Online therapy...

Is online therapy as good as in person therapy?

 I used to be a skeptic about online therapy

Having moved my full counselling practice online for over two years due to the pandemic, I was surprised at how effective and convenient online counselling could be. I'm  happy to continue offering online counselling/psychotherapy and IFS therapy sessions as an option to clients.

Studies have shown that if the therapist is experienced and comfortable working online, the therapeutic alliance can be just as strong. As required by IACP and BACP, I have undergone CPD to ensure I can work ethically online and have provided hundreds of Zoom video sessions from my Galway counselling room ,

Online therapy can be as effective as in person counselling for most clients

Beyond ongoing concerns about covid, online therapy  presents some considerable advantages for some clients.

Therapy is a financial as well as a time commitment. Online therapy cuts travel time and transport costs. It is accessible to people in remote areas and can provide continuity for clients moving country or location. Carers and people with mobility issues may also find online therapy more convenient.

Is online therapy suitable for me?

During our initial call we can assess whether online therapy is suitable for you. In the meantime, here are some important considerations for you to keep in mind.

Privacy and Confidentiality

While I conduct online therapy sessions in my office, you will also need to find a private place where you are confident you will not be overheard or disturbed. You can be creative about this, perhaps even sitting outside in the car, if you have one. (let me know if you are caring for people in your household, so we can discuss how we may manage that during therapy sessions). One recommendation is for you to use headphones

Starting, pacing and ending online sessions.

 Sometimes people find it easier to express themselves with their counsellor when they are not in the same room. The pace and tone of online sessions can feel different from in person counselling. There is usually a transition before and after a face-to-face therapy as you travel to and from my counselling room.  It is equally important to pay attention to how we settle into our online session and plan a careful ending so that you do not feel abruptly cut off. After the session, it may help to take a little time to yourself to adjust back. 

Technology and Practical arrangements

One basic requirement for online counselling is that you have a sufficiently strong internet connection for good quality video calls. If technical issues disrupt our Zoom call, I will attempt to reestablish the connection. If this is not possible, we can resume our session by phone. For confidentiality reasons, I do not conduct therapy via email or chat and limit contact between sessions to practical arrangements and information.

Crea Counselling Galway Room

Netiquette

Meeting me from your home environment may lead to therapy feeling more informal, which may, in turn, affect how you prepare for and experience our meetings. It can help the counselling process if you can find a space where you can sit comfortably for the duration of the session, preferably with your device supported hands-free and set up so that you remain clearly visible with adequate lighting and without needing to make adjustments as we talk. I also helps to turn off other devices (such as phones, TV) and find a way to put other activities on hold so that you can make the most out of your therapy session.

Online Counselling from my usual Crea Counselling Location

Crea Counselling is located in Galway city, between Lower Salthill and the University College Hospital Galway. As well as face-to-face therapy, I offer online counselling and IFS therapy, and blended in person/online therapy depending on clients' needs. 

Go to map

The human psyche, like human bones, is strongly inclined towards self-healing

- John Bowlby -

Share by: