The Benefits of Individual Therapy and Counseling via Telehealth: A Guide by Nicole Freire, PLPC

Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional well-being, and overcoming challenges. For many individuals, the journey toward healing starts with understanding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and supportive space. As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), my role is to help guide individuals through this process by providing personalized, evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

In the evolving landscape of mental health services, one of the most significant changes has been the shift toward telehealth—delivering therapy remotely via video or phone calls. This mode of counseling has made therapy more accessible, flexible, and convenient, while still maintaining a high standard of care. In this blog, I will explore the many ways that individual therapy and counseling can benefit clients, especially when conducted through telehealth, and how we ensure the effectiveness and success of this approach.

What is Individual Therapy and Counseling?

Individual therapy, often referred to as counseling or psychotherapy, is a process where a trained mental health professional works one-on-one with a client to address a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. The goal of individual therapy is to provide clients with the tools and support they need to understand themselves better, cope with life’s challenges, and work toward personal growth and healing.

Therapists utilize various therapeutic modalities to guide clients through their journeys. These may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or psychodynamic therapy, among others. Each therapy model has its own unique approach, but all share a common goal: helping clients improve their mental health and quality of life.

The Shift to Telehealth: A New Era of Therapy

The transition to telehealth in the past few years has reshaped how we think about and access therapy. What once took place exclusively in the therapist’s office can now be done comfortably from home or another private space. Telehealth has become a convenient, effective way to access mental health services and has made therapy more accessible to people who might have previously faced barriers such as distance, time constraints, or transportation difficulties.

In my practice, the majority of individual therapy and counseling sessions are conducted via telehealth. This modality provides clients with greater flexibility, privacy, and convenience while still offering the same quality of care that would be expected in a traditional in-person setting.

The Benefits of Individual Therapy and Counseling

1. Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of telehealth is accessibility. Clients no longer have to worry about long commutes, traffic, or scheduling conflicts that might otherwise prevent them from seeking therapy. Whether a client is balancing a busy work schedule, family commitments, or simply lives in a remote area, telehealth offers the flexibility to attend therapy sessions from anywhere with an internet connection.

For clients who may be physically or geographically unable to attend in-person sessions, telehealth offers a lifeline. Telehealth breaks down barriers related to location, allowing individuals from all walks of life to access mental health services that may have otherwise been unavailable to them.

Additionally, telehealth provides clients with the option of receiving therapy from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety or discomfort that some clients may experience when attending an in-person appointment. The relaxed environment of home can promote a sense of safety and ease, which can help clients open up more freely during sessions.

2. Fostering a Strong Therapeutic Relationship

A key aspect of any therapeutic relationship is trust. Many clients find that they can develop a strong rapport with their therapist during telehealth sessions, just as they would in an in-person setting. The therapy relationship is built on collaboration, mutual respect, and understanding, and these elements can be fostered just as effectively through video or phone calls as they can through face-to-face interactions.

In fact, for some clients, telehealth can feel less intimidating than in-person sessions. The barrier of physically sitting in an office can feel less overwhelming, and clients might find themselves more at ease to share personal thoughts and emotions. This comfort can lead to greater openness and vulnerability during therapy, which is essential for growth and healing.

Through telehealth, I am able to work with clients to create a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore difficult emotions, challenges, and experiences. The therapeutic relationship remains a cornerstone of effective therapy, regardless of the medium in which it occurs.

3. Increased Flexibility in Scheduling

For many people, finding time to attend therapy sessions can be a challenge. Work, family obligations, and other commitments can make it difficult to fit therapy into a busy schedule. Telehealth provides greater scheduling flexibility, as clients can participate in sessions from virtually anywhere. Whether a client prefers to meet in the evening after work, during lunch breaks, or on weekends, telehealth allows for more scheduling options.

Moreover, telehealth appointments can sometimes be shorter or more efficient, as there is no need for clients to account for travel time. This can be especially helpful for those with limited time or for individuals who prefer shorter sessions. By reducing time constraints and increasing flexibility, telehealth can make therapy a more consistent part of a client’s life.

