Can Online Therapy Really Help With Anxiety? A Real Therapist’s Perspective
Let’s get real about anxiety. If you’re reading this, you probably know the feeling—your mind racing, heart pounding, that stubborn sense of unease that refuses to let go. Maybe you’ve tried deep breaths, podcasts, or Google searches late at night, looking for relief. Maybe you’re even wondering if talking to a therapist, especially through a screen, could actually make a difference.
You’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people reach out to me for therapy, and it’s often the reason people hesitate, too. Can online therapy really help, or is it just another modern convenience that sounds good on paper but leaves you feeling the same?
Here’s what I’ve seen, up close and honest.
Anxiety: It’s Not “Just in Your Head”
First, let’s clear something up. Anxiety isn’t just “worrying too much,” and it’s definitely not a sign that you’re weak or “overreacting.” Anxiety is a real, lived experience—sometimes it shows up as thoughts you can’t turn off, sometimes it’s a heavy feeling in your chest, sometimes it hijacks your sleep or makes your relationships harder than they need to be.
Anxiety can be rooted in stress, trauma, biology, life transitions, or old patterns that just won’t let go. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, I believe deeply in this: you have the capacity to heal, and you do not have to do it alone.
What Does Online Therapy For Anxiety Actually Look Like?
A lot of people imagine therapy as lying on a couch, staring at the ceiling, while someone takes notes. In reality—especially online therapy—it’s much more collaborative and, dare I say, more comfortable than most people expect.
Here’s how it usually works with me:
We meet in a secure, private virtual space. You can show up in your comfiest clothes, bring your tea, and even let your dog curl up beside you.
We start wherever you are. Some people are ready to pour it all out; others need time to find the words. Both are absolutely okay.
We get curious about your anxiety—not just the thoughts, but how it shows up in your body, your routines, your relationships, and your self-talk.
Together, we find patterns and start to untangle them. Sometimes that means practical skills and coping strategies; sometimes it’s about going deeper to heal old wounds or release shame.
I’ll share tools rooted in approaches like EMDR, mindfulness, trauma therapy, and practical everyday strategies. You’ll always have a say in what feels helpful and what doesn’t.
The best part? You’re still in your own environment, which can make therapy feel more accessible and less intimidating. No long drives, no awkward waiting rooms, just a space where you can start to feel safe—often, for the first time in a long time.
If you want more details on how online therapy works, visit the Services page on my website.
Does It Really Work? (The Research & The Real Talk)
There’s a mountain of research showing that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. What matters most isn’t the room you’re sitting in, but the relationship you build with your therapist, the safety you feel, and the process that unfolds over time.
I’ve worked with clients who were skeptical at first, who worried online sessions would feel distant or “less real.” Many are surprised at how quickly the virtual space starts to feel personal and supportive. Sometimes, people open up even more from the comfort of home.
If you’re curious about the research, I share more about therapy effectiveness and my approach on my Frequently Asked Questions page.
Who is Online Therapy For?
I work with adults all over Ontario and across Canada who want support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, sexuality, or simply feeling “stuck.” Online therapy is for anyone who wants help but needs flexibility or privacy, whether you’re in Toronto or a rural community.
Sessions are always confidential, and you never have to leave your safe space to begin.
If You’re Ready To Try Something Different
The hardest part is often reaching out for the first time. If you’re tired of anxiety running the show, or just want a space to figure things out at your own pace, I’d love to help.
Book a complimentary consultation today, or explore my Services and About pages to learn more about what working together could look like.