Many people wonder, "Why should I invest in online therapy when I can just talk to my friends or family?" While venting to loved ones or buddies may offer temporary relief, online therapy provides long-term benefits beyond getting things off your chest.

While therapy is a safe and impartial space to get things off your chest freely, it’s not about venting. 

The Primary Differences Between Venting and Therapy

Venting – giving unrestrained expression to strong feelings – is something we think of as a massive relief that happens through releasing negative, pent-up emotions. We imagine this huge rush and our burden evaporating as we explode on someone who sits there and continues to give us unconditional, head-nodding affirmation and even empathize with our indignation. Sounds great, right? 

Psychology has another word for venting . . . co-rumination.

Co-rumination refers to two individuals excessively discussing what’s going wrong. It’s characterized by mutually encouraging each other to discuss problems, rehashing, speculating, and dwelling on negative feelings. Because co-rumination involves this intense and narrow focus on the details of distress and distressing events, it may also cause those problems to seem more significant and more challenging to resolve. 

This intense emphasis on a stressor may lead to more worries and concerns about problems and associated symptoms of anxiety and the negative affect characteristic of depression. Venting has been shown not only to unhelpfully maintain the individual’s focus on a problem instead of a solution but it has also been identified as a maladaptive coping strategy that amplifies the adverse effects of negative emotion.

Remember, if you're feeling like you want to end your life, or if you're having thoughts about, or plan or intent to hurt yourself or end your life, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. There's someone understanding and knowledgeable to talk to and support you 24/7, and it's a confidential and no-charge resource. You can also call or text 988, anytime.

A good venting session may be great for you under the right conditions. However, therapists are trained to ensure that the time spent getting things off your chest is significantly more productive for you than just letting off steam.

1. Productive Emotional Expression
   Online therapy helps you express your feelings more satisfactorily and constructively. Rather than just venting, therapy guides you toward understanding and resolving underlying issues.
2. Expert Insight
   Therapists are trained to identify key issues that friends, family, and others might overlook. They provide expert guidance that can help you gain new perspectives on your challenges and will guide you toward really meaningful understanding and forward progress.
3. Personalized Coping Strategies
   Therapists offer tailored coping strategies for your situation. Unlike general advice from loved ones, these strategies are evidence-based and focused on promoting relief AND your long-term well-being.
4. Safe and Impartial Support
   Online therapy offers a confidential space to explore your thoughts without judgment, allowing for more honest and open conversations. It provides a confidential environment to explore your thoughts and feelings openly. This impartial support is crucial for making meaningful progress.
5. Convenience and Accessibility
   Online therapy allows you to receive professional support from the comfort of your own home, making it easier to fit into your schedule.

Why Choose Online Therapy Over Venting?

While venting might feel good temporarily, online therapy offers sustainable solutions that can lead to real, lasting change. By choosing therapy, you invest in your mental health and well-being and ensure that you receive support to move forward and thrive, not just “blow off steam.” 

If you’re ready to move beyond venting and make meaningful changes, Onward Psychological Services could be your solution. Working with a trained therapist gives you the tools and insights to manage your emotions and improve your overall well-being. Don’t wait—take the first step today by contacting Onward Psychological Services to learn how online therapy can help you lead a healthier, happier life.

1. Rose AJ, Carlson W, Waller EM. Prospective associations of co-rumination with friendship and emotional adjustment: considering the socioemotional trade-offs of co-rumination. Dev Psychol. 2007 Jul;43(4):1019-31. doi: 10.1037/0012-1649.43.4.1019. PMID: 17605532; PMCID: PMC3382075.2. Brown SP, Westbrook RA, Challagalla G. Good cope, bad cope: adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies following a critical negative work event. J Appl Psychol. 2005 Jul;90(4):792-8. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.90.4.792. PMID: 16060796.