Online Therapy: Different Format, Same Human Connection
Does Online Counselling Really Work?
By: Victoria Cory
Once you’ve decided to give therapy a try, one of the first decisions you may face is whether to see a counsellor in person or online. While some people have a clear preference, others may feel unsure about which option is the better fit for them.
A concern I hear often is that online therapy won’t provide the same experience as meeting in person. My hope in this post is to give you a clearer understanding of the benefits of online counselling and to gently dispel some of the common myths about it.
Myths about Online Counselling
Here are a few myths that often come up when people are considering online counselling:
Myth #1: “It won’t feel the same”
Many people worry that therapy can only be effective if you are sitting in the same room as your counsellor. While this is a very normal hesitation, connection in therapy is built through attunement, empathy, and presence—not just physical proximity. These are all things that can be experienced through video just as meaningfully.
Myth #2: “You can’t pick up on body language online”
It’s true that your counsellor won’t see your full body, but we are trained to notice facial expressions, tone of voice, pacing, and subtle emotional shifts. In some cases, being closer on screen actually allows us to pick up on more detail.
There can also be an added benefit: when you’re in your own space, you may feel more at ease, which can lead to a more natural and authentic expression of your emotions.
Myth #3: “Technology will get in the way”
Some people worry about tech issues or feel they need to be especially tech-savvy. In reality, most online counselling platforms are very simple to use—often it’s just a matter of clicking a secure link sent to your email.
Your counsellor will also have a backup plan in place if something goes wrong, whether that’s switching platforms or continuing the session by phone. The focus stays on you, not the technology.
Myth #4: “It’s not as private or secure”
Privacy is a very valid concern. At Hearthstone, we use secure platforms like Jane and Zoom, which are designed specifically for health services.
These platforms are HIPAA-compliant, meaning they follow strict privacy and security standards to protect your personal health information. They also use encryption, which ensures that your sessions remain private and cannot be accessed by others.
Another benefit of online counselling is that you can choose the space that feels most private and comfortable for you. For some, this also reduces the worry of running into someone they know when attending in-person sessions.
If you ever have questions about privacy, we are always happy to walk you through it so you can feel informed and at ease.
Myth #5: “It’s only for mild issues – not serious concerns”
Online counselling can support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Both individual and couples therapy can be done effectively online.
Even more specialized approaches, such as EMDR therapy, can be adapted for online sessions and have been shown to be just as effective as in-person work.
Benefits of Online Counselling
Now that we’ve explored some of the myths, let’s look at a few of the unique benefits of online counselling:
1. Comfort and Safety: You can attend your session from a space where you already feel comfortable. Many clients find it easier to open up when they are in their own environment.
2. Accessibility & Convenience: Online counselling removes the need for travel and makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule—whether that’s between meetings, during a child’s activity, or before the workday begins. It can also be especially helpful for those with mobility challenges.
3. Greater Choice of Counsellors: With online counselling, you’re not limited to providers in your immediate area. This allows you to focus on finding the right fit for you. It can be especially valuable for those living in rural or remote areas with fewer local options.
4. Continuity of Care: Life doesn’t always stay in one place—and your therapy doesn’t have to either. Whether you’re travelling, relocating within BC, or navigating life changes, online counselling allows you to maintain consistency with your counsellor.
A Final Thought
At the end of the day, what makes therapy meaningful isn’t the room you’re sitting in—it’s the relationship you build, the safety you feel, and the space you’re given to be heard and understood.
Online counselling offers a different format, but the heart of the work remains the same.
Considering Online Counselling?
If you’ve been curious about online therapy but unsure if it’s right for you, it may be worth giving it a try. You don’t have to commit long-term—sometimes a single session is enough to get a sense of how it feels.
If you have questions or would like to learn more, we’re always here to help you explore your options and find what feels like the best fit for you.
Meet our Online Counsellors:
Victoria Cory MA, RCC, CCC
Victoria provides online counselling for individuals and couples throughout BC. She is a trained EMDR therapist and works with clients dealing with complex, childhood, and adult traumas. She also specializes in working with Neurodivergent clients and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Book a free 20min consult with Victoria to learn more: https://invermerecounsellor.janeapp.com/locations/hearthstone-counselling-invermere/book#/staff_member/5
Cassidy Thind MA, RCC, CCC
Cassidy provides online counselling for teens (13 – 18), adults, couples, and families throughout BC and Alberta. Her work focuses on anxiety, OCD, and attachment-based relational patterns. She uses Attachment-focused therapy (EFT), person centered therapy and has specialized training for supporting parents of children with anxiety (SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Book a free 20 min consult with Cassidy to learn more: https://invermerecounsellor.janeapp.com/locations/hearthstone-counselling-invermere/book#/staff_member/11