When I began doing online therapy (therapy using video calling) I wasn’t sure what it would be like, for the client or myself. Would the client benefit? How much can the client really get out of online therapy? Is in person, office therapy better? Let’s talk about some of these questions and more! I think a lot of consumers and therapists probably wonder the same things!
Does online therapy work?
· Is it as effective as in office therapy? People ask me this question a lot. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first too. I have been doing online therapy for the last year with clients and have seen first hand the improvements that can be made if you are a motivated client ready for change. The main difference that I notice? Clients need to be much more proactive in their treatment. They need to follow through with their homework and really, really use the skills and things being taught in the sessions. Online therapy seems to be much more solutions focused, cognitive behavioral approach.
· Check out this link for some research and studies on the effectiveness of online therapy compared to in office therapy: https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/online-therapy
What are some of the benefits of online therapy?
· It’s convenient! You can do it from the comfort of you own home or your office. Maybe you have time on your lunch break to hop on a video call. Online therapy saves you drive time! I get it; there is something to be said about making the effort to come to a therapy appointment. Maybe you are more bought in, you are in the “zone of therapy,” it decreases distractions, etc. On the flip side, (since I serve clients in California), do you ever just not want to drive an hour in that SoCal traffic one way to your therapy appointment? Does that hold you back from being consistent in your weekly therapy appointments? Or how about reaching the clients with an intense fear of leaving the house (agoraphobia)? Or severe depression? OCD? In my opinion, some therapy is better than no therapy.
· You know what else is convenient? Being able to do a couples therapy session without having to coordinate everyone being in the same place! That’s right, we can do a 3 way video call from 3 different locations! This is helpful for family sessions too.
· Online therapy can be more affordable than in office therapy, and in some cases, also include text messaging as an add on.
· It’s easy to access. You can do a video session from your cell phone, laptop, computer, or tablet.
· Scheduling can be more flexible. Since there is no drive time, appointments can be scheduled whenever you have a free 30 minutes or 1 hour (depending on session length).
· The platform is completely confidential and HIPAA compliant, the same as in office therapy.
What does online therapy look like?
· I use a platform called iTherapy. I will send you a link and it will take you to a “waiting room” until our session begins. The first time you have a session, it can feel a little weird to be speaking over a video platform, however, once you get used to it, it will be just the same as meeting in person. Sometimes people use the time to talk, vent, and gain insight. Other times we work on exercises together. Both of these are just like in office therapy.
I’m not technologically savvy; can I still do online therapy?
· Definitely! The platform is user friendly and it’s very easy to log in or click on the link I send you.
I hope this was informative and helpful to see some of the benefits of online therapy. If you have any questions or want to know more, send me a message! Let’s chat! Get started changing your life today; see you online!