Not long ago, therapy almost always meant sitting in a counsellor’s office. Today, video sessions have become a normal and widely accepted way to get mental health support. For many people, online therapy has made counselling easier to fit into busy lives. For others, meeting face to face still feels essential.
Clinics such as the Counselling Institute in Calgary offer both in-person sessions and online video counselling, and clients often ask which option will work best for them. The honest answer is that it depends on your needs, your concerns and your personal preferences. Here is how to decide.
How online therapy works
Online therapy usually takes place through a secure video platform designed for healthcare.
Sessions follow the same structure and use the same evidence-based approaches as in-person counselling. You meet with a licensed therapist at a scheduled time, just from a different location.
Reputable providers use secure, privacy-compliant platforms rather than everyday video apps. It is worth asking which platform your therapist uses.
The benefits of online therapy
For many people, online sessions remove the practical barriers that keep them from getting support. Key advantages include:
- No commuting, parking or time spent in waiting rooms
- Easier scheduling around work, school and family responsibilities
- Access to therapists across the province, not just nearby
- A comfortable, familiar setting that can make it easier to open up
- Continuity of care during travel, illness or bad winter weather
- A good option for people with mobility challenges or limited transportation
- Greater privacy for those who prefer not to be seen visiting a clinic
When in-person counselling may be the better choice
If home does not offer privacy, or you live with people you do not feel safe around, an office provides a neutral and confidential environment.
Some approaches, including some trauma-focused, somatic or play-based therapies for young children, can work especially well in person. Many can be adapted for video, but your therapist can advise you.
Some people simply feel more present and engaged when they are in the same room as their therapist. That preference is valid and important.
Formal psychological assessments, such as ADHD or learning assessments, often include parts that need to be completed in person.
How to get the most out of online sessions
Choose a quiet room where you will not be overheard. Headphones help, and some people use their parked car when home is busy.
Test your internet connection, camera and microphone before your first session to avoid interruptions.
Turn off notifications, close other tabs and give yourself a few minutes before and after the session to transition.
Samantha Green, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
