What can I expect from online psychotherapy?

What kind of psychological assistance service can a patient expect from online therapy?

Nowadays, with the simple click of a mouse or by tapping the icon of an App on the cell phone, we can have immediate and cheap access to a therapist. This is what is promised by many advertisements and banners on social networks and web portals that want to bring psychotherapy, outside of psychology offices, to any desired location.

Online treatment can, and is, very useful, but we must bear in mind that not everything goes. The online therapist must have the same official training and preparation as the face-to-face psychologist and, in addition, specific preparation in online therapy. It is not enough to have Skype installed on your laptop or to make a WhatsApp video call. Online therapy is much more.

Before starting online therapy, demand guarantees

We cannot play with our mental health in any way, before starting any kind of psychological therapy. you must demand a regulated and specialized training in the treatment of psychological disorders..

So, before you leave your mental health in the hands of anyone, ask for his or her professional number, if he or she is accredited as a clinical or health psychologist, if he or she has liability insurance, the type of therapy he or she practices and if it is based on scientific evidence.

Any precaution is too little when we talk about taking care of our mental health, it is an issue that must be taken seriously; therefore, in my psychology center I offer a free telephone interview so that patients can resolve these doubts, and others, they may have about the therapy process, prices and duration of the sessions.

Is online therapy the right tool for me?

Research has shown that the effectiveness of video-call treatments is similar to the results of face-to-face therapy.

These studies assure that the most important thing for psychotherapy to be effective is the adequate relationship between the psychologist and the patient.. This relationship of trust can also be achieved at a distance, mainly by video call, since we can appreciate the non-verbal language of the patient, in addition to verbal communication.

On the other hand, for video call therapy to be effective and to achieve the necessary trust, it is essential that the patient has a quiet place to do the session and a stable Internet connection.

What problems can we treat by video call?

It is documented that this type of therapy is effective for the main psychological problemssuch as anxiety, depression, emotional disorders or self-esteem.

Specifically, it has been observed that in some specific phobias, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, online therapy is beneficial. There are also studies showing therapeutic improvement in depressive disorders.

In some eating disorders, such as body image distortion, weight preoccupation, bulimia and anorexia, video-call therapy and follow-up via e-mail and text messages show very good results.

Research has also been done on the effects on substance abuse, weight its effects on substance abuse, in alcohol and tobacco prevention programs, and in the prevention of alcoholism and smoking.. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in the restructuring of irrational thoughts, suicide prevention, support for chronic illnesses, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, couple therapy, domestic violence, sex addiction or work stress.

Its effectiveness has also been demonstrated in child psychotherapy.. Disorders such as encopresis, oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit disorder, enuresis and sleep disorders, among others, can be effectively treated by online therapy.

What are the benefits of video call therapy versus face-to-face therapy?

These are the benefits that characterize online video call therapy.

1. Anonymity

Although many people today readily admit to going to therapy, there is still some of the old stigma that has historically existed about mental health that causes some people to keep this issue completely private.

This type of person values the fact that quality psychological therapy in the privacy of their own home, without having to go to a physicalwithout having to go to physical psychology offices or clinics.

2. Confidentiality

Just like face-to-face therapy, online therapy is governed by the psychologist's code of ethicsso confidentiality in both cases is guaranteed. This happens as long as you go to a professional licensed psychologist, in case of going to other people, confidentiality could be violated.

3. Privacy

There are times when the patient, being in the privacy of his or her home, can connect more intensely with his or her emotions and open up to the therapy. This facilitates communication with the therapistThis makes it easier to communicate with the therapist, being able to work on emotions and problems that could remain hidden.

4. Comfort

Another important aspect to consider is the convenience of being able to receive treatment from the comfort of your own home.

5. Agenda

Obviously, being able to adapt to a wider timetable, both the patient and the professional, is a great advantage. At the same time, if the patient travels, either for pleasure or work, he/she does not have to miss therapy and the treatment is more effective..

6. Greater reach

Online therapy guarantees, to people who reside at great distances from specialized psychologists, quality care without having to spend hours on travel..

It also increases coverage and access to people who, for various reasons, cannot travel to a psychological consultation. Whether they are people with reduced mobility or handicapped, people with a disorder that prevents them from leaving their home, etc.

7. Increased follow-up

The certainty and confidence of being able to count on the support of a professional at all times is an enormous incentive to maintain motivation between therapy sessions. Whether by email, telephone, message or video call, this possibility of immediate contact helps to resolve possible doubts before the next session, and can also help at times of need. and can also help in times of crisis.

8. Very suitable for young people

Technology is very appealing to younger patients as they are used to making video calls, sending messages and dealing with digital platforms in everyday life. For them an online psychologist can be a greater incentive, being digital natives, than a cold and distant office.

Ok! And now... How do I look for a good online psychologist?

Taking into account the above, there are many quality offers for this type of therapy. In the directory of Psychology and Mind you can find numerous professionals who meet all the necessary guarantees to put your mental health in the best hands. My psychology center is among them, so, if you wish, contact me and start your psychological treatment by video call with all the confidence and professionalism you need.