What Online Therapy Is Really Like: Honest Answers for People Who Aren’t Sure
Thinking about trying online therapy—but not really sure what to expect?
You’re not alone.
Whether you’re brand new to therapy or switching from in-person sessions, you might be wondering:
Is it awkward? Will it even work? What if I cry on camera?
Or the biggest one: Will I actually feel better?
If you've ever felt unsure or hesitant about doing therapy online, this blog is here to walk you through it—with zero judgment and total honesty.
We’ll cover what online therapy really feels like, how it works, what might surprise you, and how to know if it’s a good fit for you.
Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy: What's the Difference?
Let’s start here: online therapy isn’t a lesser version of in-person therapy. It’s just different.
The biggest difference is the setting. In online therapy, you talk to your therapist over a secure video platform (like for us it’s doxy.me). You’ll log in with just your name from home, your car, your office—wherever you feel safe and private.
The work you do in therapy? That part stays the same. You’ll still explore what’s going on in your life, what’s keeping you stuck, and what you want to feel or do differently. Your therapist will still show up with compassion, tools, insights, and space for all the parts of you.
In short: online therapy is real therapy.
It just comes with leggings, your favorite mug, and no parking hassle.
What Online Therapy Feels Like (and What It Doesn’t)
It feels like being seen in your natural environment.
You don’t have to put on a “therapy face” to walk into an office. You can show up as you are—on your couch, in sweats, holding your dog (the animals love to join us), fresh out of tears, or in between meetings.
This helps many people feel more grounded and more themselves.
It doesn’t feel cold or robotic.
This is a common worry. But real connection can absolutely happen through a screen—especially when your therapist is warm, present, and skilled. We hear this all the time:
“I was nervous it would feel weird online, but it honestly feels like we’re in the same room.”
It feels like therapy that fits your real life.
Online therapy makes it easier to prioritize your mental health—especially if you have a busy schedule, live far from an office, have kids at home, or just don’t have the energy to leave the house.
It doesn’t feel like checking in with a chatbot.
This is not AI therapy. You're working with a real, trained human being who cares about you and your story. Your therapist is trained to navigate emotions, trauma, anxiety, grief, and everything in between—with or without a couch.
What Happens in a Typical Online Therapy Session?
If you’ve never done therapy before, here’s what it might look like:
You’ll log in to your session.
Your therapist will send a secure video link. We use doxy.me to make the process as simple as possible. All you need to do is click the link and add your name. You can do this from your laptop, tablet, or even your phone.You’ll check in about what’s been going on.
Your therapist might ask, “How have things been since we last talked?” or “What’s coming up for you today?”You’ll talk through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
This is the heart of the session—sharing what’s on your mind, getting curious about patterns, and processing emotions in a safe space.You might learn a tool or strategy.
Depending on your needs, your therapist might offer a grounding exercise, a reframe, or a new way to approach a challenge.You’ll end with a plan or takeaway.
This could be a journal prompt, a boundary to try, or simply noticing something differently in the coming week.
What Surprises People About Online Therapy
“I didn’t think I’d get emotional on camera—but I did.”
Yes, people cry in online therapy. They have breakthroughs, they feel seen, they laugh, they vent, they heal. Don’t worry if emotions show up—your therapist is used to it and will hold space for you, even through the screen.
“It feels more personal than I expected.”
Being in your own space means you might open up more easily. You can grab your comfort items, light a candle, wrap up in a blanket—whatever helps you feel safe.
“It’s not as awkward as I thought.”
The first session might feel a little new, like any first meeting. But after a few minutes, most people forget the camera is even there. It starts to feel like a regular rhythm in your week.
Does Online Therapy Actually Work?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most issues, including:
Some people even prefer it because they feel more relaxed at home, which helps them open up more quickly.
How to Know If Online Therapy Is Right for You
It might be a great fit if…
You want therapy that fits into your busy life
You live in a rural area or far from therapists you connect with
You feel more comfortable opening up in your own space
You’re managing physical or mental health conditions that make travel hard
You want to work with a culturally responsive, identity-affirming therapist (and local options are limited)
It might not be the best fit if…
You don’t have a private space to talk openly
You struggle with internet access or tech issues
You need crisis support or intensive care
(That said—many therapists will help you troubleshoot space, privacy, or tech concerns if you’re unsure.)
Tips to Make Online Therapy Feel More Comfortable
1. Create a calm, private space.
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup. A quiet room, parked car, or corner with headphones can work just fine. Let housemates know you’ll be unavailable for 60 minutes.
2. Bring grounding items.
Keep a glass of water, tissues, a soft blanket, or a calming object nearby. Some people light a candle, hold a fidget tool, or journal during or after sessions.
3. Be honest with your therapist.
If you feel awkward, distracted, or unsure—it’s okay to say so. Therapy is a space where your real experience is always welcome.
4. Minimize distractions.
Turn off notifications, close extra tabs, and put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Give yourself permission to fully be in the moment.
5. Take time to transition after.
You might need a few minutes to breathe, stretch, or journal after your session. Build that in if you can.
What If You Don’t “Click” with Your Online Therapist?
Finding the right therapist is important—but it’s also okay if it doesn’t click right away. Like any new relationship, it can take a few sessions to settle in and see how it feels. But if something feels off, trust your gut. You’re allowed to explore other options, ask for a referral, or connect with someone new.
At the end of the day, it’s the therapeutic relationship—not whether it’s online or in-person—that makes the biggest difference in your healing.
Online Therapy Is Still Real, Deep, Healing Work
It’s not less-than. It’s not watered-down. And it’s not just for “mild” problems.
Online therapy is a powerful way to access support, healing, and growth—on your terms. In your space. In your life.
You can bring your full self to the screen—tears, rage, laughter, anxiety, burnout, grief, numbness, hope. All of it belongs.
Online Therapy in Chicago and Illinois That Feels Personal and Supportive
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we specialize in online therapy that meets you where you are—emotionally and literally. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, identity struggles, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, we’re here to offer support that feels safe, affirming, and real.
We provide online therapy in Chicago and throughout Illinois for:
Adults, young adults, and teens
People-pleasers, overthinkers, and boundary-setters in progress
You don’t have to wait for life to slow down or for things to get “bad enough.” With online therapy, you can start healing right from your home—no commute, no judgment, just real support.
You Deserve Support That Meets You Where You Are
Therapy doesn’t have to mean a commute, a couch, or hiding your tears behind sunglasses afterward. It can be accessible, real, and still deeply healing.
If you're curious about what online therapy could look like for you, we're happy to talk.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today. Let’s see if we’re a good fit—and help you feel more grounded, more supported, and more like you.
