Online Counselling: Why Virtual Therapy Works Better Than You Think

Lianne Perry, MA, MSc., RCC

I’ll be honest: I was a reluctant convert to online counselling. Like many therapists, I worried I’d lose something in the shift from in-person to video sessions. Would I still catch the subtle shifts in body language? Would couples be able to hear me if I needed to jump in during a heated moment?

And as an EMDR therapist, how on earth would I replace the little vibrating pulsars I usually hand clients?

Basically, my brain was screaming: HOW WILL THIS WORK??

But here’s the surprise: it works remarkably well.

Why Online Counselling Feels Natural Now

One of the silver linings of the COVID era is that most of us got a crash course in connecting online. Friends, family, even doctors moved to video platforms like Zoom, and suddenly what used to feel impersonal became, well… normal. Done thoughtfully, online therapy is just as effective and personal as sitting across the room from each other — and in many ways, it comes with some unexpected perks.

The Benefits of Virtual Therapy

• No commute required. A 50-minute session is truly 50 minutes — no traffic, no rushing, no parking meters.

• Comfort counts. You can curl up with your tea, wear your comfiest pyjamas, and even let your dog or cat join us if that helps you feel grounded.

• Location doesn’t matter. Whether you’re in Victoria (where I live), Vancouver, Prince George, anywhere in BC, or other places in Canada, secure video counselling makes therapy accessible no matter your postal code.

• Health safety. You’re reducing exposure risks by staying home — no shared waiting rooms needed.

What Surprised Me as a Therapist

Once I took the plunge, two things became clear very quickly:

1. The connection is still there. Seeing each other’s faces on screen means I still feel in-tune with my clients, and they’ve told me they feel just as connected as they do in person.

2. The technology works beautifully. I use Jane (a Canadian company based in Vancouver) for scheduling, secure e-files, and video sessions. It’s fully PIPEDA and HIPAA compliant, which means your privacy is protected. You simply click the reminder link or log into your account — and you’re in. Simple. Reliable. Secure.

   
   
   
   

   

   Online counselling makes therapy accessible and comfortable. Connect from home, whether you're in Victoria, elsewhere in BC, or elsewhere in Canada.

EMDR Online? Absolutely.

This was one of my biggest questions. In person, EMDR usually involves pulsars or following my hand movements. Online, I use RemotEMDR — a secure platform that integrates with video sessions. When it’s time for reprocessing, you simply follow gentle moving dots across your screen with your eyes. Research shows eye movements are one of the most effective forms of bilateral stimulation, and clients often find the screen version easier on the eyes than the traditional finger-following method.

Couples' Counselling Online

Couples' therapy also adapts well to video. At the start, we set up some ground rules for communication (so no one feels “talked over” by the tech). All of the Gottman Method exercises I typically hand out are now digitized — I simply share my screen, and we work through the materials together. Easy, clear, and effective.

Tips for a Great Online Therapy Experience

To get the most out of your sessions:

• Choose your space wisely. Pick a private, neutral spot (maybe skip the bedroom so it can stay a restful place).

• Plan transition time. Without a commute, it helps to give yourself 10–15 minutes post-session to ground, journal, or take a walk before diving back into daily life.

• Protect your privacy. Make sure you won’t be interrupted and that you feel safe speaking freely.

The Bottom Line

Online counselling in Canada isn’t just a backup plan — it’s a flexible, effective, and secure way to access support. Whether you’re seeking EMDR, couples' therapy, or help navigating life’s transitions, video sessions can meet you where you are — literally.

Click the Book Appointment button on my website to schedule your first online counselling session.

About Lianne

I’m Lianne Perry, a therapist in BC who works online with clients across Canada. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, and I’m certified in EMDR — a powerful approach that helps people heal without having to relive every detail of the past. My sessions are grounded, collaborative, and often a mix of talk therapy and practical tools. When I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me hiking with my Aussie, Joey, or sitting by the ocean (my favourite co-therapist).