Online therapy offers a flexible mental health solution, accessible from anywhere. Professionals across the world are seeing the value of online therapy, from helping them deal with big life changes to managing their day-to-day stresses and emotions.
The Rise of Online Therapy
The introduction of online therapy has significantly shifted how we access mental health care. Something initially accelerated by the pandemic, it has been sustained by demand thanks to its convenience, flexibility and global access.
Already a multi-billion dollar industry, global online therapy services are expected to grow to 2.58 billion USD in 2025 and surge to as high as 19.02 billion by 2033 (according to Global Growth Insights).
Having therapy online, as opposed to face-to-face, has been shown to lead to the same level of client satisfaction, with particular prevalence among the younger generations (adults aged 18-29).
Why Online Therapy Appeals to Tech Professionals
For the digitally-savvy, online therapy just makes good sense. Accessible from phones, laptops or tablets, it means that professionals can fit therapy into their daily lives without having to travel anywhere and take a huge chunk of time out of their days. This flexible scheduling is perfect for fast-paced lifestyles.
It also means that people are not limited to their local area; they can access specialists from anywhere in the world. If they are looking for a specific discipline of therapy or a specialist area, they can get that in their time zone wherever they are.
Tech professionals in particular are starting to see the benefits of therapy; not only from the time-saving aspect.
Online therapy, as opposed to going to a physical space, has been found to help people open up. By being able to do therapy in the comfort of their own home, they have a familiarity not found in a therapist’s office. This can lead to increased comfort and greater openness when sharing their thoughts and feelings. It also allows professionals to access therapy privately without having to be seen entering a therapist office.
“I work with many clients in the tech industry who appreciate the flexibility and anonymity of online therapy. It fits into their routines and helps them show up more confidently at work and in life” comments Lara Dolden, Online Therapist and Founder of Lara Listens Therapy.
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Is Therapy Linked to Career Progression?
Therapy and career progression go hand in hand. In therapy, you speak about emotions or behaviours that may be holding you back – this applies to all aspects of life but will also impact your choice of work and career progression. Therapy is about understanding where particular emotions, habits or behaviours come from and identify what is no longer serving us.
For your career specifically, online therapy could identify limiting beliefs you have about yourself that are holding you back from progressing. For example, it could help you pinpoint why you don’t think you’re good enough to pursue a certain career or why you have a habit of self-sabotaging when it comes to professional exams.
Whatever the issue may be; unconscious or conscious, therapy can help you get to the root and introduce techniques to help you overcome any issues.
At a more general level, online therapy has been linked to enhanced self-awareness, resilience and communication skills, all of which can significantly boost career progression. Taking care of your mental health also reduces risk of burnout and helps manage work-related stress and setbacks.
What to Know Before Starting Online Therapy
With so many options for online therapy available, it is good to have a clear idea of where to start.
Choose a qualified, licensed professional – There is a lot of jargon when it comes to the world of therapy – from psychotherapy to hypnotherapy, it can be hard to know what’s best. Regardless of the type of therapy being offered, the most important thing to look for is legitimate qualifications and accreditation. Any professional offering online therapy must be accredited by an official body (in the UK these include the BACP, BPS, NCH and UKCP, along with others).
Understand your goals and expectations – Go into therapy having an idea of what you want to work on – areas where you are struggling or aspects of your emotional life that you wish to improve. This can help you get more out of the therapeutic experience.
Ensure a private, distraction-free space – When you opt for online therapy, you are responsible for choosing the location. Wherever you are more comfortable, whether it’s your lounge, bedroom, home office or other location – make sure you are somewhere where you can chat freely, somewhere private and with a strong internet connection. Treat it as you would an in-person appointment – dress appropriately, even if you’re at home, and arrive punctually.
Find someone who is a good fit – Therapy is the most successful when there is a good rapport between therapist and client. When choosing to start online therapy, feel free to shop around. Beyond specific types of psychology, you want to find someone you feel comfortable with.
The more you feel at ease with your therapist, the more you will be able to open up, share your thoughts and feelings and accept their guidance. Many therapists offer a free introductory call so that you can see if they are a good fit before committing to sessions.
With mental health services more accessible than ever before, online therapy can get you the help you need without the barriers of location, scheduling or stigma. Whether you’re just looking for a mental health check-in or want to explore a more deep-rooted issue that might be holding you back, online therapy can help. Start with a discovery call today to find your fit.