Biggest myths about online counseling for couples

Biggest Myths about Online Counseling for Couples

You’ve decided that your relationship would benefit from marriage therapy, but you are not able (for one reason or another) to attend traditional in-office couples counseling. This should not bother you, as there are several online counseling options available today.

However, to most people, online counseling is a new thing. And as with everything else that is novel and innovative, some myths are going around about online counseling for couples. Let’s try to debunk some of these myths that surround online couples therapy.

Relationship Therapy Online Does Not Work

This is absolutely not true.

Online couples counseling works the same as traditional in-office therapy.

The only difference is that online counseling happens via the web, or telephone. For some people, online therapy works better than traditional because online counseling is flexible and it can be managed from any place and at any time you find convenient (as long as you feel safe and secure).

Also, online counseling provides a larger selection of couples counselors, which gives you a greater chance to find a marriage therapist who is a good fit for your needs.

You may worry whether you’ll be able to build a relationship with your therapist online. However, some people actually find it easier to work with a therapist online or over the phone as they feel safer and more comfortable to express themselves this way.

Some of my clients were concerned at the beginning that it will be harder for them to work on their emotions in depth in online sessions. However, with the best online counseling, I can reassure you that this is not the case. We’ll find ways of working that suit you and that will make our online sessions as productive as traditional counseling sessions. Some clients are even more open, honest, and relaxed during online or phone sessions.

Online Counseling for Couples Is Not as Effective as Traditional In-office Therapy

As your online relationship counselor, I will regularly asses the effectiveness of our sessions. We will also together discuss the progress of our work. Like with any other type of counseling, in relationship counseling online, you will get out of therapy what you are ready to put in along with your counselor.

In other words, if you are willing to work on your relationship issues and if you find a therapist who is a good fit, there is no single reason why our online counseling for couples wouldn’t be as effective as face-to-face therapy in my Wake Forest office.

If you are not struggling with addictions, abuse, ongoing affairs, or severe mental health issues, online relationship counseling may be the best place to address the first marriage breakdown signs.

During our online sessions, we’ll address both yours and your partner’s needs, expectations, and feelings and work together on improving your communication. You will learn how to address your issues assertively and honestly and validate each other’s feelings. This will help rekindle connection and inspire positive changes in your relationship.

Some clients express concerns that they might not be as focused on online sessions as they would be in face-to-face therapy. You shouldn’t fear that you will be easier distracted during our online sessions though.

 You may get distracted only if you are not 100 percent committed to your relationship therapy, which is a totally different story.

 Relationship counseling online requires your full dedication and motivation to change the same way traditional in-office counseling does.

In short, online couples counseling can actually be more effective and stress-free than in-office therapy.

Sessions can be arranged at a time that suits you the best and in the comfort of your home or other preferred surroundings.

And when it comes to online therapy cost and convenience, this form of therapy may be more economical as you don’t have to travel, leave work early, pay for childcare, or get stuck in traffic while trying to reach your counselor’s office.

Relationship Counseling Online Is Not Secure

Online couples therapy (and e-counseling in general) can be secure. We will agree on terms and conditions, such as that the sessions are run from a room in which only you and your partner are present. We will not schedule sessions while you are in public places or using public networks such as those from the libraries of Starbucks.

We will discuss any confidentiality and security concerns that you may have before we start couples counseling online.

Summary

If you are motivated and committed to change, there is no reason why relationship counseling online wouldn’t work. In fact, many people find online counseling as effective as traditional therapy. Plus, online couples counseling is cost and time effective, allowing you to schedule sessions from the comfort of your home, at the time that suits your needs the best.

 I am sure that there are some other questions about online couples therapy you may have. I will be delighted to hear your thoughts and answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to give me a call at (703)347 3200 and schedule an appointment online or in my Wake Forest office here.