4. Continuity of Care

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes clients may face circumstances that disrupt their ability to attend in-person therapy sessions. Whether it’s a temporary relocation, illness, or travel, life events can make it challenging to maintain continuity in therapy. With telehealth, clients can continue their sessions even when circumstances change. This continuity of care ensures that clients don’t have to take long breaks from therapy, which can often hinder progress.

For clients who travel frequently or live in different locations throughout the year, telehealth provides an opportunity to maintain their therapeutic relationship and keep up with their treatment goals. This consistency supports ongoing growth and helps clients remain committed to their mental health journey.

5. Comfort and Privacy

Telehealth allows clients to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own home or another private space. This can help alleviate feelings of discomfort or nervousness that may arise when traveling to a therapist’s office. A familiar and private setting can make it easier for clients to open up and engage in therapy without the added stress of an unfamiliar environment.

Additionally, telehealth provides an added layer of privacy for those who may feel uncomfortable seeing a therapist in person or fear being seen entering a therapist’s office. Whether a client lives in a small town or simply values discretion, telehealth offers a higher level of confidentiality and privacy, allowing clients to feel more secure in sharing sensitive information.

6. Greater Comfort for Clients with Specific Needs

Certain clients may find it more comfortable to engage in therapy from home for various reasons. For example, clients with social anxiety, agoraphobia, or physical disabilities may struggle with in-person appointments, making telehealth a more accessible and comfortable option for them. Similarly, individuals who feel safer or more grounded in familiar environments may find it easier to engage in therapy via telehealth, leading to a more productive therapeutic process.

Telehealth also allows clients to choose a location that minimizes distractions and promotes focus. Clients who may feel anxious in crowded waiting rooms or who have young children at home may appreciate the ability to have therapy sessions in a space where they can control their environment.

7. Technology-Facilitated Tools

Telehealth can also leverage digital tools and resources that enhance the therapeutic process. For example, many therapists integrate worksheets, exercises, or online journaling into their sessions to help clients track their progress and work through specific issues. These tools can be shared electronically during telehealth sessions, allowing for immediate and interactive feedback. Additionally, clients can access these materials between sessions, which can reinforce learning and promote continued growth.

Some therapists also use specialized apps or platforms to help clients practice mindfulness, track their moods, or engage in other therapeutic activities. Telehealth makes it easier to integrate technology into therapy in ways that can support long-term progress.

Addressing Potential Concerns about Telehealth

While telehealth has many benefits, it is natural for clients to have concerns or reservations about conducting therapy in this way. Some of the common concerns include issues related to technology, privacy, or the effectiveness of remote therapy. As a therapist, I work to address these concerns to ensure that clients feel comfortable and confident in their choice of telehealth.

1. Technology Challenges: Some clients may worry about technical difficulties, such as poor internet connections or difficulty navigating online platforms. I always ensure that clients are comfortable with the technology before we begin, and I offer support if any technical issues arise during sessions. Additionally, I provide clear instructions on how to access the sessions, so clients can feel confident using the platform.
2. Privacy and Confidentiality: Maintaining privacy and confidentiality is a priority in any therapeutic setting. I use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure that client information is protected during telehealth sessions. I also encourage clients to choose a private, quiet space for their sessions to protect their confidentiality.
3. Effectiveness of Telehealth: While some clients may have concerns about whether telehealth can be as effective as in-person therapy, research has shown that telehealth is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for many conditions. Telehealth allows for the same therapeutic techniques and interventions, with the added benefit of increased convenience and accessibility.

Conclusion

Individual therapy and counseling offer numerous benefits to clients, and the option of telehealth has expanded those benefits even further. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or personal growth, telehealth provides a convenient, flexible, and accessible way to engage in therapy. With the right tools and support, telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy, offering clients the opportunity to achieve their mental health goals from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

As a PLPC, my mission is to help clients grow, heal, and navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels empowering and supportive. If you are considering therapy or counseling, whether through telehealth or in person, I encourage you to take that first step. Therapy is a powerful way to build resilience, improve your mental health, and work toward a more fulfilling life. With the right support and guidance, you can discover new ways to cope with life’s difficulties and create positive change in your life.