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The need and importance of mental health is more than ever in a society where it seems like our lives are going by more quickly than before. And guess what? With the advent of online therapy, the therapeutic landscape has also evolved. You may wonder then, what all the buzz is about. Imagine having a therapist at your fingertips while relaxing casually at your home. Yes, we mean online therapy sessions that happen virtually rather than in a conventional offline environment, such as at your home or your preferred spot. It's like having a trustworthy virtual confidante.
Online therapy provides a distinctive, easily accessible, and somewhat contemporary approach to mental health, and that's exactly where it comes in. As more and more people are understanding the importance of mental well-being, the demand for online therapy has also picked up in the last few years. Let’s dive deep into the nuances of online therapy.
UNDERSTANDING ONLINE THERAPY
Consider conventional therapy, what comes to your mind? You're expressing your innermost thoughts with a mental health professional seated across from you in a comfortable office. Now take that scene and mix it with a little more convenience, and you get “Online Therapy”.
Getting your therapeutic fix via the wonders of the internet is what online therapy, sometimes referred to as teletherapy or e-counseling, is all about. Rather than meeting in person, you communicate with your therapist via video conversations, or simply over the phone. It's similar to bringing the therapist's office to your favourite coffee shop or living room, depending on where you feel most comfortable. For some time now, online therapy has been quietly gaining traction. With its adaptation to our hectic lifestyles, therapy is now more accessible than before. You won't need to worry about missing work, commuting, or adjusting your whole calendar. You get therapy in your own time and place, and according to your convenient availability.
Do these methods compare favourably to the conventional in-person therapy setting, one may wonder? The answer is unquestionably yes. Studies[1] have indicated that virtual counselling can be equally effective as in-person counselling. The connection and the readiness to grow and open up is what matters more. Online therapy is dismantling obstacles and making that progress more attainable than before. It's an advanced alternative rather than a substitute for the traditional treatment.
MODES OF ONLINE THERAPY: IDENTIFYING YOUR DIGITAL COMFORT ZONE
Now that we've established that online therapy is a more advanced and convenient alternative, let’s learn more about the many forms of online therapy to help you identify your digital comfort zone.
Let's examine these modes of online therapy to help you identify your digital comfort zone.
1. Online Video Counselling from Website/App-Based Platforms: A Therapist in Your Pocket
Online video counselling is now your best option if you're missing the in-person connection but can't make it to a session. You get all of it: the facial emotions, body language, everything. Online video therapy is often considered the most effective type of online therapy and is the closest to the traditional offline therapy process. There are platforms that provide online video therapy services along with other services, such as interactive activities and mood tracking. We, at MentAmigo[2], understand the need for the comfort and safe space that you may be looking for. Consider checking out our services and finding a therapist that’s right for you.
2. Telephone-Based/Audio Counselling: Mobile Counselling
Phone-based therapy is the way to go if you're camera-shy or prefer to keep things traditional. It's similar to sharing a sincere chat with a buddy, but this friend is an accomplished professional. You pick up the phone at the scheduled hour, have your session, and take a moment before you resume your normal activities. It is, in fact, mobile therapy. Your therapist is only a phone call away, whether you're delayed in traffic or walking through a park.
3. Text-Based Counselling
Imagine having a conversation with your therapist, only you're typing away. Therapy via text is similar to having a therapeutic pen-friend. You talk to your therapist via various chat platforms used by the therapist or their organisation. If you're a wordsmith or just like to express yourself via writing, this is ideal for you. You also get access to a digital transcript of your sessions.
These are some of the most common types of online therapy. You can choose from a variety of therapeutic choices, depending on your preferences. Whichever you decide on, the objective remains the same: to create an environment in which you may learn, explore, and work towards attaining your therapeutic goals. The world of digital healing is open to you - take a step and start exploring your therapeutic journey!
THE EXPERTS BEHIND THE SCREEN: IMPORTANCE OF QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS WHEN CONSIDERING ONLINE THERAPY
Considering Online Therapy
Certified counsellors and therapists work hard to obtain their degrees and credentials. They are more than just your typical advisors; they are mental health experts with the knowledge to help you navigate the whirlwind of your thoughts and emotions. But, in the evolving space of online therapy, there is also a risk of being tricked or falling prey to non-qualified professionals. This is why looking up and confirming your therapist's credentials is so important. It’s also important because:
Expertise Matters: Your therapist's credentials are as necessary as hiking boots, for your mountain trek. You need a guide, a qualified professional who can help you safely feel your emotions, and understand your thoughts. Verifying the credentials guarantees that you're in competent hands.
Connection and Trust: Therapy is a two-way street. You want to trust the person on the other end because you are sharing personal information with them. Establishing qualifications contributes to that trust. It's similar to reviewing reviews before selecting a guide; you want someone trustworthy.
Online Safety: Security is crucial in the digital sphere. In addition to treatment, certified therapists receive advanced training on the intricacies of establishing a safe online space.
