What can I expect from online psychotherapy?

Today, with the simple click of the mouse or touching the icon of an App on the mobile, we can have immediate and cheap access to a therapist. This is what many advertisements and banners on social networks and web portals promise that want to take psychotherapy, outside of the psychology cabinets, anywhere you want.

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

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Before starting online therapy, demand guarantees

We cannot play with our mental health in any way, before starting any type of psychological therapy It is necessary to demand a regulated and specialized training in the treatment of psychological disorders.

Thus, before you leave your mental health in the hands of anyone, ask for their collegiate number, if they are accredited as a psychologist clinical or health, if you have civil liability insurance, the type of therapy you practice and if it is based on evidence scientific

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

Is online therapy the right tool for me?

There is research that has shown an efficacy of video call treatments similar to the results presented by therapy performed in person.

These studies ensure that the most important thing for psychotherapy to be effective is the proper 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 gain the necessary confidence, it is It is essential that the patient has a quiet place to do the session and a stable connection to Internet.

What problems can we deal with by video call?

It is documented that this type of therapy it is effective for major psychological problems, such 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 distortion of body image, concern about weight, bulimia and anorexia, video call therapy, and follow-up through emails and text messages are very good results.

Likewise, they have investigated its effects on substance abuse, in alcoholism and smoking prevention programs. It has been shown to be effective in restructuring irrational thoughts, suicide prevention, support for chronic diseases, sexual dysfunctions, insomnia, couples therapy, domestic violence, sex addiction or stress labor.

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

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

These are the benefits that characterize online video call therapy.

1. Anonymity

Although today many people confess without problem that they go to therapy, there is still some of the old stigma that historically has existed on mental health that causes some people to carry this topic altogether discretion.

These types of people value the fact that be able to receive quality psychological therapy in the privacy of your home, without having to go to physical psychology offices or offices.

2. Confidentiality

Like face-to-face therapy, online therapy is governed by the deontological code of the psychologist, so confidentiality in both cases is guaranteed. This happens whenever you go to a professional registered psychologist, if you go to other people, confidentiality could be violated.

3. Privacy

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

4. Comfort

Another important aspect to take into account is the comfort of being able to receive treatment from the tranquility of your home.

5. Schedule

Obviously being able to adapt to a greater time span, both for the patient and the professional is a great advantage. At the same time, if the patient travels, either for pleasure or work, they do not have to stop receiving therapy and the treatment is more effective.

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6. Greater reach

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

It also increases coverage and access to people who, due to various circumstances, cannot go to a psychological consultation. Whether they are people with reduced or disabled mobility, people with a disorder that prevents them from leaving home, etc.

7. Greater follow-up

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

8. Very suitable for young people

Technology is very attractive to younger patients as they are used to making video calls, texting 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.

Okay! And now... How do I find a good psychologist online?

Taking into account the comments above, there are many quality offers for this type of therapy. In the Psychology and Mind directory you can find numerous professionals who meet all the necessary guarantees so that you can 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.