If this is the first time you have come across my site, my name is Elaine, and I specialise in working with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Over the years, I’ve worked with so many amazing clients across Ireland and the UK, and I was one of the early adopters of online therapy. Honestly, it wasn’t because I was a tech wizard or saw the future—it just made sense.
When I first started private practice in Dublin, people would drive hours from the West of Ireland or even Belfast to see me. They were looking for a therapist with a specific approach or skill set, and I remember thinking, “Surely there’s a better way than making someone drive all that way just for one session.” That’s when I first started offering online therapy, long before it became the norm during and after COVID-19.
I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be for people to access mental healthcare. Waiting lists can feel endless. In the UK, nearly 1 in 4 adults has to wait over three months just to see an NHS therapist. Can you imagine finally reaching out for help, only to be told to wait three months? It’s no wonder so many people feel stuck or hopeless.
For me, online therapy was a game changer—not just for my clients, but for myself. I live with chronic fatigue syndrome, which means my energy can be unpredictable. Traveling to and from an office every day? That would’ve been impossible for me at times. Online therapy makes it easier for me to help my clients without pushing myself too far, and I know it offers that same flexibility to others with physical or logistical challenges.
A Shift Toward Online Therapy
When I first started offering online sessions, some people were skeptical. “Isn’t it too impersonal?” they’d ask. But as the years went on, I noticed a big shift. What was once considered “niche” has become mainstream, especially after COVID-19. People realized they didn’t need to drive for hours or sit in traffic just to talk to someone. And research consistently backs this up: online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions.
What Is Online Therapy?
Simply put, online therapy brings the therapist’s office to you. Whether you’re in your living room, your car (parked, of course), or even sitting at your desk at work, you can connect with a licensed therapist remotely.
Here are the main ways people use online therapy:
- Video therapy: This is the most common. It’s like Zoom, but with extra security to protect your privacy.
- Text therapy: Prefer writing things out? You can message your therapist and get responses during a set time.
- Phone therapy: No internet? No problem. Some therapists offer phone sessions for people who don’t want or can’t do video.
How It Works
It’s not all that different from in-person therapy. You pick a therapist, book sessions, and show up—only now, “showing up” means clicking a link or dialing in. The convenience is hard to beat.
Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy
You might be wondering: “Isn’t in-person therapy better?” Well, it depends on what you need. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Online Therapy | In-Person Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High – attend from anywhere | Lower – you have to travel |
| Cost | Often more affordable | Sometimes more expensive |
| Access | Wider range of therapists available | Limited by location |
| Technology | Needs a reliable internet connection | None required |
| Non-verbal cues | Can be harder to pick up on | Easier to observe |
For many people, the flexibility of online therapy makes it a no-brainer. For others, in-person sessions feel more grounded. And then there’s the hybrid model—a mix of both—which I think offers the best of both worlds.
Why Online Therapy Works
I’ve had clients tell me they feel more comfortable opening up from their own homes. One person with social anxiety once said, “I feel like I can be myself here. If we were in an office, I’d probably just nod and say I was fine.” Moments like that remind me why online therapy works.
Here are a few reasons people love it:
- Convenience: No commuting. No scrambling to fit therapy into a packed schedule.
- Affordability: Online therapy is often less expensive, which makes it more accessible.
- Privacy: You can have your session from the comfort of your home—no awkward waiting rooms.
- Accessibility: Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet village, online therapy connects you with therapists from anywhere.
Conditions Online Therapy Can Help
Online therapy is a fantastic option for many mental health challenges, including:
- Anxiety disorders: From generalized anxiety to panic attacks, therapists can help you develop strategies to cope. Learn more about how online therapy helps with anxiety.
- OCD: Techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) work well online.
- Depression: Explore underlying causes and learn how to manage low moods.
- Trauma and PTSD: Therapists can guide you through evidence-based treatments like EMDR remotely.
- Stress management: From mindfulness to time management, you can learn tools to handle life’s pressures.
How to Find the Right Therapist
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Check their credentials: Make sure they’re licensed and experienced.
- Know what you need: Look for someone who specializes in your concerns.
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about their approach to therapy or how they work online.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still on the fence about online therapy, I get it. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But for so many people, it’s been a lifeline—a way to get the support they need without added stress. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, OCD, or just need someone to talk to, online therapy could be the step forward you’re looking for.