10 Benefits of Online Therapy
When we think about psychotherapy we usually conjure up images of laying on a couch and sharing our deepest, darkest feelings while trained professional nods along and writes things down in a little notepad. While this is still the case for some patients these days, online therapy is completely changing the way we seek help for our mental health.
Online therapy, also known as e-therapy, web therapy, distance therapy, or online counseling, is when the patient speaks to a mental health professional through their computer or another online source. There are a few different formats for this, and for those who might struggle with face to face counseling sessions for whatever reason, it can be a great alternative.
Using this unique style of treatment means you experience many benefits that traditional therapists simply can’t offer. There’s a reduced cost, more convenience, and the comfort of receiving treatment in your own home. All of these factors can make online therapy very attractive to a range of people, so it’s worth consideration.
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is a form of counseling done between two or multiple parties that don’t occur face to face. These sessions take place in a number of ways, thanks to the internet, and usually involved a qualified psychologist or counselor giving help. Here are a few methods popular in online therapy:
Messaging chat service
These operate like a regular messaging service that happens between you and your therapist. These may be anonymous sometimes.
Regular email communication with your therapist, usually answering a series of questions they have and providing feedback.
Discussion boards
Some discussion boards are aimed at improving mental health and offer a safe space to speak with professionals as well as others who may be experiencing similar feelings.
Video conferencing
This is a video chat between yourself and a therapist, and there may be the option to add other parties if needed (ie. marriage counseling).
Internet phone calls
Using an online phone service, you can speak directly with your therapist using an internet connection.
Although there are benefits to online therapy, it should never entirely replace traditional psychotherapy treatment for those who need it. There may be patients who require more serious help or those diagnosed with a mental illness, the best approach is always going to be psychotherapy first, with online counseling as a supplemental method.
Distant communication with therapy isn’t a new concept though, as some psychologists have communicated with patients through the mail or on the phone for decades. However, recent findings published by World Journal of Psychiatry show that the patients who receive this form of treatment today are satisfied with the approach.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
There’s no denying the powers of psychotherapy and how helpful it can be for those with mental health issues or just in need of something to talk to. However, online therapy opens up a whole new world of benefits that you might not have considered before. These are some ways that this modern approach could help your treatment plan.
Helpful for those With Physical Limitations
Individuals with physical health problems, disability or who are otherwise housebound will appreciate e-therapy. As there’s no need to leave the house or worry about their mobility issues, they’re able to seek treatment online and avoid any of these usual headaches.
More Time to Think
Speaking to someone face to face can be helpful, but when presented with a question or statement there can be pressure to come up with the answer immediately. Text-based therapy sessions allow the patient more time to structure their thoughts and usually, they will be able to come up with a clearer answer.
Allows Remote Patients to Seek Help
There are many people in the country who need help in the form of therapy or counseling and yet can’t get it due to their remote location. Therefore, many of these people suffer in silence and have to try and help themselves. Online therapy gives everyone access to qualified therapists and counselors that mean they never have to leave their home just to speak to someone.
Easy Rescheduling
Making an appointment to see a therapist or any other professional in their office means you’re quite limited in the changes you can make. Last minute things like work commitments, being sick or having to take care of children mean you may forfeit your appointment and still be charged for it. With online therapy, it’s easier to work around these things or reschedule as you wish.
Provides Anonymity
Some individuals feel uneasy about the idea of therapy and speaking with someone face to face about their secrets, thoughts, feelings, and fears. There are options for anonymous therapy services that mean nobody has to know who you are and you can speak freely without fear of judgment. They can also remain anonymous from others in their life knowing about it, for example, those who are in abusive relationships.
No Stigma Attached
Even though therapy is now an accepted form of treatment, there are still some who feel uncomfortable about using the services of a mental health professional. By attending therapy sessions online rather than going to an office, some of the stigmas can be removed about seeking help.
Affordable Option
Therapy can be an expensive treatment depending on your circumstances, but online therapy often means a more affordable choice. There are some quality free counseling services available online or paid professionals who may cost a little more. Usually, the charge for these sessions is less than what you’d pay for a traditional therapist.
Increased Comfort
Attending an office or space that is unknown may make some people feel comfortable and as a result, they’ll have a harder time opening up to their therapist. When you’re in your own home and in a comfortable space, you’ll be able to speak more freely and usually not have the awkwardness you might feel in a therapist office.
No Insurance
Many therapists require insurance in order to be treated, but there are some online options that don’t. This opens up this type of treatment to more people and means that anyone can seek help regardless of their insurance status.
Added Convenience
For many people, simply finding the time to get to a therapy session can feel impossible. When you’re able to connect to a counselor online you save time and gain convenience. People can connect to their therapist at work, home, or anywhere else they feel comfortable and it saves having to commute, find parking, or get time off work to attend.
Things to Consider With Online Therapy
Although there are many benefits to this type of therapy, you also need to consider some of the potential downsides to it. For many people, not seeing their therapists face to face makes it hard for them to build trust, and therefore it might take longer to feel comfortable during their sessions.
Another possible problem with e-therapy is that the practice is harder to regulate than it is in the real world. Although many of the therapists and counselors are qualified professionals, it is difficult to find out which ones actually are. Therefore, before engaging in these services you really need to check the background information.
Studies have shown that there are many therapists who are willing to experiment with this method of treatment, but usually, it comes down to the patients being hesitant. Because it’s still fairly new in the realm of psychotherapy, it could be some time before a greater range of therapists is available and we learn more about the positive effects of it.
A Safe Alternative
There are so many advantages to this modern form of therapy and it’s one that many people can benefit from. Regardless of your reason for being unable to attend or not interested in receiving therapy in the traditional setting, you’ll surely gain a lot from this.
Choosing an online therapist is something that should be done with care though, as there are no real regulations on who can practice. Therefore, you’ll need to be sure you’ve done your research before you begin a treatment plan with someone that you trust.
Online therapy is something that will only continue to grow from strength to strength as more people learn about its benefits. It’s always helpful to talk to someone about our thoughts and problems, and the added anonymity of doing so online is just what some people need to finally open up.
Resources
