Online therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people take advantage of the convenience and accessibility it offers.
These types of services are widely advertised on platforms such as YouTube and in banner ads on premium websites. Quite rightly, many are asking whether this mode of therapy can offer the same benefits and results as face-to-face sessions.
As with any service, whether online or in the physical world, not every therapy service is effective or gives users the results they are looking for. Before you consider online therapy, look for reviews and testimonials from clients who have tried virtual services, so you are better able to make an informed decision.
Pros and cons of virtual therapy
Online therapy allows you to fit sessions around your commitments, and schedule video chats or communication at a time that suits you. It also grants those in rural areas access to high-quality therapy that may not be available where they live.
Online sessions are often more cost-effective than face-to-face programmes, making it accessible to those with less disposable income. In-person sessions can be very expensive, so if you are just beginning your therapy journey and are unsure what to expect, the online route requires a smaller spending commitment.
On the downside, those with serious physiological issues such as psychosis or suicidal intentions are much better suited to face-to-face consultations and should not consider online services. In a time of personal crisis, you would want to rely on immediate, real-world support.
Through video chats, online therapists are also less able to accurately assess your body language or demeanour, which can offer a lot of information about you and your situation. This can impair a therapist’s ability to make accurate judgments and offer the best advice and therapy.
Technical problems can also be a concern, as a sudden loss of internet connectivity can bring an online consultation to a halt.
What do professionals think?
Online therapy has undergone plenty of scrutiny in the past few years. Professionals are concerned about the effectiveness and standards of online therapy, and whether it can be harmful rather than helpful.
The relationship and rapport between therapist and patient are an important part of the process, and online therapy does not offer much opportunity for them to know and trust each other.
Studies have shown, however, that online therapy has a lot to offer; only those with severe and debilitating psychological concerns will struggle to benefit.
Both the “Journal of Affective Disorders” and the “Journal of Psychological Disorders”, for example, have found that virtual sessions offer effective and practical healthcare for most people.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.