It is a fact that with the coronavirus adventure and then with the implementation of repeated quarantine, online methods have experienced a particular growth. Especially those relating to learning and education. Online courses, online tutorials, online meetings of organisations appeared. Even online psychotherapy. With the development of technology, online methods have evolved and flourished, almost perfected in many areas. One of these areas could not fail to be related to health and in particular to mental health. People’s needs brought about distance psychotherapy.
More and more people, realizing that they are in need of psychological support, are deciding to resort to online psychotherapy. Stress, anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem and self-confidence, relationship problems are some of the issues that concern and plague many. The question that reasonably arises, however, is one: is online psychotherapy as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy, or are the sessions affected, especially negatively? In today’s article, we answer based on research data, experience and logic. For that, stay to the end.
“Science and art belong to the whole world, and before them all borders disappear”, Wolfgang Goethe.
Psychotherapy online: how the sessions take place and what to expect – The objections
The main part of online psychotherapy is the same as the traditional form of psychotherapy. Firstly, the mental connection, contact and communication between the psychotherapist and the person being treated, and secondly, the trust, which ideally, it would be desirable to develop between the two parties. Many have objected, not knowing how the online session works, that it is difficult to carry out due to distance. Others fear that confidentiality is somehow not guaranteed in the session and feel vulnerable. In reality, none of this is true.
The psychotherapist has awareness, empathy, and above all professional ethics. He or she respects the session, the therapist and the soul. It goes without saying that he ensures confidentiality, as long as both parties are in a quiet space and totally focused on the session. All this, of course, as long as we emphasize that it is done gradually, with patience and step by step. However, as in the face-to-face session, if the therapist feels comfortable, he or she can open up from the first meeting.
Usually, sessions are conducted through three meeting platforms: zoom, Skype, Google Meet. Although the mode of delivery is decided jointly, if and when it is not set by the psychologist-psychotherapist beforehand. A good internet connection (wi fi) and a mail is sufficient.
But is online psychotherapy effective? – Who ensures it
The scientific community has shown that online psychotherapy is just as effective as traditional face-to-face sessions in treating many psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and relationships. In fact, more than a few people admit that they feel like they are right next to their psychotherapist feeling so familiar and comfortable.
According to studies, therapists, at a high rate of verification, have been shown to respond more effectively and successfully to online psychotherapy, and in a relatively short period of time, even having conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Other studies have shown that online psychotherapy was more successful than face-to-face!
What are the 4 benefits of online psychotherapy? – Who is it for?
And let’s get to the point. What are the benefits and advantages of online psychotherapy. Are they practical, or do they simply boil down to theoretical discussion? Let’s go through them all, one by one:
- There is no geographical limitation: whether you live in a big or small city, or in a remote place, or even in a remote place, there is no barrier. With a good internet connection, the online session will take place normally. Even if you are outside of Greece.
- You can (although not in all cases), in advance, through a website, or even social networks, learn about your future psychotherapist, read his or her CV, see how he or she expresses himself or herself, what he or she stands for. Then, check him out, and if he makes a positive impression, then move forward with him.
- Flexibility in the sessions: You can have a psychotherapy session from your own space, at any time and day that is convenient for you and mutually agreed upon with your psychotherapist. Anywhere in the world, if the nature of your work allows you to travel or you do not have a fixed base.
- You save time: Save time by avoiding commuting. Even if you don’t opt for online psychotherapy because of an impediment, but that’s why you want to try it believing in it, or you’re just embarrassed to attend the clinic, with one click, you have the psychotherapist in your “home” and a session unfolding in front of you with one click!
Who is online psychotherapy for? – The case of healthcure.eu!
Online psychotherapy is a very useful tool for people with time or occupational difficulties, frequent travel, shyness for face-to-face psychotherapy or even if they are resident abroad. Healthcure is active in Larissa but also online in various parts of Greece and abroad.
Our goal is to facilitate and support the possibility of wellness, self-healing, mental health , creating the right conditions with specific methods, regardless of geographical location.
