Online shopping, ordering food through an app, finding a romantic partner (or situationship…) online—in our fast-paced digital world, we can do almost anything online that we can do IRL. In some ways, this provides access, ease, and flexibility; in other ways, it has caused new complications and challenges.

As the mental health and psychological community has embraced technological advancements in online platforms to host and provide counseling services, people have more accessible and convenient options than ever. But what exactly is online marriage counseling, and how does that differ from traditional in-person therapy? Let’s jump into the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Understanding online marriage counseling:

Online marriage counseling, also known as teletherapy or telemedicine sessions, is a form of counseling or therapy that utilizes telecommunications and technology to provide access to assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and information across a distance rather than face-to-face. These sessions are predominantly conducted over the phone or video calls but often include other collateral communication via emails, text messages, and instant messaging.

The experience mirrors the experience in person; the same principles, techniques, and guidelines are utilized with a few tweaks to make the process effective over a technological medium. This allows couples to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own homes or another location with internet access.

Is Online Marriage Counseling Effective?  

Research examining the effectiveness and benefits of online couple counseling has concluded that video sessions work? Couples report that online therapy services make some aspects of couple relationship counseling easier than seeing a marriage therapist at their office. The participants found it easier to talk about intimate relationship concerns while sitting in the comfort of their homes. In addition, it can be more convenient to schedule an online marriage counseling session than an in-person visit with a family and marriage therapist. How much does marriage counseling cost? It can be the same as that of individual therapy.  It can also vary for several reasons. Online marriage counseling or couples therapy may cost less than in person sessions if not covered by insurance. This is because online therapy platforms don’t require the large fees from licensed therapists that are needed to rent office space. Therefore, these couples and family therapists can afford to charge less for their time. In some cases, an online therapy platform accepts insurance, but it may be best to check with your provider to understand your coverage.

What Can You Do to Make Marriage Counseling More Successful?

Doing any of the following will increase your chances of success in couples counseling:

Go early: The sooner you get help to change destructive patterns in your relationship, the less damage they can do.

Choose wisely: The technique a marriage counselor uses can make a huge difference. While behavioral, integrative, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral techniques are supported by research as effective, the couples counseling technique with the strongest research support is emotionally-focused therapy.

Address individual issues first: While you don’t have to achieve individual perfection for couples counseling to be effective, it’s much less likely to work if you or your partner have active, untreated mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other individual problems that are derailing your relationship.

Do your homework: Therapists can’t “fix” passive clients. The process of therapy is dynamic and requires your active participation to work. No kind of therapy—individual, marital, or family—works if you’re not motivated and don’t make the effort to apply what you’re learning in therapy to life outside the therapy room.

An additional and essential component of successful marriage therapy is making sure you work with a qualified counselor who has been specifically trained in couples counseling. Couples counseling is so different from individual therapy that you’re a lot less likely to be helped if you don’t see a therapist who has been specifically trained in couples counseling techniques.

Pros of Online Couples Counseling:

Convenience and Accessibility:

Online couples therapy offers unparalleled convenience. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home, eliminating travel time and costs. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for couples with busy schedules, mobility issues, or those living in remote areas. The flexibility of online sessions allows you to fit therapy into your life more efficiently, potentially increasing your commitment to the process.

Enhanced Comfort and Privacy:

Many couples find the online format less intimidating than traditional in-person therapy. You’re in a familiar environment, which can help you feel more at ease and open during sessions. This increased comfort may lead to more honest and productive conversations. Additionally, online therapy provides a heightened sense of privacy, as you’re not risking running into acquaintances in a therapist’s waiting room.

Diverse Therapist Options:

Online couples counseling expands your pool of potential therapists beyond your local area. This wider selection increases the likelihood of finding a therapist specializing in your specific issues or aligning with your preferences. You’re not limited by geography, allowing you to choose based on expertise rather than proximity.

Affordability:

Online therapy can also be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, as no overhead costs are associated with maintaining a physical office.

Cons of Virtual Marriage Counseling:

Limited Non-Verbal Communication:

While online therapy offers convenience, it can hinder the therapist’s ability to observe crucial non-verbal cues. Body language, facial expressions, and subtle interactions between partners may be more complex to discern through a screen, potentially impacting the therapist’s understanding of the couple’s dynamics.

Technical Difficulties:

Internet connectivity issues, audio or video glitches, and unfamiliarity with technology can disrupt sessions and impede progress. These interruptions may create frustration and detract from the therapeutic experience, challenging maintaining a consistent, focused dialogue.

Privacy Concerns:

Although online platforms employ security measures, some couples may feel uneasy about discussing sensitive topics over the internet. There’s also the risk of sessions being inadvertently overheard by others in the home, potentially compromising the confidentiality and openness required for effective therapy.

Lack of Physical Presence:

The absence of a shared physical space can hinder the development of a strong connection between the couple and the therapist. This distance may make it harder for some individuals to fully engage emotionally or feel indeed supported during challenging moments in therapy.

Considering whether online couples therapy suits your relationship, carefully weigh the pros and cons discussed. While the convenience and accessibility of virtual sessions are appealing, the potential technology issues and lack of in-person connection may be drawbacks for some couples. Ultimately, the effectiveness of online therapy depends on your specific situation, comfort with technology, and willingness to engage fully in the process.

Do you need help determining if online couples therapy is right for you? We can provide personalized guidance and help you decide if this is the best approach for your needs. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more.

Wrapping up:

After weighing the pros and cons of couples therapy, you need to make a judgment call on whether local relationship counseling can help you resolve relationship issues and if it is something you unanimously agree upon.

If this is not a viable option for you due to time or financial constraints, taking up a credible online marriage course or online relationship counseling with expert therapists can be your calling card to improve your marriage.