Teletherapy: Your window to healing from anywhere. Explore its benefits, if it fits your case, and how to make the best of teletherapy sessions.
Let me tell you the story of Sam. Sam is an adventurous soul who recently packed his bags and moved to China for an exciting job opportunity. As he settled into his new life, Sam found himself faced with a unique dilemma. He had been receiving therapy back in the United States to address his anxiety and stress, and he didn’t want to disrupt the progress he had made. But how could he continue his therapy sessions while living thousands of miles away?
Luckily, Sam discovered the wonders of teletherapy. With just a stable internet connection and a laptop, he could maintain a vital connection to his therapist, even from across the globe. Every week, Sam would find a quiet corner in his apartment, log into a secure teletherapy platform, and there he was, face to face with his trusted therapist, just as if they were sitting in the same room. Teletherapy truly became Sam’s lifeline, bridging the distance and ensuring that his mental well-being remained a priority, regardless of the geographical boundaries. Sounds great, right? In this blog, you’ll understand what teletherapy is, its benefits, and if it’s for you.
Teletherapy encompasses several other terms that are commonly used interchangeably, like:
- Online therapy
- E-therapy
- Tele-counseling
- Virtual therapy
- Remote therapy
- Telepsychology
- Telepsychiatry
- Telecoaching
- E-counseling
Teletherapy defined.
Teletherapy is a way of receiving mental health support and counseling through the Internet or by phone instead of meeting in person. Some therapists only work online (teletherapists), while others use a mix of video calls, phone calls, and in-person sessions. When doing online sessions, the therapist and client agree on a time to connect using a popular video-calling app like Zoom, Skype, and others.
Is teletherapy for you?
Let’s agree on one thing first. It’s important to have a strong connection and compatibility with both the therapist and the therapy approach in order to make the most of your therapy experience. So, if you find yourself feeling uneasy or hesitant about the therapist or the idea of doing therapy online, it’s likely that teletherapy is not the right fit for you.
Telepsychology may not be suitable for addressing every mental health concern. Various guidelines advise against its use in cases where the client is experiencing serious mental illness, such as being at risk of self-harm or harm to others. Remember, only a qualified mental health professional can accurately assess the severity of a mental illness and determine the most suitable treatment approach. Seeking their expertise and discussing your specific situation will help you make an informed decision regarding teletherapy or other treatment options.
As stated by Domenica Favero, Psy.D., an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Lynchburg, telepsychology is most effective for individuals aged 16 and above who are not dealing with substance use or eating disorders. These individuals often require a more intensive therapeutic approach and close monitoring of their safety and well-being, which can pose challenges when using telepsychology.
Ask Yourself These Questions Before Considering Teletherapy.
- Are you frequently drained or mentally exhausted from regular video calls in your work or daily life? If so, would engaging in therapy through video be unpleasant or burdensome for you?
- Do you have a consistent and private location where you can conduct your online therapy sessions? If not, would it be better to opt for in-person therapy instead?
- Have you been diagnosed with a mental health condition that requires ongoing treatment and monitoring? Or are you uncertain about the severity of your condition? If so, your therapist may recommend in-person sessions that best suits your case.
Is Teletherapy Effective?
It’s natural to have doubts about the effectiveness of teletherapy, especially if you’re accustomed to the traditional image portrayed in movies where someone attends in-person therapy sessions, reclining on a comfortable sofa in the therapist’s office. However, it’s important to understand that teletherapy was not a product of the COVID-19 pandemic, although its popularity certainly soared during that time. The truth is teletherapy has been in existence long before the pandemic, with research on telepsychology involving therapy delivered through phone, video, or a combination of both, dating back to around 1960.
While the shift to teletherapy may seem unfamiliar or unconventional, it has proven to be a valuable and effective alternative to in-person therapy for many individuals. Numerous studies conducted over the past decade have shown positive outcomes and comparative effectiveness between teletherapy and traditional in-person therapy. It offers convenience, accessibility, and the ability to receive support from the comfort of your own environment.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, telemental health care has been found to offer effective and flexible solutions for mental health care on a global scale. The study highlights that telemental health care is comparable to in-person services while providing distinct advantages, such as lower costs and increased accessibility, through the utilization of modern technologies and adaptable approaches. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in isolated communities who may face challenges in accessing traditional in-person mental health services.
