Online marriage counseling is something that most people view with skepticism. However, when you take a closer look, the idea starts to make quite a bit of sense. There are actually numerous benefits to be aware of and if a couple is thinking of counseling, it is a solution to consider. Just be sure to find a reputable site that puts you in touch with a professional counselor who has a lot of experience in couples therapy.
Advantages of online marriage counseling
One of the really important benefits that you get is that you don’t have to go to the therapist’s office. There are many rural areas where you can’t find counseling and it can be difficult to travel long distances for a session. Basically, you end up saving time and money that would have been spent on transportation. This is very important today as we hardly have time to rest.
It can be mentioned that online marriage counseling also provides additional confidentiality. You will no longer run the risk of running into someone you know while you are in a waiting room. Such a factor is really important if you are someone who has high-profile community work or if you feel embarrassed to be in counseling. There are even counselors who don’t ask for real names in the online world, so anonymity is possible if that’s what you want.
The flexibility offered by online sessions is also another benefit. Counselors are usually available when you have time, offering email options, phone counseling options, and even live chat. Some will even use Skype for face-to-face conversations.
Disadvantages of Online Marriage Counseling
One potential drawback is the fact that online marriage counseling probably won’t be covered by your insurance. Health insurance rarely covers something like this. You will need to cover all costs associated with your advice. The good news is that online prices are always at least a little cheaper than the regular option.
Another problem is that the online counselor cannot read you in a way that only a face-to-face meeting can offer. Body language cannot be analyzed and sometimes tone is also missing from the equation. This makes it a bit more difficult to identify problems and come up with solutions.
Should you opt for online marriage counseling?
The hard truth is that sometimes online counseling doesn’t work, but there are times when face-to-face counseling doesn’t work either. That said, if you are currently experiencing a crisis such as wanting to commit suicide or need emergency treatment of any kind, it is best to avoid the online option. However, for most of us, the online solution can be really effective. This is especially true when you don’t have ready access to regular advice. In this case, it is much better to try the online option rather than doing nothing to save your marriage. If you really want everything to work, you have to do whatever it takes. Online marriage counseling is a viable option to consider.