The Benefits of Online Therapy: How Remote Sessions Can Support Your Wellbeing
- Melanie Rivera
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Therapy looks different today...
this is not because it has lost depth, but because it has evolved to meet people where they are. What once required a waiting room and a commute can now happen from the comfort of home, through a secure video call.
Online therapy (or remote therapy) has become a natural choice for many people seeking emotional support. It’s now widely offered by private practices, as well as NHS Talking Therapies services. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or navigating life changes, remote sessions can make it easier to access consistent, compassionate help.
The Changing Landscape of Therapy
The shift to online work began during the pandemic, but it has since grown into a preferred option for many clients and therapists alike. The British Psychological Society (BPS) and NHS services have both recognised that telehealth and hybrid therapy models are here to stay.
Research consistently shows that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for most issues, particularly for anxiety, depression, and trauma-focused work (The Lancet Psychiatry, 2024; BMC Psychology, 2022).
The Benefits of Online Therapy
Accessibility and Convenience
You can access therapy from anywhere — your home, office, or even while travelling. There’s no need to plan for travel, parking, or bad weather. For those with mobility challenges or busy schedules, online therapy removes many of the barriers that make in-person sessions difficult.
Flexibility and Consistency
Evening or lunchtime sessions can be more easily arranged. If you’re unwell, away from home, or managing childcare responsibilities, you can still attend. This flexibility helps therapy maintain continuity — one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.
Comfort and Privacy
Working from a familiar space can support a sense of calm and safety. For clients who feel anxious about new environments or social settings, being at home can make it easier to open up emotionally. There’s also an added layer of privacy — no waiting rooms or chance encounters.
Continuity of Care
If you travel or relocate, online sessions allow you to maintain your therapeutic relationship. This can be particularly helpful when building trust and making progress over time.
Evidence-Based Effectiveness
Studies have found that therapist-guided online CBT and integrative therapy produce outcomes comparable to in-person sessions (The Lancet Psychiatry, 2024). Online EMDR and Compassion-Focused Therapy have also been shown to reduce distress and improve emotional regulation (BMC Psychology, 2022). Important benefits of online therapy.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While remote therapy offers many advantages, it’s not without its challenges.
Privacy and Space: You’ll need a quiet, confidential setting where you feel comfortable speaking openly.
Technology Issues: Internet connection or software glitches can occasionally interrupt sessions.
Non-Verbal Communication: Some subtle body language or energy shifts may be less visible through a screen, though skilled therapists adapt by checking in more verbally and pacing sessions gently.
Personal Preference: Some people simply feel more connected in the room — and that’s okay. Therapy is personal; what matters most is finding what feels right for you.
What the Research Says
Clinical evidence now strongly supports the use of telehealth across psychological therapies:
The Lancet Psychiatry (2024) – Found that internet-based CBT is equally effective as in-person CBT for depression and anxiety.
BMC Psychology (2022) – Reported that online counselling significantly reduces distress and improves wellbeing.
BPS (2023) – Suggests that hybrid models combining online and face-to-face sessions offer the most sustainable, accessible form of care.
This growing body of research reassures both clients and therapists that online therapy is more than a convenience — it’s an evidence-based, reliable method for supporting mental health.
Making the Right Choice for You
When deciding between online and in-person sessions, reflect on what helps you feel most grounded and able to engage:
Do you value the ease and comfort of being at home?
Do you prefer the sense of physical presence that comes with in-person connection?
Would a blended or hybrid approach work best for your lifestyle?
There’s no “right” way — only what best supports your safety, accessibility, and sense of connection.
🌸 A Personal Note
In my own practice, I’ve seen how transformative online therapy can be for clients who might otherwise find it hard to access regular support. Whether it’s meeting during a lunch break, talking from the comfort of your favourite chair, or continuing therapy while travelling, online sessions can make the process more flexible and sustainable.
Ultimately, therapy is about connection, and with the right setup, that connection is just as real, meaningful, and healing online as it is in person.
📅 Ready to Explore Online Therapy?
If you’d like to find out more about how online sessions work — or simply explore whether I’m the right therapist to support you — I offer a free initial conversation.
👉 You can book a convenient time directly using this link:https://calendar.app.google/kCJfYMWMVn2rFgCy8