Telehealth Counselling: Is Virtual Therapy Right for You?
Counselling doesn’t always have to happen in an office. Telehealth counselling allows you to meet with your therapist virtually from the comfort of your own home.
I provide online video counselling through Jane App, which can offer clients increased flexibility for building a meaningful therapeutic relationship when busy schedules, long commutes, or accessibility concerns make attending in-person therapy more challenging.
What is Telehealth Counselling?
Telehealth counselling, also referred to as online or virtual counselling, is counselling provided through secure video platforms rather than in-person at the therapist’s office. Sessions are similar to in-person counselling sessions: we meet at your scheduled time via Jane App, discuss what brings you to counselling, and collaboratively set goals for our work together. Future sessions typically involve exploring your behaviours, emotions, thoughts, expectations, and the meaning you make of your concerns, as well as the impact of the systems in which you exist such as your family and cultural contexts. Depending on your needs and goals, I may draw from emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, parts work, or mindfulness strategies to support you in making meaningful change.
Benefits of Online Counselling
There are several reasons why some people choose telehealth counselling over in-person sessions:
Flexibility & Convenience: Accessing counselling via your computer, tablet, or phone reduces time spent travelling to and from the counselling office. For busy students, professionals, or parents, this can make it easier to fit therapy into an already packed schedule.
Comfort of Your Own Space: Counselling can feel vulnerable as we talk about difficult topics, and being in your own space can contribute to a greater sense of ease. When accessing therapy from your own space, you have increased control over temperature, lighting, seating and other environmental factors that may help you feel more comfortable and safe.
Greater Accessibility: Online counselling can be particularly helpful for people who live further away from their preferred therapist, have challenges accessing transportation, or have demanding schedules that make it difficult to commute to the office.
Continuity of Care: When unexpected circumstances arise such as weather, illness, or work changes, online therapy can make it easier to maintain consistency when we may need to otherwise cancel an in-person session.
What are the Risks or Limitations to Telehealth?
While telehealth counselling can work well for many people, it’s not always the best option for everyone. Online sessions rely on technology, which means that occasional technical difficulties, internet issues, or other limitations may occur. If you do not have access to a reliable internet connection or a device with a working camera and speakers, in-person therapy is likely a better option. It can also be more difficult to pick up on certain non-verbal cues, as typically the counsellor only sees the client’s upper body and face through the screen. Some people also find they are able to connect more easily with a counsellor in-person.
Privacy is also an important consideration. Ideally, you will have access to a private space where you can speak openly with fear of being overheard or interrupted by family, roommates, or neighbours. If you do not have access to a quiet, private space, it becomes more difficult to guarantee confidentiality and it may feel more challenging to share vulnerably in the therapeutic context.
Telehealth counselling is also not intended to replace emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing an immediate mental health emergency or are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, please seek immediate help through local emergency or crisis services rather than waiting for a counselling session.
Who is Telehealth Counselling Appropriate For?
Telehealth counselling may be a good option if you are an adult who:
Prefers the flexibility and convenience of virtual sessions
Feels comfortable communicating through video
Has access to a reliable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone
Lives further away from their preferred therapist but would still like to access care
During an initial 15-minute consultation, we can also further discuss if online counselling is appropriate for your particular situation and needs.
Where Can I Provide Telehealth Counselling?
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia. This means I can provide virtual counselling to clients who are also located in British Columbia. At this time, I may be able to also work with clients who are located in other Canadian provinces or territories where the counselling profession is unregulated, subject to applicable professional, legal, and insurance requirements. If you are living in Canada but outside of British Columbia and are interested in working together, please reach out to me before booking so I can confirm whether I am able to provide services to you based on your location.
Please keep in mind that requirements can also change. Currently psychotherapy is unregulated in BC, however BC is moving towards regulation, with the expected licensing through the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) to begin November 29, 2027. This may change who I am able to provide services to, depending on the client’s location.
Is Telehealth Right for You?
For some clients, telehealth offers the accessibility, privacy, and flexibility to engage in counselling meaningfully. For others, telehealth can feel like a barrier and in-person counselling is preferred. If you’re uncertain whether virtual counselling would be a good fit for you, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation call where we can further discuss if working together virtually makes sense for your needs.
Interested in getting started? Book a free 15-minute consultation or get in touch to learn more and see whether we might be a good fit.