Hence give some thought to check and confirm before you embark on your online therapeutic journey. Seek out such credentials and qualifications and don’t be afraid to double-check before starting your therapy process.
ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE THERAPY
Let's now look at why online therapy might essentially be the superhero cape of mental well-being.
Easy Accessibility: Online therapy allows individuals to access mental health services from anywhere with an internet connection. No matter where you are, consider online therapy to be as convenient as having your therapist only a few clicks away from you, regardless of where you are, in a busy city or relaxing in a log cabin in the woods. Those who live in isolated or rural locations, where access to in-person therapy may be limited, can especially benefit from this. Also, for those who have developed a therapeutic alliance with a particular therapist but may need to move or travel, online therapy can offer continuity of care. No matter where life takes you, you may easily continue your sessions with your therapist, online.
Convenience: You do realise that life is already somewhat of a juggling act? Online therapy gives you the convenience of scheduling a session according to your schedule. It's up to you whether you hold your session from the comfort of your home after a demanding day or during your morning coffee break. No more worrying about cramming therapy sessions into your busy schedule.
Flexibility: Depending on each individual’s comfort level and preferred mode of communication, online therapy offers the option to select between video sessions, phone conversations, or messaging. This adaptability may increase the availability of therapy to a wider spectrum of individuals. It's counselling that feels right for you.
Economical and cost-effective: It may be less expensive for both therapists and clients to get therapy online. Both clients and therapists may save money by not having to pay as much for travel fees and overhead related to running a physical office. So, bid farewell to having your wallet burn a hole due to travel expenses.
Scope for Anonymity: Some people might feel more at ease talking about sensitive and private matters from the seclusion of their own homes. A certain amount of anonymity provided by online therapy can ease feelings of shame and promote candid dialogue. Being in your place can offer a reassuring degree of solitude.
Access to Blogs and Reliable Content Related to Mental Health from Qualified Professionals
The emergence of online therapy has brought about a revolutionary shift in the field of mental health and well-being. It can provide clients with unparalleled access to professional assistance from the convenience of their homes. In this landscape, it’s necessary to highlight the importance of trustworthy services and content in the context of online treatment. It can be difficult to navigate the large sea of information. Still, blogs and self-help guides written by qualified mental health professionals will take readers in the direction of reliable resources and quality content. These resources enable the readers to make knowledgeable decisions on their path to mental well-being. Watch this space[3] for insights that promote a more connected and healthy world by fusing technology breakthroughs with a human touch.
CHALLENGES IN ONLINE THERAPY
It is also important for us to explore the difficulties and challenges surrounding this exciting new universe. Because, let's face it, there are hiccups on every trip, and receiving therapy online is no different.
1. Technical Difficulties: Connectivity Issues
Technological advancement comes with its own set of challenges, connectivity being one. Your therapy's progress may be hampered by periodic frozen screens in case of bad connectivity, or technical issues. Therefore, it is better to make sure your internet connection is strong before starting your online therapy session.
2. Screen Fatigue
In this era of digital evolution, we require screens more than ever. Towards the end of the day, it might leave you with screen weariness. Online therapy in today’s world, may just add to this fatigue and it might slightly hamper the quality and efficacy of therapy as well. Therefore, it is better to go for screen breaks before and after your session.
3. The Comfort Dilemma
Offline therapy often involves a change of physical space, i.e. leaving your usual surroundings for a therapy setting. In online therapy, you’re the boss of your therapy space. However, you might as well be spending a lot of your time watching shows or movies or even taking naps in the same environment you chose to take therapy in. This can sometimes hamper the therapeutic process and lead to a lack of seriousness or meaning to the process. So, it is advisable to set aside a certain location for your online therapy sessions. Having a designated area can help establish the tone and foster focus. Having said that, it is not necessary that this hampers the therapeutic process you are involved in.
4. The Confidentiality Dilemma
Privacy and confidentiality are the most important building blocks of the therapeutic process. Hence, it's important to keep your sessions private in the virtual world and ensure that all ethical standards are being met. Therefore, it is important to choose systems with strong security protocols. For example, while availing chat sessions, encryption can be an important point to consider as it makes sure that your chats with your therapist stay private. Ensure the online therapy provider you select is reliable and places a high value on anonymity and confidentiality.
Although there are a few challenges in this emerging landscape of online therapy, the advantages seem to outweigh them currently. The benefits that we have discovered, from the comfortable home sessions to the accessibility of therapists worldwide, are the cornerstones of a revolution. So, a virtual place on the digital sofa is waiting for you to start your therapeutic journey. Let's embrace the digital age, dismantle obstacles, and look forward to the fascinating new phases of self-discovery. The cosmos of digital therapy and your mental health are limitless.
Keep in mind that this virtual space is more than just a place to sit; it's a doorway to personal development, progress, and mental health. The world of digital therapy awaits you. So go ahead and embark on a journey of mental well-being with the rapidly growing online therapy.