Do you think that a therapist who works online is as effective as a therapist working offline? Many people do not believe that an individual can be helped through the internet. However, there are some types of disorders where this may be true. As research has continued to advance with regard to psychology and mental health treatment, it has been discovered that certain disorders are treatable with the help of an online therapist. These disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and impulse control disorder among others.
People have different reasons as to why they would want to see a therapist who works online. Some people live in rural areas where it may be hard to find someone who specializes in the specific type of disorder that they are struggling with. People who live far away from large cities may not be able to find someone who is qualified to help them. Other people simply prefer the anonymity and privacy of online therapy, which allows clients to remain completely anonymous throughout their treatment. There are many benefits to online therapy; however, it is important to realize that not every disorder will be well-suited to online therapy. Some disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, would likely need a therapist who works offline in order for the client’s needs to be met.
Some of the pros and cons associated with online therapy include:
Pros of online therapy
As reviewed on Washingtoncitypaper.com, the scheduling process may be more flexible when using online therapy. Clients may be able to schedule sessions around their own personal schedules rather than having to wait for a therapist who has time in their schedule. This can be especially convenient for individuals who need treatment but have odd work hours or travel frequently.
There is no social stigma when receiving treatment through the internet. Many people do not like the idea of having to talk about their mental health problems with a stranger. Online therapy takes away this aspect and allows you to feel more at ease during sessions.
Online therapy can be helpful for those who live in rural areas where there are no therapists nearby. These people would otherwise need to drive hours simply to meet with someone for help.
Cons of online therapy
Some people may find it difficult to open up and speak candidly about their feelings and problems with someone who is not physically in front of them. Online therapists cannot read subtle facial expressions or body language, so they may miss important cues that indicate how they are feeling during a session.
Clients must be willing to put in all of the necessary efforts in order to receive benefits from their online therapy sessions. Online psychotherapy is not a pill that you can take and feel better immediately. You must be able to give 100% of your effort in order to see improvement with this type of treatment.
If clients do not have reliable access to the internet, they may have trouble keeping up with their online therapy sessions. People in rural areas may have slower internet speeds, making it difficult to maintain a stable connection for extended periods of time.
Conclusion
Online therapy is a relatively new phenomenon that has only come into the mainstream in the last few years. Many people do not believe it is as effective as traditional face-to-face sessions, but there are some therapeutic benefits to be gained from online treatment.
