Common Questions about Online Counseling for Couples

Relationship counseling online is a convenient and effective way to address your relationship issues even before you notice the first marriage breakdown signs. However, many people are unsure how online counseling works, is it effective, or what is the online therapy cost.

So, here are the answers that may help you understand how relationship counseling online works and what is the best online counseling for you.

How does Online Counseling for Couples Work?

Online counseling for couples is just like traditional counseling, except that you don’t have to come to the office. So, the biggest difference between online counseling for couples and traditional in-office counseling is that online counseling is done via the web or telephone.

For our online counseling sessions, you’ll need a strong internet connection and place where you can feel comfortable and undisturbed. Headphones and white noise machine app on the phone are always a great idea if you have concerns about being overheard.

Online therapy for couples is flexible. It can be managed from your home or office at any time you find convenient, as many online counselors are available outside of traditional Monday through Friday 9 to 5 hours. Also, you don’t have to limit to couples counselors in your geographical area, which provides a greater chance to find a therapist who is a good fit for you.

Online counseling is intended to teach you effective tools for dealing with personal and relationship issues. Whether it is a major life transition, mental illness, an affair, communication problems, or rekindling closeness, relationship counseling online is a safe environment to address your issues.

Is Relationship Counseling Online Effective?

Absolutely. Online counseling can just as effective as traditional in-office couples therapy. However, just like with everything else, online therapy can be a better fit for some and not a great fit for others.

You just need to notice it, be aware of it, and work with it with your therapist. In most cases, those limitations can be accounted for, and we can do very effective clinical work. It’s important to note that online counseling (or couples counseling in general) is not recommended for couples struggling with addictions, abuse, ongoing affairs, or severe mental health issues.

The goal of couples therapy, whether it is conducted online or in office, is to empower couples to start seeing each other as partners, not enemies and to start working together on their relationship problems.

If your marriage challenges go beyond your ability to manage them constructively, online couples counseling may be the best option for you.

During our online sessions, we’ll address your individual needs, expectations, and feelings. We will work on improving your communication and overcoming your fear of conflicts, so you feel empowered to approach arguments assertively and positively.

Also, online marriage counseling may help you learn how to become more vulnerable in your relationship. Many people believe that showing vulnerability is bad or a sign of weakness. However, opening up to your partner and relying on them for meeting your emotional needs is actually a good thing.

As humans, we are hard-wired for connection. We need to be emotionally connected with others to survive and thrive. Couples counseling (whether online or in-office) may help you to actively listen and validate each other’s feelings, even if you disagree or when you feel upset. Once you start building this kind of connection with your partner, your relationship may start improving.

Online couples counseling may also be a safe environment to work on intimacy issues, rekindle connection, and develop new perspectives about your relationship.

Do We Have to Be in the Same Room?

Ideally, both partners are in the same room that offers them privacy. Usually, partners share a screen/computer during an online couples counseling session. However, some couples I work with life or temporarily stay in two different places due to work or other life obligations.

As long as both partners can find a safe and undisturbed place to talk as well as a strong internet connection, we can make it work using a secure HIPAA compliant software that allows multiple locations and people to join.

Summary

Online relationship counseling is as effective as traditional in-office therapy. The biggest difference between these two forms of marriage therapy is that online counseling for couples is done via the web, or telephone.

I hope this information helps you to better understand how online therapy for relationship issues work. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give me a call at (703)347 3200 and schedule an appointment for my Wake Forest office here.