The colossal psychological impact of COVID-19 left many individuals with a chronic mental health condition, often unable to attend physical counselling.
In fact, according to a 2020 national survey by the Medical Journey of Australia, the number of adults suffering from generalised anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms, and self-harming thoughts at least doubled during the first month of the restrictions imposed due to the global pandemic.
However, online therapy is popular for many other reasons. It offers an accessible and flexible service for those who cannot physically attend counselling. They may be experiencing a physical disability preventing them from travelling. Or they may prefer not to see a therapist in person.
If you’re wondering if this would be an effective alternative to face-to-face sessions, let’s go over the essential points you need to know about online therapy and why it can work just as well as conventional methods.
What is online therapy?
Sometimes referred to as web therapy, e-therapy, or virtual counselling, online therapy refers to counselling services performed through digital means.
Rather than physically heading to a clinic, you’ll arrange to meet with an online psychologist through any device. You can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer – as long as it has a stable internet connection.
Is online therapy effective? Or should I only go in-person?
Research indicates that online counselling may be as effective as conventional therapy for specific mental health issues.
For example, some studies have shown that telehealth can be effective in treating symptoms associated with:
- Depression
- Different forms of anxiety-related conditions
- Schizophrenia
- Addiction to gambling or smoking
Some people have expressed doubt about the value of web therapy because of the importance of body language during counselling sessions. Nonverbal cues of the patient provide insights and context that texts cannot convey.
To address this, most online therapists will engage in video conferencing. While it’s not as intimate as an in-person session, the approach makes the patient feel comfortable but allows the therapist to take note of facial expressions and body language.
Here’s why virtual counselling really does work
If you’re on the fence about receiving mental health services through a video chat, we have listed below some of the key advantages of online counselling that you should consider:
Familiar setting
Speaking to a therapist in the comforts of your home can make it easier for you to relax and open up about your mental health issues.
Convenient method
You don’t have to leave the house — or your bedroom — to go to therapy. If you’re living in a remote area, have a physical disability, or have no other convenient means of going to a clinic, you can appreciate the convenience of online therapy.
Flexible schedule
Do you juggle several commitments throughout the day? Online therapy may be squeezed in during your preferred time without much trouble. And there’s no travel time to account for.
Give it a go – book your Online Therapy session today
Ask us any questions you might still have about receiving proper and effective mental health support. Reach out to us now, wherever or whenever you need our help.
At Safe Place Therapy, we aim to provide the best online therapy services for people from all walks of life.
