Online vs. In-Person Therapy: Is Online therapy really therapy?

Not so long ago, many people — therapists included — questioned whether online counselling could ever be as effective as sitting face-to-face in the same room. The assumption was that you couldn’t build the same depth of connection, or that technology would somehow dilute the therapeutic process.

I’ll be honest: I used to hold this view too.

But like many therapists, my perspective changed as more people began accessing therapy online. Experience has shown me that online counselling isn’t a “second best” option. In fact, for some, it can be the very thing that makes therapy possible.

The Benefits of Online Counselling

Online therapy offers a number of unique advantages:

• Accessibility – geography is no longer a barrier. People can work with a therapist even if they live far away or have limited local options.

• Comfort – clients can join from their own space, often making it easier to feel grounded and present.

• Flexibility – sessions can be easier to fit into busy lives, reducing the stress of travel or scheduling.

• Inclusivity – online work can open doors for those who might find in-person sessions inaccessible due to disability, health conditions, or caregiving responsibilities.

For many, being in a familiar environment reduces anxiety and allows them to speak more openly. Far from weakening the relationship, online work can actually deepen it.

The Challenges of Online Counselling

Of course, online counselling isn’t without its challenges. Some clients (and therapists) miss the shared sense of space that comes with being in the same room. Technical glitches can interrupt the flow of a session. And for some people, having therapy at home may blur boundaries between “therapy space” and “everyday life.”

But these challenges are usually manageable. With preparation, clear boundaries, and openness, online counselling can be just as effective — sometimes even more so — than in-person therapy.

A Different Way of Being Together

What really matters in counselling is the quality of the relationship: safety, trust, and connection. And those qualities can absolutely exist through a screen. Online counselling doesn’t diminish the work — it simply offers a different way of being together.

For many people, it means therapy is finally within reach. And that, in itself, is powerful.

In the end, the right therapy option is the one that helps you feel supported and understood. Your mental health journey is unique, and finding the right fit can make all the difference. Embrace the process, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength.