What is known about the advantages of online psychological therapy?
A long time ago, taking therapy off the couch was a small revolution, with its detractors and convinced. And a few years ago, coaching began to leave the office with walking therapy practices, therapeutic walks, therapeutic trips ...
Today, our hyper-connected world is trying to take the psychotherapy service from face to face with the therapist and bring it to you, wherever you are, with the only requirement of having an Internet connection.
Some have already taken the plunge, others probably never will. It's a matter of sensitivity, of course, but... Is it as effective as face-to-face therapy?
In this time of COVID-19, it is more necessary than ever to take stock of this technology that all professional associations suggest that it be used massively.
- Related article: "The 8 benefits of going to psychological therapy"
Understanding telepsychology
Telepsychology is the name that psychologists give to all therapy or accompaniment provided by telecommunication instruments or devices. There are other more common names such as online therapy, e-therapy, virtual therapy ...
Every time you interact with a therapist using a telecommunication service (email, phone, chat ...), you are doing telepsychology. Therefore, you have already used this type of service, at least to make your first appointment.
Various researchers are also very interested in telepsychology and telehealth, and are trying to evaluate its effectiveness, particularly in relation to face-to-face psychotherapy sessions and in the consulting room. But Like the technology, the research on it is still new, and there is much that is not yet known.
What patients say about online therapy:
- It's practical. Online therapy allows you to spend less time away from the office or home without worrying about traffic. You don't have to travel miles, and you don't have to plan an hour before and after traveling to meet with your therapist. Dial a number or enter a site and the session can take place wherever you are.
- Online communication is very comfortable for many people, especially for young adults or for those who often use new technologies. More and more people are using email, webinars, and chats to communicate, and it may seem more comfortable or easy than talking to someone in person, especially when it comes to revealing personal information or private.
- There are extensive services available to everyone. In some rural communities, the closest psychologist's office may be more than an hour from distance by car without any guarantee that the professional is truly competent for your difficulties. Some people with chronic illnesses or disabilities cannot drive or cannot easily leave their homes. In these situations, teleconsultation may be your only option for help.
The search for efficiency in online therapy
Generally speaking, teleconsultation is as effective as traditional therapy. And certain therapeutic practices are better suited to online consultation, such as behavioral therapies.
The field of pathologies that revolve around anxiety (agoraphobia, stress, PTSD ...) is carried out with similar efficiency both through online therapy and face-to-face.
It is easier for an anxious person to trust a screen. And it is easier to find a therapist who is available for a person with agoraphobia It is serious that you consult online that a therapist to come to the house.
Current research is increasingly specific and evaluates the effect of teleconsultation on different pathologies and each time we obtain results quite similar to traditional therapy facing expensive.
Online psychological therapy is as effective a form of support as traditional face-to-face counseling for the vast majority of psychological difficulties encountered in the consultation. And, like everything else, it has its advantages, its specificities, its disadvantages and its limits. However, remains an alternative solution to traditional face-to-face counseling, being no less effective for most psychological problems.
