Are you wondering whether you'd benefit from seeing a therapist online? Do you doubt that online therapy can be as effective? Are you weighing the pros and cons of starting online therapy sessions?
Let's have a look at research and answer all your questions!
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, is a therapeutic service provided through the internet. This could take the form of phone or video sessions via platforms such as Skype, Zoom, Teams or GoogleMeet, for example. Some therapists and services may also offer text or email therapy. More and more people are wanting to access counselling online for the following reasons...
Pros
It's convenient!
No time or stress wasted in public transport.
Effortlessly answer the phone or open your laptop.
Being able to be in a comfortable and familiar environment like your own living room or bedroom.
It's effective!
It's accessible!
It's affordable!
It's flexible!
It's approachable!
It's anonymous and private!
It's empowering!
More choices!
While many people nowadays are choosing to have their therapy online, some wonder whether it would be the right choice for them, for the following reasons...
Cons
Technology issues!
Fickle Wi-Fi connection / phone signal.
Possible laptop/phone technical issues.
Technical issues can lead to frustration or anger which can, in turn, disturb the therapy process or sessions.
Some people feel uncomfortable or fear using technology (15).
Overlooks non-verbal cues!
If you are having your sessions over the phone, your therapist cannot see your facial expressions or body language. These signals can often be quite telling and give the therapist a clearer picture of your feelings, thoughts, moods, and behaviours (10).
Video chats can lack the intimacy and intricacy that real-world interactions offer.
Some people may feel more comfortable undergoing therapy in a digital setting, especially younger people who are more intimately familiar with such methods of communication, but others may get more out of therapy that utilises more direct human contact.
Not a crisis service!
Tiredness and distractions!
Not appropriate for all therapeutic approaches!
Therapists' qualifications?
Not covered by your insurance?
To sum up, online therapy can be an effective and convenient way to access therapeutic help but it doesn't mean it is right for everyone. Whether or not online therapy may be appropriate for you depends on your own preferences, technology proficiency or type of psychotherapeutic approach you are looking for.
If you are interested in trying online therapy, research your options and don't be afraid to ask questions! Finding the right online therapist can take some time, but it's well worth the effort.
I am open to new clients!
I currently work exclusively online. Get in touch to book a free phone consultation or an initial session.
References
[1] Fernandez, E., Woldgabreal, Y., Day, A. et al., (2021). Live psychotherapy by video versus in-person: A meta-analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment. Clin Psychol Psychother, 1–15.
[2] Gun, S. Y., Titov, N. and Andrews, G., (2011). Acceptability of internet treatment of anxiety and depression. Australas Psychiatry, 19(3), 259-264.
[3] Haas, L. J. and Malouf, J. L., (2002). Keeping up the good work: A practitioner's guide to mental health ethics. Sarasota, US: Professional Resource Press/Professional Resource Exchange.
[4] Chester, A. and Glass, C. A., (2006). Online counselling: A descriptive analysis of therapy services on the Internet. Br J Guid Couns, 34(2), 145-60.
[5] Godine, N. and Barnett, J. E. (2013). The use of telepsychology in clinical practice: Benefits, effectiveness, and issues to consider. Int J Cyber Behav Psychol Learn, 3(4), 70-83.
[6] Zur, O., (2007). Telehealth and the technology for delivering care. In: Zur, O., ed., Boundaries in psychotherapy: Ethical and clinical explorations. Washington, US: American Psychological Association. pp. 133-46.
[7] Fitzgerald, T. D., Hunter, P. V., Hadjistavropoulos, T. and Koocher, G. P. (2010). Ethical and legal considerations for Internet-based psychotherapy. Cogn Behav Ther, 39(3), 173-187.
[8] Barnett, J. E. and Scheetz, K., (2006). Online counselling: A descriptive analysis of therapy services on the Internet. Br J Guid Couns, 34(2), 145-160.
[9] Drumb, K. B. and Littleton, H. L., (2014). Therapeutic boundaries in telepsychology: Unique issues and best practice recommendations. Prof Psychol: Res Pract, 45(5), 309-315.
[10] Bauman, S. and Rivers, I., (2015). Mental health in the digital age. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
[11] Fraser, L., (2009). Etherapy: Ethical and clinical considerations for Version 7 of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's Standards of Care. Int J Transgenderism, 11(4), 247-263.
[12] Finfgeld, D. L., (1999). Psychotherapy in cyberspace. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 5(4),105–10.
[13] Alleman, J. R., (2002). Online counseling: The Internet and mental health treatment. Psychother: Theory Res Pract Training, 39(2), 199–209.
[14] Chakrabarti, S., (2015). Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches. World J Psychiatry, 5(3), 286-304.
[15] Regueiro, V., McMartin, J., Schaefer, C. and Woody, J. M., (2016). Efficacy, efficiency, and ethics in the provision of telepsychology services: Emerging applications for international workers. J Psychol Theol, 44(4), 290-302.
[16] Brenes, G. A., Ingram, C. W. and Danhauer, S. C., (2011). Benefits and challenges of conducting psychotherapy by telephone. Prof Psychol: Res Pract, 42(6), 543-549.
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