How to Start Online Counselling: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Author – Annapurna Thakuria, Counselling Psychologist
There comes a time in life when everything seems to come to a pause. You want to move ahead, but you simply can’t. Not because you don’t want to but because you don’t know how to. Outside noise feels heavier to your ears, something keeps pressuring over your head, your mind seems to flip pages so fast, you can’t find the hold of it.
The nights come in pouring thoughts. Thoughts you try to push away, but every push makes them 2X stronger! You want to sleep but those thoughts bind your mind and body as tightly as a “Devil’s Snare”.
Then comes the mornings, with little to no sleep, your day already takes a downhill. You are greeted with ‘good mornings’ and ‘smiles’; those aches your head. You might think, “Why are they so happy about?”
You want to scream but instead, you do what you have been doing best for quite some time now. You fake a smile. You in fact, fake the entire day, showing as if you are happy, confident, the hustler but your inside feels like they are slowly becoming hollow, like those wooden frames damaged by termites.
Maybe at some point, you have thought about therapy too.
But then there were questions that came flooding in.
How does one find a therapist?
What happens in Counselling?
Will I be considered ‘crazy’?
What if it feels awkward?
And most importantly; Is online Counseling actually helpful?
If you have been feeling this way, this complete guide, will walk you through online Counselling in a simple, practical and comfortable way.
What Is Online Counseling And How Does It Work?
Online Counseling or online therapy is a mental health support service that is delivered over the internet.
It allows people to receive mental health guidance, support, and Counseling at the comfort of their home, online.
It is very similar to traditional in-person therapy or Counseling, in terms of its process. The main difference is, online Counseling uses the internet to provide sessions through digital platforms.
Once you find a therapist or counselor, sessions can happen in real-time via video call (most preferred), phone call, or through live-chat.
Now, online Counseling sessions can happen through different platforms. Some therapists offer sessions independently through their own private practice, while others work with mental health platforms or Counseling organizations that provide online therapy services.
Is Online Counseling Effective?
Honestly, therapy is not just about whether it is happening in-person or in an online setting. What truly makes Counseling effective is the work that happens within the process.
Yes, having a good therapist or counselor matters. But so does the connection between you and your therapist. You need to feel comfortable, understood, emotionally safe, and genuinely heard. This is what makes a huge difference in how therapy feels and works for you.
Another big factor that plays an important role in therapy is “YOU”!
Whether Counseling happens online or face-to-face, therapy can bring up some emotions, memories, fears, or thoughts that you may have been avoiding for a long time. At that point, it is very important that you sit through and understand that therapy is not a ‘magic potion’.
It is a process that works best only when you are willing to open up, reflect and slowly work through things with support.
So, if you are wondering whether online Counselling can create real change, growth, and emotional healing; then YES, it absolutely can.
Online Counseling feels just as personal, supportive, and effective as in-person therapy. Plus, it happens in your own comfortable space, which makes it even easier for you to open up.
Signs You Can Benefit From Counseling
Many people still believe therapy or Counseling is only for someone who is suffering from some kind of mental illness or are in a crisis situation.
Contrary to that, mental health Counseling is for anyone feeling a bit heavy emotionally, or if they find difficulties in processing some emotions like fear, or grief, or even anger.
If you are someone who:
i. Is feeling overwhelmed by emotions
ii. Worry too much about things
iii. Having sleep problems
iv. Difficulty processing grief after losing a loved one
v. Going through a troubled relationship or marriage
vi. Having anxious thoughts
vii. Or anything that makes you struggle at your daily life
Then, you do not need to wait until things become unbearable to seek help.
Whether you are a student, a working professional, or even retired, support is available for everyone.
Through platforms like Positivty.com, you can also explore support for different concerns such as motivation, procrastination, relationships, personal growth and emotional well-being.
How To Find The Right Therapist?
Okay, this is where most people find it overwhelming as it may take some time. But remember that, a right therapist is not only qualified (of course qualification is important), but also someone who you are comfortable with. Your friend’s ‘right’ therapist may not be your ‘right’ therapist.
