Are you considering online therapy?
Online therapy has been around long before 2020. However, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that online therapy became more popular as a therapy option. Online therapy offers a more flexible and convenient choice for many people and research has consistently shown that it can be just as effective as in-person sessions.
What Is Online Therapy?
Remote therapy, very simply, is therapy delivered using web-based technology and this can be delivered using a laptop or tablet for video conferencing, or a telephone for texts or calls connecting virtually with a licensed therapist. The two modalities most frequently used are telephone calls or video using an online platform such as Zoom.
What can online therapy offer you?
Online therapy has some significant benefits like convenience in space and time and flexibility. Online therapy allows you to have therapy from the comfort of your chosen place without having to travel to a specific location elsewhere and, after the therapy session ends, you can easily go back to your routine with barely any disruption.
When having online therapy you will not have to worry about whether there are transport issues or adverse weather conditions, this also means that your treatment will be more focussed and consistent as there will be less sessions missed at a time when you need them the most.
You might find quite challenging to open up when it comes to disclosing some very personal and sensitive information or talking about your emotions in confidence with someone. Online therapy can be a good option for you as it increases your sense of comfort by being in your own space while discussing personal and challenging topics. This way you might feel less vulnerable and be more comfortable to be open.
Are you concerned about the effectiveness of online therapy? Worry not, numerous studies suggest that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and both modalities are effective in promoting growth and change. Ultimately, it will be mostly a matter of your individual preference for one format or the other.
Some helpful considerations when choosing online therapy?
The two main factors affecting the effectiveness of online therapy are not having a reliable internet connection or finding a private, quiet and confidential space for your session in which you feel confident you will not be overheard.
When you have face to face therapy, you would normally go to the same location for every session and, in the case of online therapy, it works best when you choose a specific place where you will be having all your therapy sessions, this will help you settling into the sessions and feeling more confident about your treatment.
Give yourself some time to ease into the sessions by allowing yourself to have 5-10 minutes of silence before your session starts, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, do not worry too much about your mind not slowing down and try to focus on your breathing. Once the session is finished, if you can, just take five minutes for yourself and have a couple of deep breaths before going back to your routine. This will help you closing the session in a mindful way getting you ready for the rest of your day.
Urgent help for mental health.
While online therapy can be used effectively for a variety of mental health conditions, there are some situations in which online therapy is not recommended. Should you feel you are having a mental health breakdown and you might be experiencing a mental health emergency you will be better supported by a mental health emergency team who can give you immediate expert advice and assessment.
