Online therapy by video is a real therapy appointment, not just a quick chat. You and the therapist meet at the same time, see and hear each other, and use the session to understand what is happening, what you want to change, and what kind of support may fit. The difference is the room: you are in your own private space, and the therapist is in theirs.
Sources checked May 2026. This page is educational and service-orienting. It does not diagnose, replace an individual clinical assessment, or provide crisis care. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a recognised crisis service. Medication decisions need to be discussed with a qualified prescriber.
Before the first video session
- Choose a private room where you are unlikely to be interrupted.
- Use headphones if other people might overhear.
- Check your camera, microphone and internet connection before the appointment.
- Keep a phone nearby in case the video call drops.
- Think about where you are physically located, because local emergency support matters if risk becomes urgent.
What the first appointment is for
The first appointment is usually about orientation: what brings you to therapy, what has helped or not helped before, current risks, privacy, practical arrangements, and whether online work is suitable. It does not need to contain every detail of your life. It is enough to begin with what feels most relevant now.
When video therapy may fit
- Anxiety, worry, panic, social anxiety, work stress or avoidance patterns.
- OCD, intrusive thoughts or reassurance loops, where online work is clinically suitable.
- Depression, grief, relationship stress or self-understanding questions.
- German-speaking therapy for people in Ireland or German-speaking expats where appropriate.
- People who live outside central Dublin but can meet privately online.
When video therapy may not be enough
Online therapy is not an emergency service. It may not be the right first route if there is immediate danger, severe crisis, active psychosis or mania, high medical risk, safeguarding risk, severe substance-use risk, no privacy, or a need for a local specialist team. In those situations, local emergency services, a GP, an emergency department, a crisis team, or a specialist service may be needed.
What research says
Research on video therapy is cautiously encouraging. Systematic reviews such as Backhaus et al., Thomas et al. and Berryhill et al. suggest that videoconferencing psychotherapy can be feasible and useful for many people, while guidelines from APA/ATA, NICE, NICE depression guidance and the VA National Center for PTSD emphasise assessment, privacy, risk planning and clinical fit.
If you want therapy in German
I also offer psychotherapy and counselling in German where this is suitable. The page on German-speaking online therapy in Ireland explains the focus on German speakers in Ireland, German-speaking expats, and cross-border suitability questions.