How does online couples therapy work?

This is how this mode of psychological assistance for couples through the Internet works.

Online couples therapy is another of the ways in which psychological assistance services have taken advantage of the impulse of new technologies to adapt to people's needs.

While a little more than a decade ago it was unusual to make use of this format, today it is normalized and its popularity is advancing rapidly. In fact, there are fewer and fewer psychology offices that do not offer the possibility of conducting sessions over the Internet, via video call.

In this article we will see how online couples therapy works and what are its benefits and advantages.

How online couples therapy works: the process, step-by-step

Making use of online couples therapy for the first time is very simple and intuitive. Here are some guidelines you can follow if you are considering using this kind of services.

1. Talk about it and name what's wrong with you

First of all, to establish the reason that brings you to couples therapy, talk about what is going on with you and try to come to one or more conclusions about what is wrong and what you would like to improve, and how it makes you feel.

You don't both have to go to therapy for the same thing.Each of you may have a reason for seeking professional help, and that's fine.

On the other hand, do not be obsessed with identifying exactly the nature of the problem that affects you, with an approximation is enough. It will be in therapy when it will be easier to understand what is wrong in the relationship, since psychologists are also trained to facilitate this.

2. Choose a clinic or professional

With online therapy, there are more options to choose from, since distances do not matter. It is advisable to opt for teams of psychologists with extensive experience in treating patients, and of course, professionals must be licensed, the professionals must be licensed..

3. Ask any questions you may have

It is normal to ask questions about the services offered before going to the first session. Of course, at this stage it is not yet necessary to explain in detail the reason for the consultation.. The problem begins to be explored from the first session.

4. Agree on a date and time

Although it is online couples therapy, this does not mean that you can access it at any time, or without notice, you must agree in advance with the psychologist or psychotherapy center the schedule in which you can go. It must be taken into account that professionals must prepare themselves and organize their day-to-day work. to ensure that they can provide regular follow-up to all patients and couples they are working with.

5. Use the video call service

To do this, you have to use the digital platform previously indicated by the psychologist, which is very simple; sometimes you have to install new software on the electronic device used, but nowadays this is very easy and you just have to follow a short sequence of instructions explained automatically by the program.

6. Find a comfortable and private place where you both feel comfortable.

Symmetry is very important here. You should both feel equally comfortable and have equal prominence in the camera frame.

Possible applications and benefits.

These are the aspects in which online couples therapy can be beneficial.

1. It provides discretion

Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of others being able to see how they enter psychotherapy or couples therapy centers. With online couples therapy, this is put to rest, as there is no need to leave home to avail of the services of psychologists.

2. It makes it easier to balance schedules

One of the most complex aspects of couples therapy is that it is not always easy to find times when both partners can attend the sessions. Fortunately, not having to travel makes more time available and, consequently, it is easier to find a time in the weekly schedule to commit to therapy.

3. Helps you open up

For many people being in a place they consider familiar (their home) helps them to open up when it comes to explaining when it comes to explaining their problems and overcoming taboo subjects.

Looking for long-distance couples counseling services?

If you are interested in professional support through online couples therapy sessions, we invite you to contact us. At Avance Psychologists we have a track record of more than two decades offering therapy, and currently we also attend through the Internet via video call. To see more information about us or access our contact details, enter this page.

Bibliographical references:

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• Lewis, T.; Amini, F.; Lannon, R. (2000). A General Theory of Love. Random House.
• Morgan, J.P. (1991). What is codependency? Journal of Clinical Psychology 47(5): pp. 720 - 729.
• Zack, Jason; Stricker, George (2004). Kraus, Ron, ed. Online counseling: a handbook for mental health professionals. Amsterdam: Academic