When couples are planning to start therapy, and they are leaning more towards attending online, there might be some concerns about its effectiveness. Since COVID-19 there has been some changes around how therapy is conducted, which allowed for virtual therapy to still be an option for individuals who are considering counseling.

If you and your partner are considering online marriage counseling here are 7 things you should know before starting.

1. Choosing an online couples therapist

When choosing a online counselor, consider one that offers services that cover your main concerns. If you are experiencing money issues or going through infidelity, look for a therapist that cover those issues. Finding the right therapist can help you and your partner work through some of those deeper issues that have caused the most friction in your relationship.

2. Location for Texas Residents

If you are located in Texas it is important that your therapist also resides in the state. The exception to this would be if the therapist is licensed in another state but they completed the necessary requirements to practice virtually in Texas.

As for your physical location, as long as you are in Texas, you can see your therapist virtually from anywhere. As long as you are not driving, which would hinder the continuation of your session, you can have your session from inside your home, outside on your back porch or anywhere that you feel is right for you.

3. Security and privacy online

Another concern about online marriage counseling is about how secure therapy is online. When therapist conduct sessions online, they are done over a secure encrypted electronic health system.

As for privacy, your session will be private from your therapist’s end. Your session will be isolated and no one else is allowed in the room with your counselor during this time. Your safety is top priority, and counselors are ethically required to ensure your privacy during your sessions.

Clients on the other hand are at liberty to determine their own level of privacy. Therapy is very personal but you might not mind if someone walks through the room, but if you do mind, you and your counselor can have a code word to let them know that someone is in the room and to stop talking during the session.

4. Effectiveness of marriage counseling online

This is often a concern for couples considering marriage counseling, because some people might not be sure about the effectiveness of counseling online. Therapy that is conducted online is just as effective as in-person session, and both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Some disadvantages of counseling online is that there might be some issues with the therapist being able to read the full body language of the couple, or the session can feel more impersonal. Advantages can include the counselor having a better view of both you and your partner’s facial expressions, and it can eliminate the drive two and from the therapy office if you do not have marriage counselors nearby.

5. Flexible Hours

Virtual therapy can offer more flexibility in the hours that are available to clients. Many times face to face sessions are conducted during normal business hours, but sometimes this can be harder for couples who are also working during those hours. By finding a therapist that offers marriage counseling online, more couples are able to attend therapy during times that fit their schedule.

Another advantage of having those flexible hours available is being able to attend therapy after most of your daily errands are finished. Having flexible hours offers some relief for you and your spouse, especially after working, or picking up the kids and preparing dinner.

6. Convenience With Online Therapy

There are some circumstances that make it more difficult for couples to go to therapy. Being in a small town or an extended amount of time away from the next big city, can cause some couples to not seek therapy. They might feel that having to take the extra time out to travel could add more to their already hectic lives.

Another circumstance that might benefit from virtual marriage counseling is when one part of the couple has a disability or limited mobility that prevents them from going into a therapist’s office. Having a disability can make it more difficult to travel or get in and out of the counseling office comfortably. This does not have to be the case now because the couple can still have all of the benefits of counseling, virtually.

7. Variety in Choosing a Therapist

Another thing to know about online counseling is having a wider variety of therapists to choose from to greater suit your needs. This gives you and your partner the chance to find a therapist that is the right fit for you and who specializes in the area that you have the most concerns. If you choose a therapist and you later find out that they are not the right fit you can find another therapist that might be a better option.

Having the ability to choose a counselor online can also help with consistency. If you know that you and your counselor will meet every week at the same time, from the comfort of your home, it becomes a pattern that you and your partner can look forward to.

These are just some things you should know when considering online counseling.

Are you interested in marriage counseling online in Texas?

Working with a marriage counselor online can offer an opportunity for you and your partner to be in a more relaxed environment while still working through relational issues. Feel free to reach out to schedule a free 20 minute consultation.