incredibly helpful.
If virtual counseling interests you, you might still have questions or wonder if it’s right for you. Feel free to contact me for more information or visit my page about counseling for loss. Together, we can get through these uncertain times and far beyond. And, you can do it from the comfort of your home.