The fact is, online therapy will suit some people and will not feel suitable for others. However, the difference is less about what you want to talk about and more about how you like to think. I am an 'integrative' therapist, meaning I am able to pull techniques of working from various therapeutic practises, such as psychodynamic, person-centred, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and more to make sure we're working in a way that suits you as an individual, and I've found that most ways of working translate just fine to online sessions. 

Just as with any therapy, there is also the consideration of how much experience and study your counsellor has done in a particular area. Some specialist areas, such as eating disorders, where there is a high risk, would very much benefit from work done with a specialist, in combination with a multi-disciplinary team of nutritionists and doctors. However, most areas such as common life events (divorce, loss, moving house, relationship issues etc) and common human experiences (grief, shame, anxiety, depression, fear, hatred, guilt etc) can be spoken of with any counsellor. Therefore, when choosing a counsellor, one of the most important factors is how they work, and whether this suits you.

For example, do they do a lot of creative work? Some counsellors will love to get out pens and paper and draw diagrams, encourage you to make a time line, or otherwise involve visuals in their work. Others will offer engagement through more abstract items. Sandboxes and stacking dolls are commonplace in many therapy rooms, as are other tools such as an assortment of buttons, or interesting stones or shells with different colours and textures that might capture your imagination when describing a person you know. Obviously, these styles may not transfer as well to online work.

Personally, I like to just... talk and listen. My clients have come from a range of backgrounds and all of them have enjoyed engaging in conversation that builds trust, that gently challenges their assumptions, that makes connections, and in which they learn that they are free to say anything, even things they would never say to anyone else. 

This style will not suit everyone- some people think more visually- but chances are, if you have wanted to read this through to the end you may be an excellent fit for this type of therapy. If you still feel online therapy may be for you, take a look at the other articles on this topic, and use my contact form to say hello. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.