Online Therapy and How it Can Help

If you are considering online therapy and wondering what it might be like, this piece offers a gentle introduction to the process and what you can expect when you begin.

Starting therapy often comes with mixed feelings. You might feel hopeful, unsure, relieved, anxious, or all of these at once. If you are considering online therapy, it is very natural to wonder what it will be like and whether it will feel supportive enough for you.

Online therapy offers a way of beginning this work from the comfort of your own space. For many people, that can make reaching out feel a little more manageable, especially if starting therapy already feels like a big step.

What is online therapy like?

Online therapy involves meeting with a qualified psychologist via a secure video platform. The sessions themselves are much the same as in-person therapy. There is time and space to talk, to reflect, and to explore what has been shaping your experiences and relationships.

Many people are surprised by how connected online therapy can feel. Being in a familiar environment can help some people feel safer and more able to open up. Others appreciate the flexibility and ease of not needing to travel or fit therapy into an already busy day.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a gentle starting point. It is a chance for us to begin getting to know one another and to talk about what has brought you to therapy at this time. We will explore what you are hoping for, what feels most pressing right now, and anything you think might be helpful for me to understand about your history.

There is no pressure to share everything at once. Therapy moves at a pace that feels right for you, and it is always okay to take your time.

How does online therapy work in practice?

Sessions usually take place weekly or fortnightly and last around fifty minutes for individual therapy or sixty minutes for couples. All you need is a private space where you feel comfortable and a reliable internet connection.

Over time, online therapy can become a regular, steady space in your week. Many people find that having this consistent time set aside helps them reflect more deeply and feel supported between sessions.

Is online therapy suitable for trauma or relationship work?

Yes. Online therapy can be a meaningful and effective space for working with trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties. Approaches such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy can be adapted thoughtfully for online work.

What matters most is the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the sense of safety and collaboration within it. Therapy is not about rushing or pushing, but about working carefully and compassionately with what you bring.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You do not need to be in crisis to come to therapy. Many people seek therapy because something feels stuck, overwhelming, or unclear, or because they want to understand themselves or their relationships in a deeper way.

If you are unsure, that uncertainty is welcome too. Often the first step is simply having a conversation and seeing how it feels to begin.

Taking the first step

Reaching out for therapy is a meaningful decision, and it is okay if it feels tender or uncertain. Online therapy offers a flexible and accessible way to begin this process, with support that is paced, relational, and responsive to your needs.

If you are considering online therapy and would like to explore whether working together might be a good fit, you are very welcome to get in touch.