Pros, Cons, and What’s Right for You?
Finding the right kind of counselling support can make a big difference in your comfort and progress. Whether you’re considering meeting a counsellor face-to-face or exploring virtual therapy, both options can be effective — it’s just a matter of what works best for you.
At Acacia Health in Victoria, BC, we offer both in-person counselling and virtual therapy for clients anywhere in British Columbia. Below, we’ll walk through the benefits and drawbacks of each, how to decide which might fit you best, and what to know about coverage and booking options.
How Counselling Works Today
Counselling has changed a lot in recent years. While in-person sessions remain the traditional format, virtual therapy has become a widely accepted and evidence-based option. Most licensed counsellors in BC now offer secure online appointments using encrypted video platforms (like Jane App) that protect your privacy and confidentiality.
For people living outside Victoria or those with mobility, time, or transportation challenges, virtual counselling opens up access to care that might not otherwise be available. Some clients even choose a hybrid approach, meeting online most weeks and coming in person when they prefer a deeper connection.
Benefits of In-Person Counselling
Meeting face-to-face with a counsellor offers a sense of presence and grounding that many people find reassuring.
Advantages include:
- A neutral, private space away from daily distractions
- The ability to connect through body language and subtle cues
- A safe environment for trauma processing or somatic awareness work
- A sense of routine and ritual in physically coming to the clinic
For those who value personal connection or find it easier to open up in person, this format can feel especially supportive. At Acacia Health, our Victoria counselling office provides a calm, welcoming environment designed for comfort and privacy.
Benefits of Virtual Counselling
Virtual sessions bring flexibility and accessibility, allowing therapy to fit more easily into your life.
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Advantages include:
- Available from anywhere in British Columbia — including rural or remote communities
- No travel, parking, or weather-related travel stress
- Easier scheduling for busy professionals or parents
- A comfortable home setting that can help reduce anxiety about attending sessions
Many clients are surprised by how personal and effective virtual sessions can feel. With the right setup and secure technology, online counselling can provide the same quality of care and confidentiality as in-person visits.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Both options have their limitations:
Virtual counselling can be challenging if you don’t have a private or quiet space at home, or home doesn’t have a safe healing environment for you. Technology interruptions can add stress for some people, especially if a reliable internet connection isn’t available for you.
Virtual counselling may also feel less connected for clients who rely on nonverbal cues or grounding in a shared space, some users may also spend all day at work on a computer and don’t want to spend more time at a screen.
In-person counselling requires travel time and may feel less accessible if you have mobility issues, health concerns, or live outside the Victoria area. Especially in smaller communities, the local clinicians might not be a good fit.
Neither option is “better” — it’s about what supports you best in your current circumstances.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer being in the same room as my counsellor, or does the comfort of home help me open up?
- Do I have reliable internet and a private space for online sessions?
- Am I looking for trauma therapy, EMDR, or a general counselling approach?
- Do I have suitable options for in-person in my community?
You might even try both formats before deciding. Many clients discover that one suits their needs better at different stages of therapy.
Insurance Coverage for Counselling in BC
Most extended health benefit plans in BC cover counselling services provided by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), Registered Social Workers (RSWs), or other licensed professionals.
At Acacia Health:
- In-person and virtual counselling sessions are covered equally by most plans.
- Coverage varies depending on your individual plan, so it’s always best to confirm directly with your provider.
- We’ve recently begun offering direct billing through Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield, and some Telus plans; which means we can often process your claim at the time of your appointment.
If your plan does not allow direct billing, we’ll still provide you with a digital or paper receipt to submit for reimbursement.
Free 15-Minute Consultations
Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision — fit matters. To help make that easier, Acacia Health offers free 15-minute consultations with our counsellors. These short conversations are a chance to:
- Ask questions about counselling approaches and modalities (including trauma therapy and EMDR)
- Get a feel for your counsellor’s style
- Decide whether in-person or virtual sessions might work better for you
There’s no obligation to book a full session afterward — it’s simply a supportive space to see if we’re the right fit for your needs.
How Acacia Health Can Support You
Our counselling team includes general counselling and specialization in trauma and EMDR therapy and can address a wide range of concerns.
We provide:
- In-person sessions in Victoria, BC
- Virtual counselling for clients anywhere in British Columbia
- A collaborative, trauma-informed approach integrated within our broader health team
Whether you’re beginning your first therapy experience or continuing your healing journey, we’re here to help you find the approach that fits.
Ready to explore counselling?
You can book a free 15-minute consultation or contact our front desk to learn more about in-person and virtual options.
Wherever you’re located in BC, Acacia Health offers a safe, supportive environment to begin the next step toward mental wellness.
