What Online Therapy Is Really Like (And How to Know If It’s Right for You)

Is Online Therapy Even… Real Therapy?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does online therapy actually work?” or “Will it feel weird to talk to someone on a screen?” — you’re not alone.

Lots of people feel unsure before they start.
You might be thinking:

  • “What if it’s awkward?”

  • “What if I don’t feel connected?”

  • “How do I know if this is right for me?”

We get it. Online therapy might feel unfamiliar, especially if you've never done therapy before. But here’s the truth: online therapy is real, effective, and deeply supportive. And for many people, it’s even more accessible, personal, and comfortable than traditional therapy.

At Mindful Healing Counseling, we offer online therapy across Chicago and throughout Illinois. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or just trying to keep it together—you can get the care you deserve from wherever you are.

Woman sitting on a gold couch with a laptop on her lap with a brick wall behind her during online therapy for women with anxiety and stress in Illinois. 60611. 60477. 60201.  60525

What Is Online Therapy, Really?

Online therapy (also called teletherapy or virtual counseling) is real therapy—just done over video instead of in person. You’ll meet with a licensed therapist using a secure, private video platform, and everything else stays the same:

  • Same safe space

  • Same emotional support

  • Same powerful healing

  • No commute required

You can do therapy from your couch, your car, your lunch break—wherever you feel most at ease.

What Online Therapy Feels Like

It feels like someone is finally listening.

It feels like you can take off the mask.

It feels like talking to someone who gets you—without the pressure to “have it all figured out.”

In session, you’ll sit with your therapist (virtually), talk about what’s on your mind, explore your emotions, and work on real-life tools to help you cope, grow, and heal. You’ll feel seen, heard, and supported—just like you would in person.

Is Online Therapy Right for Me?

Online therapy might be a good fit if:

  • You’re busy and want to save time

  • You live in a small town or can’t easily travel

  • You feel more comfortable opening up from home

  • You want to meet with someone who really understands you (even if they don’t live nearby)

  • You’re a college student, stay-at-home parent, or working professional with a tight schedule

  • You just feel overwhelmed and need support ASAP

The truth? Online therapy works for most people—and sometimes even better.

Woman smiling and sitting in Indian style position with a laptop in front of her during virtual counseling for anxiety and stress in Chicago and Illinois. 60611. 60477. 60201.  60525

What We Help With in Online Therapy

At Mindful Healing Counseling, we support clients across Illinois with:

  • Anxiety – Constant overthinking, worry, and tension

  • Depression – Feeling low, disconnected, or hopeless

  • Trauma – Past pain that still affects your present

  • Relationship Stress – Family, partners, friends, or boundaries

  • Self-Esteem & Identity – Feeling “not good enough” or lost

  • Grief & Loss – Navigating heartbreak and healing

  • Life Transitions – College, parenting, moves, or major changes

We also offer therapy for:

  • BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients who want culturally affirming care

  • Women who are tired of carrying the emotional load

  • Teens and college students navigating stress, anxiety, and identity

What a Typical Online Therapy Session Looks Like

  1. You’ll log into your secure client portal from your phone, tablet, or computer

  2. You’ll join a private video session with your therapist at your scheduled time

  3. You’ll check in, talk, explore, and reflect together—no judgment, no pressure

  4. You’ll leave with more clarity, calm, and tools to carry into your week

You don’t have to dress up. You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to show up—and we’ll take it from there.

But... Is It Awkward?

Here’s the truth: It might feel a little new at first. That’s totally normal.

But most of our clients say they feel more comfortable online—because they’re in their own space, wearing comfy clothes, maybe with tea in hand, and no stress of rushing through traffic.

After the first session or two, it feels just like sitting in a cozy therapy room—only it’s your living room instead.

Woman laying on a couch reading a book after online counseling in Chicago and Illinois. 60611. 60477. 60201.  60525

Benefits of Online Therapy

  • More flexible scheduling (including evenings & weekends)

  • Less time off work

  • No commute or parking stress

  • More comfort and privacy

  • Access to the best therapist for you—not just who’s nearby

We Use a Secure, Confidential Platform

Your privacy matters. That’s why we use a HIPAA-compliant video platform. Your sessions are 100% confidential and secure—no one else can access them.

You don’t need to download anything. Just click the link we send, and you’re in.

Online Therapy Across Illinois

We proudly offer virtual therapy in:

Dr. Steele also serves clients in over 30 additional states through PSYPACT!

Couple at home on the couch playing video games and laughing after online therapy for relationships in Illinois. 60462. 60643. 60607

Start Therapy from Wherever You Are

Online therapy is about meeting you where you are—emotionally and literally.

You deserve support that fits your life, your identity, and your healing journey. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Let’s Get Started Together

Book a free consultation to see if online therapy feels right for you
🌿 **Start from your phone, your laptop, or wherever feels safe
Begin healing, one conversation at a time

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What We Carry: How Personal History Shapes Healing—and How the World Sees Us