So, rest assured that teletherapy is not just a temporary response to extraordinary circumstances but a well-established approach that continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of individuals seeking mental health support.
Benefits of Teletherapy
- Maximizing Time and Minimizing Stress.
By eliminating the need for commuting to a physical therapy office, you can allocate that saved time for other activities or simply relax in the comfort of your own space. For instance, instead of spending hours in traffic or rushing to make an appointment, you can log into your online therapy session from home or even during a break at work, minimizing the stress of travel and allowing for a more seamless integration of therapy into your schedule.
- Green and Economical.
Embracing online therapy not only prioritizes mental well-being but also promotes sustainability and financial efficiency, making it a win-win situation for individuals and the environment. Individuals who engage in online therapy sessions can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels associated with transportation. This reduction in travel also translates to cost savings, as it eliminates expenses such as fuel, parking fees, and public transportation fares.
- Convenient Appointment Flexibility
Unlike traditional in-person therapy, online therapy allows for greater adaptability in setting session times. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, demanding work hours, or those residing in different time zones. With online therapy, you have the opportunity to find mutually convenient time slots with your therapist, including evenings or weekends, without being restricted by geographical limitations. This flexibility empowers you to fit therapy sessions into your life more seamlessly.
- Enhanced Privacy
For many individuals, the fear of being seen by someone they know can be a significant barrier to seeking therapy. With teletherapy, this concern is completely eliminated, as sessions take place in the privacy of your own space. This enhanced privacy and confidentiality create a safe and comfortable environment for you to openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences with your therapist.
- Expanded Reach
Online therapy breaks down geographical barriers and enables individuals to receive services from clinicians who may be too far away to travel to. This opens up the possibility of working with a specific clinician whose expertise aligns with your needs, regardless of your physical location. Go back to the introduction of this blog and check out Sam’s experience to understand this benefit more.
- Family Engagement Made Easy
By utilizing online therapy, individuals can easily engage family members and significant others in the therapeutic process, harnessing their support and involvement to enhance outcomes and promote faster progress. For example, for specific therapies like exposure therapy for OCD sufferers, recruiting a significant other to participate can significantly accelerate the progress of therapy.
- Improved Accessibility for Disabled Individuals
Traditional in-person therapy sessions may present physical barriers for people with mobility limitations or other disabilities. However, with online therapy, individuals can engage in therapy from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for transportation or navigating physical spaces. This inclusive approach ensures that disabled individuals have equal opportunities to access mental health support.
How to Make the Best Out of Online Therapy Sessions?
Whether you’re currently engaged in online therapy or considering making the switch, here are some steps you can take to maximize the benefits of teletherapy before, during, and after your sessions:
- Ask questions.
Communicate openly with your therapist about your concerns regarding privacy and data protection to ensure a positive teletherapy experience.
- Set your therapy agenda.
Prepare for your therapy sessions by taking a moment to think about what matters to you and write down specific topics you want to discuss with your therapist.
- Capture the moment with note-taking.
Take notes during your sessions to capture important insights, breakthroughs, and recommended strategies.
- Plan your therapy homework.
Plan and engage in therapy homework outside of sessions to foster growth, discussing achievable tasks with your therapist that align with your goals and capabilities.
- Establish a secure online therapy space.
To create an optimal online therapy environment, follow these tips:
- Dedicate a few minutes before your scheduled appointment to prepare yourself.
- Choose a private and comfortable area in your home.
- Use earbuds or headphones for enhanced privacy.
- Disable notifications to minimize distractions.
- Dress comfortably and keep refreshments nearby.
- Plan for disconnection.
Plan ahead with your therapist for internet disruptions during telepsychology sessions to ensure continuity and minimize interruptions.
To ensure you receive reliable and professional care, it is crucial to confirm the credentials and qualifications of any online therapist before engaging in therapy. Not all individuals providing online therapy services may be licensed mental health professionals, so taking the time to verify their credentials is essential.