How Effective Is Online Psychotherapy?

Quarantine and social restrictions have forced us to get used to a new reality where any need is quickly closed online. Getting help from a psychologist is now as easy as ordering food delivery from a supermarket.

It is impossible to imagine life without digital technologies. To enjoy your favorite dish, going to a restaurant is no longer necessary can work remotely, and it is convenient to update your wardrobe in the online store. Psychotherapy has also become more comfortable Skype consultations and correspondence with a psychologist online in a chat or messenger are available.

This allows you to maintain mental health, even being hundreds or thousands of kilometers away from a specialist.

The Efficiency of Remote Psychological Assistance

The effectiveness of therapy does not depend on the format, especially when you need to consult a psychologist. If your request involves working with a psychotherapist, it is better to clarify the appropriate format with a specialist. After all, a psychologist and a psychotherapist have different competencies, and they solve different psychological problems. However, it is a mistake to say that sessions with a psychotherapist will be effective only in the mode of a standard meeting.

The online format is suitable if your psychologist is far away. For example, you live or travel to another country.

Some people believe that a psychotherapy session should take place in the office. After all, a special atmosphere encourages conversation and relaxation, allowing you to disconnect from everyday problems and worries temporarily. But those who have already managed to test the online format are convinced that you can calm down and tune in to a conversation at home. When familiar things are around, it is easier to open up and speak out.

If in doubt about which format to choose, read a blog about psychology or feature articles. You can often find answers to your questions there. In addition, you will learn the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Psychotherapy

Online therapy via Skype or a personal visit to the office? Consider the pros and cons of both.

Pros:

- Online consultations are a salvation for people with tight schedules. This is an opportunity to save the most important resource time. You no longer have to adjust the schedule to the session schedule and spend hours getting to the office where the specialist is receiving it. An online personal psychologist is a convenient way to get the support you need, even when you are at home.

- Availability. Online therapy makes geographic boundaries disappear. It doesn't matter what city or country you are in. If you have gone on a business trip or vacation, you do not have to interrupt your work with a psychologist because you can call at the appointed time.

- Confidentiality and anonymity. Some people put off going to a psychologist because they are afraid to talk about their problems in person. Online consultations are convenient in that you can not be called by your name and do not include a video call. There are different recruitment platforms.

- Safety and comfort. No matter how comfortable the psychologist's office is, it cannot be compared with the atmosphere of home comfort. During the online consultation, you can be as relaxed as possible. Home, office, favorite coffee shop the main thing is to feel safe. This will remove barriers, and you will reduce the psychological distance and enter into a more trusting and open relationship. Your personal psychologist online is a great way to get help here and now.

Cons:

The drawbacks are mostly related to the technical part communication interruptions, poor Internet connection, problems on the line, etc. Due to the low quality of the video, it will be more difficult for the specialist to determine what emotions the client is experiencing. In addition, malfunctions in equipment operation can completely disrupt the meeting. However, such problems are no more common than, for example, repairs behind the wall or the lack of light in the psychologist's office.