This brings us back to the question, ‘How do you find the right one?’
Most therapists are today available on digital platforms, which makes it easier to find out information about them. Some are available on mental health platforms, or even social media apps like ‘Instagram’, ‘Facebook’ and ‘Linkedin’.
No matter what the platform is, the very first thing you would want to check, is the qualification of the therapist. A qualified counsellor or therapist should have proper professional training, relevant qualifications and supervised clinical experience.
Next, you go through about their areas of expertise. Sometimes those are available on their bio, or on their ‘About’ pages. You will find trained therapist for anxiety, therapist for depression, and many more. Look for their therapy approach, language preferences and of course their availability.
It is completely okay if the first therapist you try does not feel the right fit for you. Try to find out whether you feel emotionally safe and understood during sessions.
Therapy works best when there is trust and comfort in the therapeutic relationship.
What Happens During Your First Online Counselling Session?
The first Counseling session is all about getting to know you better. The therapist may ask you about your concerns, your medical history, emotional struggle, personal background, or what made you seek Counseling at this point of your life.
You do not need to prepare for the best answers, just go with the flow. You do not even need to share everything immediately, take your time and then share your story. It is okay to feel nervous, confused, or not sure what to say.
The right therapist will be able to take you out of your ‘awkwardness’ and bring out the ‘confident’ you and you will be able to notice it right away.
The first session is just the starting point, expecting to feel a 360° change in your thoughts or your mood will be wrong. Counseling or therapy takes time and you need to be persistent and patient with it, but also not to compromise with your emotional safety and comfort.
Will Your First Session Be Awkward?
To be honest, YES! However, this is completely normal. Talking to a stranger about your personal life and struggle on the first meet surely can feel awkward. Many people worry about what to say, whether their problems are ‘serious enough’ or if they are able to explain themselves well during the session.
Therapy, however, is not about saying things perfectly or bringing out your best self. With time comfort and trusts develop and sessions feel more natural and emotionally safe.
TIPS TO FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE DURING ONLINE COUNSELLING
i.Find a comfortable and private space to attend your online session.
ii. Use earphones if that makes you more comfortable.
iii. Avoid crowded areas like the café, mall or even a playground for your sessions, because that can make it difficult for you to open up due to distractions.
iv. Keep a water bottle, tissue box and a notebook nearby.
v. Give yourself some time to settle down before your session starts.
vi. Remember your counsellor will not judge you and so you can speak whatever is in your mind.
vii. Your counsellor might give you some homework, try to complete those tasks before coming for your next session. Share Your Story
Common Myths About Online Counselling:
A lot of people even today hold the belief that Counseling is for ‘broken’ people or people suffering from some serious mental issues. The truth is, everyone and anyone having any kind of difficulty in life can seek Counselling.
Another myth many people hold is that therapist can give you solutions for your life problems. A therapist will never give you solutions or even suggestions for your life. That is something you need to find out through the navigational guidance of the therapist.
Many people also think therapy will heal everything instantly. But the truth is, no matter how unpleasant is it, therapy takes time. Sometimes months, sometimes years. Counseling does not work ‘magic’ in just one or two sessions.
Healing does not happen in a couple of sittings. Some days the therapist will ask you questions you don’t want to answer. You may not always feel better after a session ends, some sessions might leave you feeling worse.
Many leave therapy exactly at this point. When things get bitter, they avoid. This is psychological resistance. Some return after a few months, some go look for a different therapist.
Being able to sit through these bitter moments, having faith in your therapist and in yourself and returning to the next session with hope is what makes Counseling successful.
Final Thoughts:
If you have read till here, chances are that you are thinking about seeking mental health support online for yourself or for someone close to you. And starting therapy can feel intimidating at first, but you do not need to figure out everything before reaching out to help.
If you want to know more about therapy online services, or anything about online therapy for depression, anxiety, stress, even marriage or behavioural issues, you can check out pages that offer these services.
Start Therapy Today
Sometimes, asking for support is not a sign of weakness but a sign of courage. It is a sign that you are ready to stop carrying everything alone and start taking responsibility for your mental peace and well-being.
