What to Expect From Online Counselling: A Guide for First-Timers

If you’ve never tried online counselling before, it’s natural to wonder what the experience will be like. At Lavender Grove Counselling, we understand that starting therapy—especially online—can bring up questions. The good news? Online therapy offers the same compassionate, supportive care you’d find in person, with added flexibility and accessibility that can make it an ideal choice for many clients across BC.

Online Counselling Works Just Like In-Person Therapy

At its core, online counselling in BC follows the same structure as face-to-face sessions. Your time is reserved just for you, and your therapist works to create a safe, non-judgmental space filled with warmth, sensitivity, and emotional presence.

Online therapy provides a place to explore your thoughts and feelings, process past or present experiences, and build coping strategies to improve your quality of life. A growing body of research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for many concerns. For example, studies in the Journal of Affective Disorders and the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare have found that online counselling services can effectively treat depression and anxiety.

What Happens During a Session?

Sessions usually start with a check-in—how you’re feeling, what’s been coming up for you, and what you’d like to focus on. Your therapist may help you set goals or review progress on previous goals. You can talk about anything you might discuss in an office setting, including grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or loneliness.

Therapists at Lavender Grove Counselling use a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, EFFT, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems. At the end of each session, you and your therapist might identify next steps, explore potential homework to try between sessions, and schedule your next appointment.

Getting Set Up Is Simple

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to access online counselling services. At Lavender Grove Counselling, we use a secure platform called www.doxy.me that meets privacy standards for healthcare in Canada. There’s nothing to download—before each appointment, you’ll receive a link. Just click it, and you’re in.

All you need is a quiet, private space and a device with a camera—like a smartphone, tablet, or computer. If tech issues arise (rare, but possible!), we can switch to a phone call. From teens to seniors, many clients find this setup easy to use.

Is Online Counselling Right for You?

For some, nothing beats sitting in a room with a therapist. After years of Zoom meetings during the pandemic, it’s understandable to feel screen fatigue. But surprisingly, many people who were hesitant at first have found they enjoy online counselling—even preferring it in some cases.

Why? Because it’s flexible, portable, and lets you receive support from the comfort of your own space.

Flexible, Portable, and Comfortable

One of the biggest advantages of online counselling in BC is flexibility. You can attend your session from anywhere you have a reliable internet connection—your home, your car, or even during your lunch break. No need to deal with traffic or spend time commuting. It’s a great fit for busy schedules, parents, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.

Portability is especially important for queer clients or those in rural areas. At Lavender Grove Counselling, we proudly serve people across the province, including smaller communities that may not have affirming therapy options locally. As a queer therapist who grew up in a rural area, I know how isolating it can feel when support isn’t nearby. With online counselling services, distance is no longer a barrier to getting care that truly understands and affirms your experience.

We’ve also been able to continue working with clients who move away from the area, giving them continuity in care that wouldn’t be possible with in-person-only therapy.

Concerned About the Personal Connection?

Some clients wonder if something gets lost in translation when therapy moves online. Indeed, you might not see your therapist’s whole body language, but online therapy brings other forms of connection into focus—like subtle facial expressions or tone of voice. As therapists, we become even more attuned to these small, meaningful cues.

There’s also something special about seeing clients in their own environments. Whether it’s getting a glimpse of your cozy living room, saying hello to a beloved pet, or noticing how you’ve decorated your space—these little details help build intimacy and connection.

Some clients even find they feel more at ease at home. If you’ve had difficult experiences in medical or clinical settings, or if you feel self-conscious walking into a counselling office—especially in a small town—online therapy can feel safer and more anonymous.

Ready to Give It a Try?

If you’re thinking about trying online counselling in BC, we’d be happy to answer your questions. At Lavender Grove Counselling, we offer free 15-minute video consultations to help you decide if our approach and therapists are the right fit for you.

Book a consultation through our online calendar or reach out by email. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, we’re here to walk alongside you—with warmth, care, and support that meets you where you are.