How does online couples therapy work? How can it be the best way to address issues in your relationship? And how do you know whether or not it’s right for you and your partner? These are all excellent questions—and ones we’ll answer in this post about the best online couples therapy around! Let’s get started.
Why Online Therapy?
Online therapy isn’t a panacea, but there are some clear benefits. Some people prefer not to see a therapist in person. Online therapists can be easier to access, especially for busy professionals. It can also be more affordable. A 2016 study from Harvard Medical School concluded that online therapy was comparable in cost and effectiveness for many patients with mild-to-moderate depression when compared with face-to-face therapy over eight weeks of treatment. That said, don’t discount in-person counseling just yet; if you feel uncomfortable talking about some issues online (especially sensitive issues), online counseling may not be right for you. The key is finding what works best for you and your situation—which is exactly what we want to help you do with these recommendations!
Free Online Couples Counseling
There are many great benefits of online couples counseling. The first and most obvious benefit is that it saves you time and money from driving to an office, sitting in traffic, waiting around for an appointment, etc. Online therapy may also be better for some people because they feel more comfortable in their own space—they can lie on their bed or sit at their desk. Lastly, some people might feel more comfortable keeping it private (as opposed to a face-to-face therapy appointment). It’s up to you and your partner if you want a free session via video call or if you prefer traditional email sessions or text messages/phone calls.
What Makes an Effective Counselor
Choosing an online couples therapist is not like shopping for a new pair of shoes. This process requires significant research and personal reflection, so you can be sure you’re getting what’s best for your unique situation. There are a few specific factors that make an effective counselor for therapy in Chicago (or elsewhere) including training, experience, licensure and more. What makes an effective counselor? These 5 things! Here’s a quick rundown
What Type of Therapy Is Best for You?
Most of us have at least one story of an argument that ended in tears and a decision to call it quits or work on things later. If you find yourself arguing often, try couples therapy—it might be just what you need. Online therapy for couples can help you work through issues before they get out of hand. Whether online counseling is better than traditional in-person sessions depends on your particular issue; some relationships are too far gone for online communication. But many therapists offer online sessions because it’s a great option for busy professionals with partners who don’t live near them. Finding your perfect match, though, might require some trial and error.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
If you’re struggling in your relationship, there are plenty of ways to fix what ails you. But if nothing seems to be working, or if things are so bad that they affect your personal health or ability to get along with others, it might be time for a couples therapist. If neither of you is sure whether or not counseling would help, why not give it a try? It costs much less than divorce and doesn’t have nearly as many unresolved issues. After all, saying I do means forever—and that includes working through conflict when necessary. When it comes to therapy for couples, two heads are almost always better than one.
Forgiveness-Based Approaches
Online therapy for couples is an effective way for partners to overcome relationship issues. When done correctly, it fosters forgiveness, in which both partners recognize and express their grievances, forgive each other (or at least themselves), and come up with a new understanding of their relationship as an individual entity that is separate from any one partner’s faults. In online therapy for couples, both partners should have an equal opportunity to speak about issues that are important to them; therapists make sure each side has ample time and space. A specialist can help you find a site that fits your needs based on your goals and available time schedule. If a couple has children or parents in common, they should consider hiring two specialists so they can be on call around-the-clock if needed.
Interpersonal Approaches
If you’re looking for an interpersonal approach, then look no further than right here in your local community. Interpersonal approaches have been around since interpersonal therapy was first developed in 1969 by Dr. Carl Rogers. This approach looks at relationship issues from a systems perspective. It focuses on understanding how people interact with one another and their environment (or systems). An online therapist who uses an interpersonal approach will work with you individually or together as a couple. It depends on what best meets your needs. Although it is not for everyone, it may be a good option if you and your partner are willing to invest time in exploring your relationship together as well as independently. Remember that these type of therapists will require weekly sessions over any extended period of time—and that can get pricey!
Medication Management
If you’re experiencing mental health issues, medication management is an important aspect of therapy. Your therapist should be on top of your current medications and how they affect your overall treatment plan, whether it’s for mental or physical health issues. He or she should also know how any potential interaction between medications might change your symptoms and alter course of action as treatment continues. Just as importantly, a good therapist will work with you if you’re currently not taking any medications at all. In fact, some studies suggest that simply being able to speak openly about what your symptoms are like without fear of judgment—as often happens in a supportive therapy environment—can help decrease those symptoms on its own
Conclusion
Finding the right couples therapy is a challenge, especially if you’re looking for a therapist online. With thousands of options at your fingertips, it can be hard to narrow down the field and find one that best fits your needs. But rest assured: Online therapy does work. It’s not for everyone, but if you are the right fit—and your partner is as well—it can save you time and money. Remember: You may find it easier to start with a phone call or video chat session before moving on to weekly in-person meetings. During those initial sessions, pay attention to how the therapists makes you feel and how they communicate; it will help you figure out which ones feel right for you.