What are the pros and cons of online therapy?

When we think of therapy, many of us will have an image that comes to the mind: a dark and somewhat clinical office and a therapist who is middle-aged asking you about your experiences in the past. Although it’s an image that is popular on the internet, this is only one kind of therapy. Face-to face counselling isn’t the sole alternative.

Online counselling has exploded in popularity because of shorter time to wait, and convenience, and frequently cheaper than face-toface therapy. The term is used to refer to a range of names, from e-counselling or e-therapy, to email or phone counseling, and the term telepsychology or digital therapy There are also apps and web-based solutions that can meet your needs.

How can you use online therapy?

Online counselling encompasses a vast spectrum of options including instant messaging and video chats. With the same quality of assistance and security as face-to-face sessions with trained counsellors or therapists It’s been around for some time and has seen a rapid increase in popularity over the last few years.

Offering access to experts that may be away, but often at times that fit your timetable, online therapy can be conducted anywhere that has an internet connection. Different therapists can provide online counseling through various channels that include:

email
instant messaging (IM)
phone calls
Video calls
in-app messaging

What exactly is online therapy and what can I anticipate from it?

Every type of online counseling is different in its approach. It is important to verify the service or website you’re using to confirm that their psychotherapists and counsellors are qualified professionals who are part of a reputable organization. This will ensure that you’re receiving guidance and support from skilled and experienced professionals.

If you’re beginning with a new therapist it is common to have a consultation session prior to the start of your first. It allows you to meet the counselor more thoroughly as well as ask questions and discuss any concerns you might have. The typical therapist will inquire about what you want to gain from therapy or the reason you are in search of an individual counsellor. They will also ask for some background questions regarding you.

In this period the guidelines and expectations will be established regarding the frequency of communications, response time (if using a messaging-based method) and costs as well as privacy and security.

Email counselling – chatting with a therapist provides you the opportunity to note any problems or issues. The therapist then responds with a thoughtful and therapeutic response within a time frame which can be anything from hours to a few days.

Writing down your worries can by it’s own, be a great method of releasing any negative emotions you be experiencing. People who are awkward speaking about their issues publicly may consider this an extremely effective technique since it removes the stress of expressing your feelings in the moment giving you time to consider the words you’d like to use (and what you’d like to convey it).

Since mail can be written anytime at any moment Many people find that it easier to forget about the anxiety over having to communicate their worries or concerns in a specific time. It also allows you the ability to record what’s you are thinking about in the moment instead of waiting for the next time you meet face-to-face.

Telephone counselling is conducted on the phone Certain counsellors offer the service in conjunction with face-to-face sessions, while others provide the service by it’s own. Similar to a regular counselling sessions, appointments are scheduled with fixed times when you or your therapist contact you for a set amount of duration.

Video chat counseling – providing some of the benefits of face-to–face counselling, but and the convenience of online therapy video chat sessions are likely to be conducted using an app or platform that is secure that is selected by your counselor. Incorporating audio and visual feedback, many feel that conversations flow more naturally via video chat sessions as opposed to email or instant messaging sessions.

Instant message counselling is like email counselling and instant messaging (IM) counselling enables you to record your thoughts without needing to speak your thoughts. It can vary between counsellors. This could take some form like a live text-based dialogue over a certain time period, or be more similar to email counselling with your therapist responding promptly to your messages within a set duration of time.

What are the advantages and disadvantages on online therapy?

Although the advantages and disadvantages of online counseling may differ among individuals but there are several aspects to think about if are trying to find a counselor or attempt online therapy.

The reasons why people opt for online therapy be:

Accessibility – appointment times that are popular (evenings or weekends) are often booked up quickly with certain counsellors, since these times are highly sought-after. Online counseling may provide greater flexibility and shorter wait times to talk to a trained counsellor, which makes it easier for you to receive support whenever you require it.

For those with disabilities or mobility issues which make it difficult or difficult to reach their therapist’s office online counselling may help to over these hurdles. For those who are suffering from social phobias anxieties, and agoraphobia might be able to find online counselling more accessible.

Access support in the comfort of your residence (or wherever you happen to be) with no hassle of having to travel to meet with your counsellor. This will not only reduce time and cost however, it can also allow people living in rural areas have access to qualified professionals from far away. Furthermore therapy, many therapists provide extended hours of operation for sessions online, and methods like email therapy permit you to communicate your thoughts in a way that is most effectively for you.

People who are open – some feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and discussing sensitive issues via the buffer offered by phones or screens. For those who feel especially anxious or nervous in face-to-face counseling sessions, online therapy could be another option for help.

Cost-effectiveness – by offering remote therapy sessions, this could reduce the cost for counsellors as well as clients. Some counsellors share the savings gained by not needing to lease an individual counselling space or incur the costs associated with overheads which is evident in a lower hourly fee for sessions via phone or online.

Privacy If you are concerned that others will find their treatment information Online counselling may feel as if it provides a greater degree of security. It is a seamless fit into your schedule without having to schedule more time to meet with a therapist. Some prefer the sense of privacy they get from using screens to communicate.

The disadvantages of online therapy include:

Insufficient non-verbal feedback, establishing the same kind of relationship built through face-to -face counselling may be a challenge for certain people. Without the immediate feedback offered through body language, facial expressions and even verbal cues like the hm’ing sound, conversations can appear more formal or the tone you want to convey can be lost.

Verification – Not all online and mobile apps have verified therapists. Prior to signing up, or making your first contact be sure to confirm that you’re talking to an insured, qualified counsellor.

Divergent opinions on effectiveness – experts’ opinions are largely divided and many of them agree that it is necessary to conduct more studies on how effective online therapy can be as compared to face-toface counselling. Some experts believe it’s best to use it as used as a supplement, and not as the sole method of therapy and others think it’s similarly. It is important to keep in mind that the different approaches can be effective for different situations and people it’s all about being sure you find the method that works for you.

Security and confidentiality – though counsellors utilize encrypted or secure email as well as chat tools The characteristics of therapy online has more risk of being compromised. Counsellors still have the same ethical obligation to ensure your privacy and security of your personal information.

Technology problems – a range of problems that can be associated with online therapy could cause interruptions to sessions. Internet connectivity issues or service interruptions computer glitches and server failures or network connectivity, as well as dropping calls could all interrupt sessions and result in feelings of frustration.

It is also possible that you require basic computer knowledge, and a reliable internet connection to make the most value from your time. Although counselors will often guide you through the fundamentals of using untested video chat software or services but you’ll need to make sure that your device and connection are stable.

Are online therapies right for me?

If you’re considering talking to a counselor or therapist, it’s important to consider the various choices available. It’s worth looking at your personal situation and what you would like to gain from counselling.

If there are particular issues that could make face-toface counseling more difficult, intimidating or difficult to reach, you should consider other alternatives like video or email counselling could be an excellent alternative.

It is important to establish your own personal zone of comfort. There’s no correct or incorrect method to approach it. Keep in mind that it’s fine to start with one approach or therapist, and then switch to a different one when you aren’t feeling at ease or feel like things are going according to plan for you. It’s about making sure you have an approach to communication that is most effective for you.