The Benefits Of Online Christian Counseling

When you have concerns or questions that impact your well-being or that of your loved ones, it’s good to have options of where you can go to get help. Thankfully, due to technological innovations, it’s become easier than ever to access mental health care from remote areas and the comfort of your own home through online Christian counseling.

How it works

Online counseling refers to talk therapy or counseling that is conducted over the Internet. Online counseling allows you to connect with a trained and licensed counselor using any device that has an internet connection such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

In contrast to in-person counseling, online counseling can be conducted from anywhere. You can sit in your living room or bedroom and connect with your counselor over your device.

As with in-person counseling, you can choose your counselor based on whether they offer the service you want and your comfort level with them. You can meet your counselor online or meet them in person and then conduct your sessions online if that is what works best for you. In many ways, online counseling is similar to in-person counseling. The main difference is the venue and how you receive support from your counselor.

Questions and concerns addressed in online counseling

If you’re considering going for counseling and using an online option, it’s helpful to know what kinds of issues are addressed in online counseling, and whether you’ll get what you need. Some of the things addressed in online counseling include:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders.
• Stress.
• Depression or behavioral and mood changes.
• Eating disorders.
• Self-esteem issues.
• Body image issues.
• Grief and loss.
• Gender identity.
• Anger management.

You should inquire with a prospective counselor to find out what online services they offer and what they recommend for your needs.

Benefits of online Christian counseling

There are several benefits to getting help through online Christian counseling, and these include:

It works

The platforms for online meetings have only gotten better, especially after the pandemic necessitated online gatherings. The tools for connecting are just a click away and have a relatively low threshold for entry.

The times have changed

It’s far less awkward to have a serious online meeting with someone. It used to be that only business executives or distant lovers used online tools to connect. Again, due to the pandemic, we all had to adapt to meeting online, and it’s something that’s become more accessible to the average person over time.

Convenience

You can meet with your counselor whether they are in town or not, and whether you’re in town or not. This also means you can widen your net of potential counselors so that you find a good fit for you. You’re no longer limited by geography or your budget for gas. If you’re in a remote place, as long as you can connect to the internet, you can meet with your counselor.

Additionally, online counseling allows for greater flexibility such as evening and weekend appointments, which allows you to choose a time that works best for you to get the help you need without impacting your work, childcare, or other weekday priorities. Some people even meet during a lunch break in the office or car.

You’re being helped

Online counseling simply means the venue of your counseling is different from traditional in-person counseling. You’re still getting counseling, and receiving help for your concerns. It’s important to note that online counseling has the same positive outcomes as in-person counseling.

Affordable

Online counseling is often quite affordable because of fewer overhead costs for counselors such as renting office space. Those savings can be passed on to you as lower treatment costs.

It’s private

Getting counseling can be a vulnerable experience. With online counseling, you don’t have to travel anywhere or worry about encountering strangers or people you might know in waiting rooms or outside the counseling center. If you struggle with in-person meetings, or if interactions with receptionists or other clients on your way to your appointment are difficult for you, online counseling cuts through all of that.

Get the help you need with online Christian counseling

Online counseling offers many benefits, but it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, it may not offer adequate support for more acute mental health problems, and it might not be the best platform to deliver and receive certain types of therapy techniques.

Certain issues such as serious addiction or other complex mental health conditions may not respond well to online counseling, instead requiring in-person interventions.

Finding the right online counselor can take time, but it’s worth taking the time and effort. If you have any questions about whether online Christian counseling is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a counselor who can guide you. Your counselor can answer any questions you have and offer guidance so that you receive the support you need for you and your circumstances. Call our office at Texas Christian Counseling for more information.