How Does Online Couples Therapy Work?
Therapy sessions used to mean a trip to a physical office. Thanks to the digital age, online therapy has emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional in-person sessions.
While individual therapy requires one person to carve out time, couples therapy doubles the scheduling challenge. Online couples therapy offers much-needed flexibility for busy duos. Let's dive into how it works and what it can offer your relationship.
What Is Online Couples Therapy?
Online therapy involves a licensed and trained professional providing couples counseling through a digital platform. Sessions are done via video conferencing tools or applications, such as Zoom or Skype. The goal of online therapy is in line with traditional treatment: it aims to help couples improve their communication, rebuild trust, strengthen emotional intimacy, and resolve conflict.
Each couple's experience with an online therapist will be unique. Sessions will be tailored to their specific situation and their goals for therapy. However, there are also some regular steps to the process.
Finding a Therapist
The first step toward online couples therapy is finding a therapist. Couples research therapists who offer virtual sessions or look for an online therapy platform. Finding a therapist you can trust is an important part of the process.
Initial Assessment
After finding a therapist or platform, the first few sessions will involve an initial assessment or intake form. This is where the therapist will gather background information, learn more about a couple's relationship history, identify key issues, and set goals for the treatment process.
Regular Sessions
Sessions are usually 45–6o minutes and take place on a weekly or bi-weekly basis via video call. During the sessions, a therapist will help to facilitate discussions, mediate any conflict, and offer strategies that can help the couple improve their communication and ability to problem solve together.
Homework Assignments
Therapists will often assign homework assignments or exercises that should be done in between sessions. Assignments may include writing in a journal or working on communication tasks together. A couple's progress will be monitored regularly. The therapy goals will be adjusted as needed throughout treatment.
The Challenges
No form of therapy is perfect for every situation. Here are a few of the potential drawbacks to online couples therapy that don't make it the right choice for some people.
Escalated Situations
Online therapy may not be the best option for escalated, critical, or high-conflict situations. Safety is a priority in all therapy treatments.
Nonverbal Communication Cues
With online sessions, therapists are more likely to miss cues that a person can give with their body language. Body language cues are easier for a therapist to pay attention to in person.
Privacy Concerns
A therapist's office is a safe and secure space where couples can openly talk about their emotions and thoughts. Finding a confidential and safe space at home can be difficult for some couples, especially if they live with someone else or have children.
Technological Issues
Another difficulty that is unique to this type of therapy is technical. Unreliable internet and unfamiliar technology can sometimes lead to disruptions.
Tips for Successful Online Sessions
Here are some tips for making sure that your online therapy sessions are successful:
Be open and honest with your partner and your therapist
Choose a private and quiet space for sessions
Commit to attending your sessions regularly and consistently
Test your technology and internet connection before your session
Apply exercises and techniques inside and outside of therapy
The Next Step for Your Relationship
The flexibility and convenience of online couples counseling make it a great option for many couples all over the world. With the right commitment and the help of a mental health professional, online therapy can lead to long-lasting improvements in a couple's communication, connection, and trust. Don't hesitate to get in touch and learn more.
Address
The Counseling Hub, LLC
2804 Forum Blvd., Ste 4
Columbia, MO 65203
Contact Information
p | (573)586-3204
f | (573) 313-3528
e | contact@thecounselinghub.com
Hours
Admin/Ops Team | Monday - Friday: 10a - 3p
*Clinical hours are by appointment only, Sunday - Friday
We have both clinical hours, or the times when our clinical team sees clients, and admin hours, or the times when our admin team is available via call or email.
