In 2019, the leading cause of death for youths in Singapore is suicide. In the 20 to 29 age group, suicide was one-third of all reported deaths, with 71 people taking their lives.
According to statistics from the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), last year, the number of suicides among youths was the highest when compared to other age groups. SOS also received 4,124 calls from this age group between April 2019 to March 2020, which was significantly more than the 3,396 calls they received in 2018.
Due to the critical COVID-19 situation last year, many people struggled with feelings of isolation and have trouble coping with their mental health challenges. Therefore, to combat these problems, many have opted for online therapy sessions using mediums such as video calls, phone calls and online counselling portals.
Table of Contents
1. What Is Online Counselling?
2. The Pros and Cons of Online Counselling
2.1 Pros of Online Counselling
2.1.1 More Communication Tools Online
2.1.2 Greater Accessibility for Those With Physical Limitations
2.1.3 Convenient and Affordable
2.1.4 Provides Long-Distance Support
2.2 Cons of Online Counselling
2.2.1 Overlooking Non-Verbal Cues
2.2.2 Not Suitable for More Serious Psychiatric Illnesses
2.2.3 Difficult to Provide Direct Assistance
2.2.4 Confidentiality and Privacy
3. Conclusion
What Is Online Counselling?
Did you know that there is more than one way to conduct a counselling or therapy session? Besides the more traditional way of having to meet face-to-face, you can also book a counselling session online.
Online counselling is similar to in-person counselling as it also provides support and mental health services. But what differentiates the two is the method of communication used—online counselling sessions are done over the internet.
Online counselling can occur in real-time when you choose to have the session over phone calls or video calls. But it can also be done in a time-delayed format, such as using text messaging applications or email to communicate with the therapist.
The Pros and Cons of Online Counselling
Although online counselling has opened up many opportunities for people who are struggling with mental health challenges to seek professional help, it does have its limitations. Here are the pros and cons of online counselling.
1) More Communication Tools Online
As mentioned above, online counselling can be done via different online communication tools such as video calls, phone calls, text messages and emails. Depending on your preferred method of communication, you can choose whichever available option for your counselling sessions. But if you want to replicate the feeling of in-person counselling, video conferencing is the best option.
2) Greater Accessibility for Those With Physical Limitations
Mobility can be a challenge when it comes to accessing mental health care. If you are unable to leave your house for various reasons, such as being housebound, online counselling acts as an alternative for you to receive help and emotional support while you physically recover from your symptoms.
With online counselling, you can now schedule an appointment with your therapist with just a few taps and clicks. Not to mention, you can schedule your counselling session to work around your other commitments. And since you’re having your counselling session online, there is no travelling cost that you need to take into consideration.
4) Provides Long-Distance Support
If you move to a new place that is far from your therapist, does that mean you will need to travel back and forth every time? Online counselling helps to solve this long-distance problem. Regardless of where you are, if you and your therapist both have an adequate internet connection, you can easily have the counselling session online.
1) Overlooking Non-Verbal Cues
Online counselling sessions lack the intimacy and complexity that in-person counselling has. Therapists rely on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language and vocal signals to study your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. But when counselling sessions are done online, therapists cannot see what is happening on the other side of the screen.
2) Not Suitable for More Serious Psychiatric Conditions
If you are struggling with severe mental health challenges or are dealing with more complicated problems, the scope of online counselling can be very limited and is unsuitable for you. This is because serious psychiatric conditions may require close and direct treatment.
3) Difficult to Provide Direct Assistance
It can be very difficult for the therapist to provide immediate direct assistance for clients who are experiencing suicidal thoughts during the online counselling session. This is because therapists are distant from the clients, different from when treatment is done in the same room.
4) Confidentiality and Privacy
Counselling sessions are confidential. In an in-person counselling session, everything that is said inside the room stays inside the room. However, when private information is being transmitted online, privacy leaks and hacks become more of a concern. Online counselling adds a layer of complexity, especially when faced with technical difficulties.
Conclusion
Counselling sessions are extremely important today. Especially now that we are seeing an increase in the number of suicide cases in Singapore. So, if you are struggling with mental health challenges and require professional help, don’t keep it to yourself.
Like many things, online counselling sessions have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your current situation, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before you make your decision.
At Centre for Psychotherapy (C4P), we provide in-person, online and phone counselling sessions. We have been providing online / phone counselling since before COVID-19 and continue to do so.
To get started, contact us or make an appointment with us now. To find out more about our services, click here.
References
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https://www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2795225
Cherry, K. (2021, May 23). What Is Online Therapy? Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-online-therapy-2795752
Han, G. Y. (2020, August 3). Youth suicides are still a concern, with 94 cases last year and in 2018.
The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/number-of-suicides-in-2019-did-not-decline-compared-with-2018-youth-suicides-still-a
Madanikia, Y. (2021, March 11). Pros and Cons of Online Counselling. Expressions Counselling.
https://expressionscounselling.com/pros-and-cons-of-online-counselling/
Teh, C. (2020, May 9). Coping without face-to-face therapy, going online for help. The Straits Times.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coping-without-face-to-face-therapy-going-online-for-help
The Light Program. (2020, April 27). Online Therapy Vs. In-Person Therapy: What Are the
Differences? https://thelightprogram.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/online-therapy-vs-in-person-therapy/
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mental health help. CNA.
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