A couple requires two people to come together for one relationship. They make each other happy, are supportive of one another, and are there for them during the good times and the bad times. Life can be challenging, messy, and chaotic. When involved in a relationship, you are taking on your own stressors as well as your partner’s. Life can throw a lot of different things your way. Your family, friends, career, and financial responsibilities can all cause struggles personally and in your relationship.
There isn’t a one size fits all solution. A right way or a wrong way doesn’t exist. There are several factors that are considered. Just like a relationship, therapy can differ per couple too. Here’s how online couples therapy works.
What is Online Couples Therapy?
Online couples therapy is essentially the online version of couples therapy. The main difference between online couples therapy and regular couples therapy sessions is just the location. During a normal couples therapy session, the session would take place in the same room as your therapist. Typically, a regular couples therapy session occurs in a therapist’s office.
During online couples therapy, the session would take place on a phone, tablet, or computer screen. When it comes to online couples therapy, you and your partner don’t even have to be in the same room for it to work.
Is Online Couples Therapy Effective?
Online couples therapy is proven to be just as effective as in-person couples therapy. The same principle applies to both in-person and online couples therapy. A therapist can do everything online that they would be able to do in an in-person session. They are even able to still pick up on body language and tone of voice as they would in person. The only downfalls of online couples therapy compared to in-person are the comfort level and technical difficulties that can occur during a session.
Who is Online Couples Therapy Good For?
If you’re interested in couples therapy, online may be a great option for you. Anyone can attend online couples therapy, but it may be a great resource for some couples over others. Online may be better suited for couples or people who:
Have busy schedules.
Live in areas with little to no access to in-person therapy.
Have an anxiety disorder or disability that prevents them from attending sessions in person.
Are separated from military deployment, career relocation, or hospitalization.
Want a little more comfort and privacy.
What to Expect with Online Couples Therapy
Online couples therapy isn’t that different when compared to traditional in-person therapy. When attending one of your first online couple therapy sessions, you would simply log into the preferred platform that your therapist uses, which may even be a program that you’ve used before.
Therapists generally use a HIPAA compliant version of common virtual platforms, like Google Meet, Doxy.me or Zoom. Depending on your therapist, they may require you to turn on your video. This is highly encouraged, as it’s a great way to get a little more comfortable with each other, as well as a way to help better pick up on body language and tone of voice throughout the session.
Similar to traditional therapy, the first few sessions of online couples therapy will involve working with your therapist to outline your reasons for attending therapy, what you’re hoping to get out of the session, treatment goals, relationship history, and building a bond with your therapist. In a later session, you’ll work on any issues, and your therapist will implement strategies to help with any issues that may come up in the future.
Next Steps
Online couples therapy can be a great option for you and your partner. If you’ve been considering going to therapy, online couples therapy is just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Whether you’re interested in attending in person or virtually, reach out to us today to set up a consultation. We’re excited to work with you and make your therapy experience easy and effective for you all around.
Through Therapy Collective
Our team of culturally competent therapists is here to offer a warm and safe space to help you navigate life’s hardships with a sense of encouragement and empathy. Find out more >
