by Dr. Becky Spelman on 23/01/2021
Does Online Therapy Work as Well as In-Person Therapy?
Yes, the research clearly shows that patients and Therapists can form just as close a bond when they work online as in person. In fact, for some people, not having to worry about getting to an appointment at a distant location on time can mean that they are more relaxed and find it easier to engage with their Therapist.
Can Online Therapy Sometimes be Better than Face-to-Face?
Yes, for some people, and in some circumstances, online therapy can actually be better than therapy in person. There is no lengthy commute to the clinic, which is especially important for those who may be physically disabled, or have a mental or psychological condition that makes travel challenging. For those with context-specific disorders, it gives them the opportunity to engage with their Therapist when they are in the context in question. It gives Therapists the opportunity to help someone through exposure therapy, when they are confronting a situation they find challenging (for example, agoraphobia). For those who want couples therapy, moving online means that they can continue to work on their relationship when they are apart, perhaps when one of them is travelling for work.
Pragmatically, if you are on your way to therapy on a day when traffic is crazy and you realise you’re not going to make it, going online means that you can pull into a parking space and have your session remotely.
Perhaps most importantly, if your situation calls for support from someone with specialised skills, by going online you can access expert help from all over the world, not just your geographical area.
What Do I Need in Order to Have Online Therapy?
All you really need is a stable internet connection and a suitable device. Many people find it helpful to use a device with a reasonably large screen—a PC or an iPad, for example—but even a mobile phone can work. We can offer therapy on a range of platforms, depending on what’s easiest for you, including video calls, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and so on. At Private Therapy Clinic, we offer therapy via our own video call platform, which is encrypted and is GDPR and HIPPA compliant, to ensure that your sessions are completely secure.
It is also useful to attend therapy in a space that is comfortable and sufficiently private for you to be able to speak with your Therapist in confidence. If you share your home with others, you will need to use a room that is dedicated to you for the duration of your therapy.
I’ve Heard About Messaging Therapy. What’s That?
Messaging Therapy is just what it sounds like. If you would prefer not to talk verbally, or for whatever reason this doesn’t suit you, we can use a messaging app to talk with a fully qualified therapist about the issues that are causing you concern.
What if I Start Having Therapy Online and I Don’t Like It?
While many people like online therapy sessions, for some people nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. If you start online, but feel that it’s not quite the right fit for you, we can arrange for you to see your Therapist in person, instead. Or, depending on the circumstances at the time, we can “mix and match” with some sessions given in person, and others online.
What About Confidentiality?
All of our therapy sessions, whether online or in person, are conducted in complete confidentiality. Your well-being is our primary concern, and that includes our guarantee that your information is safe with us.
If you would like to talk to someone about having therapy online, please get in touch with us at the Private Therapy Clinic by telephone at: 020 38871738 or book online.
References
Hill, Kashmir; Krolik, Aaron (2020-08-07). “At Talkspace, Start-Up Culture Collides With Mental Health Concerns”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 6th, 2021.
Rice, Simon; Gleeson, John; Davey, Christopher (2018). Moderated Online Social Therapy for Depression Relapse Prevention in Young People: Pilot Study of a ‘next generation’. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 08/2018, Volume 12, Issue 4.
Skinner, Ardiran; Zack, Jason (2004). “Counseling and the Internet”. American Behavioral Scientist. 48 (4): 434–446.
Zelvin, E. (2004). Online Counseling Skills Part I: Treatment Strategies and Skills for Conducting Counseling Online. Academic Press.
