Online therapy is the process of receiving professional help from a trained therapist or counsellor, via an online medium such as email, voice chat or text chat. Many people find it easier to open up and share their feelings with someone who isn’t right in front of them as they can feel more relaxed and comfortable. In that case, e-therapy could be a smart choice.
What is online therapy?
People are often reluctant to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health problems, but online therapy gives people another chance at getting help. Making your first appointment is not easy. There are so many factors that go into choosing a therapist, and if you have never been in therapy before it can be daunting. One reason why online therapy may be beneficial is that you might not be comfortable with the idea of meeting your therapist face-to-face at first.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
Some people live in remote areas and don’t have access to any mental health services. With online therapy they can get the help they need from a professional therapist without ever leaving their home. Besides, it can take several sessions to feel comfortable with a therapist. With e-therapy, you can become more familiar with your therapist and build trust before your first face-to-face session. Also, if you have certain phobias or anxiety it may be easier for you to talk about them online as the distance reduces the level of stress and
How to get started with online therapy?
You can find therapists by searching through Google or calling your local mental health or medical referral services. Make sure you ask any questions that you may have about the therapist to make sure he or she is a good fit for you. It’s also a good idea to chat with your mental health insurance provider before making an appointment. Some online therapists may accept insurance, which would be a great help on the wallet!
Is online therapy right for you?
Online therapy can offer a lot of benefits over traditional face-to-face counselling. Because of the convenience and privacy that is offered by online therapy, you can enjoy these benefits in your home. If you’re stressed about work or school, but don’t have time to see your therapist during the week, online therapy may be something that works for you.
Maybe you live far away from your family, but want to maintain contact with them? Online therapy can be a great way to keep in touch without disrupting your day-to-day routine.
Is it safe to chat with my therapist online?
Online therapy is just as professional and confidential as face-to-face counselling. Any good mental health professional will keep your personal information confidential. But make sure you talk to your therapist about how you can ensure that both of your identities are protected!
Does online therapy have a downside?
There are a few reasons why online therapy may not be ideal for you. Some therapists will only work with clients in person, which means that if you’re hoping to see them face-to-face, then online therapy probably isn’t the best option for you right now.
Also, sometimes it’s difficult to fully commiserate with your therapist when you’re not in the same room. For example, if your therapist is an expert on a certain topic and can offer great advice, they may not have much to say about it if you only communicate through text or voice chat. If this is the case, then online therapy probably isn’t for you!
Conclusion
So, whether you’re looking for a convenient way to see your therapist or need help with an extremely personal problem, online therapy may be the best option. If you choose to talk to a real person via phone and decide that online therapy is right for you, then it’s easy as pie! Most websites will ask for your name, email, age and the reason you’re seeking therapy. Then, fill in your personal information and you’ll have an online session with a real therapist as soon as possible.