I used to be reluctant about using Skype in my work, it seemed like an unnecessary gimmick; until I started going overseas every few months for family reasons, and needed to stay in touch with my existing clients.
So I started skyping whilst I was overseas. Then a few clients were referred to me - who happened to live in Europe and Asia. Suddenly I had "Skype-only" clients, which in hindsight fits perfectly with the fact that I offer therapy not only in English, but also in French and German (my cultural background).
These are the things that surprised me:
First, how good the technology has become (provided my and their WiFi are working properly).
Second, that it is truly possible to build rapport, and a therapeutic relationship, without actually meeting in person.
Thirdly, and that one was more unexpected, that there was a real feeling of security for my clients, being able to Skype from their home. The flip-side to this is I can't control their environment like I do in my office, so theoretically, they could be interrupted by people on their end.
The drawback for me? At this stage, there isn't really one. Being able to hear a client, and see their facial expressions in real-time is just about as good as in real life. The only senses that miss out are touch and smell, which are kind of irrelevant in therapy (or so I would hope).
So the old saying is proving true: where there is a will, there is a way. If you want help, and ask for it, it will be available - but perhaps in a slightly different shape than you expect.
Reaching out - and being truly heard and seen - has become possible for anyone connected online.
Maybe the Internet isn't just for watching cat videos and porn after all?