Counseling is always a wonderful option for those looking for a little guidance. Many people are hesitant to consider therapy, but now we have a better understanding of how beneficial counseling can be for our daily lives. As the vicinity we live in now is modifying according to the world of technology, soon many services will have to offer online services to keep up. Especially after the world was plagued with Covid-19, online counseling has helped many people who have struggled with their mental health due to the stresses that came along with the drastic lifestyle changes.
Pros and Cons of Online Counseling Services
However, still, some people oppose the dependency on artificial technology, believing the misconception that the online system is propaganda to control the string of every individual in the possible future. But the people who have been able to rebuild their lives after the pandemic can advocate for how much online counseling and therapy have helped them. This convenient and feasible medium has helped many combat depression along with other traumatic mental conditions. On that note, this article will explore the pros and cons of online counseling services.
Pros of Online Counseling
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No Social Embarrassment
In most cases, people fear the judgments of society and resist counseling and therapy since there is an inaccurate stereotype that people who seek counseling are mentally sick or weak. Even though nowadays it’s quite common to consult a therapist, some people resist therapy due to others’ judgments. This not only makes them reliant on medication like sleeping pills to ease their pain but it also leads them to alienation without ever finding a healthy coping mechanism. As a result, they feel isolated, assuming that they’re alone in their suffering. In this case, seeking counseling online can be their best option. This way they will be able to get treatment discreetly until they feel comfortable sharing their experience.
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There Is A Variety Of Online Therapists Available
Most of the time people might find it difficult to choose the right counselor as the choices may be limited due to their location or the type of therapist their needs require. This can make their search even more off-putting. However, the great thing about online services is that all types of therapists are available worldwide no matter the country or continent. Since there are different reviews online that can help you search for the best mental health counseling services in 2021, it’s even easier to gauge what services would best suit you by looking at the testimonials of others. These therapy services can help you overcome many mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and any other mental disorders you may be battling.
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More Suitable And Efficient For People
Sometimes those who do wish to attend therapy sessions don’t have the luxury due to work, finances, or other circumstances that prevent them from getting the help they need. It can also be due to some inconveniences that don’t support all walks of life. Perhaps they don’t have the time or money to commute to the nearest clinic or they simply can’t find a sitter. Whatever the holdup may be, these issues can negatively impact their lives if they don’t find ways to heal their trauma or find anyone to talk to. So getting help from online counseling services from the comfort of their home can not only impact their life but their children’s lives as well. They won’t have to worry about finding the right time as they’ll be able to fit therapy into their schedule at a time that suits them and they won’t have to hire sitters or pay for gas. They can hop online and get counseling after work or whenever they see fit. What this does is give them the chance to express their thoughts and feelings whether by speaking or writing it out in an email to their mental health professional, and helps them feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
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It Proposes More Flexible Ways
It can be hard to rearrange a schedule for an in-person therapy session since it requires a lot of forward planning. Therefore, an online counseling service can be beneficial for its flexibility alone. Most people live with busy schedules and things can come up out of the blue sometimes, making their plans change. So with a more flexible approach to scheduling a session, the patient can book according to their convenience. They can work and fulfill their personal obligations without having to compromise their mental health and give up their therapy sessions. After all, prioritizing your mental health is a generational wealth that should not be cast aside, so having online solutions that are practical and ensure one aspect of a person’s life doesn’t suffer for another, is going to pay off. .
Cons Of Online Counseling
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Lack Of Connection With The Counselor
There are some downsides to online counseling that may be an issue for the patient. One of these being the security risks. The whole process of counseling is highly confidential, and many people are only comfortable if they can ensure their data is safe online and their discussions remain confidential. Moreover, it can be hard for a person to open up to a complete stranger, so the inability to connect in person can make it difficult for one to trust their counselor. Therapy requires an intimate bond between the therapist and patient, so that they can open up easily in front of them. Unfortunately, in online sessions, whether they take place through audio calls or online chats, they might not be able to convey their true feelings and the counselor may fail to identify the problem. This can result in more harm than good. So it may take a few tries before a patient can fully get on board with online counseling.
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Not All Online Counseling Sessions Are Insured
Many countries offer health insurance to their citizens and employees. Unfortunately, not all insurances are covered by insurance providers. Often people have to pay out of their own pocket to opt for online counseling sessions, and for most public servants, it’s not very affordable. This may become a disadvantage for the people whose health insurance companies are not supportive of online counseling.
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Technical Faults
The biggest drawback of relying on technology is its technical faults. If one is dealing with technical issues like a slow internet connection, old software, slow computers or laptops, or other technological glitches, then online services may seem like a waste of time and money for them. Since the whole purpose of therapy is to connect and accurately diagnose conditions, if the therapists cannot connect due to technical issues, then there is no point to apply for online counseling sessions in the first place.
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Serious Illness Requires In-Person Treatment
If patients suffer serious mental disorders, they may require emergency therapy. In this case, it’s best to have a professional by their side to not take chances with their health. They must consult the professional before things get worse.
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Lack Of Understanding Gestures
Many therapists diagnose the problems of their cases by understanding their postures and gestures since they are an equally important part of communication. Also, many people feel better after intimate eye contact with their therapists. Even though today’s technology is very efficient since there are many ways to take sessions on a video call, holographic meeting, and other efficient ways to communicate online, not everyone can afford this effective online system.
Clearly, there are both advantages and disadvantages of online counseling services. But before deciding which method is best for you, refer to this guide to see what solutions are more convenient for your lifestyle, budget, and mental condition. Furthermore, you should research the services and the different therapists available in your area and online to ensure it’s a good match. If in-person counseling is not feasible at this point in time, then you can definitely benefit from seeking online counseling to help you live a happier and healthier life. After all, investing in your mental health is a must and can help you find ways to live better rather than simply survive, whether you opt for online services or in-person therapy sessions.