Does online therapy work?
One of the biggest concerns about online therapy is that therapists don't have an opportunity to observe the patient—something that is usually integral to an assessment and diagnosis. The tone of voice, body language, and overall demeanor provide insight into an individual's well-being.
A major component of effective therapy involves the relationship between the therapist and the patient. As online therapy is impersonal (often, it's completely anonymous), many people have raised concerns about whether digital communication can provide skills, tools, and healing power to individuals staring at a screen.
Despite the concerns, research consistently shows that online treatment can be very effective for many mental health issues. Here are the results of a few studies:
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment was just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is, "effective, acceptable, and practical health care." The study found the online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
A 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders. Treatment was cost-effective and the positive improvements were sustained at the one-year follow-up.
The Potential Benefits of Online Treatment
Online therapy offers some benefits over traditional face-to-face treatment:
People in rural areas or those with transportation difficulties may have easier access.
Many online therapy sites allow users to sign up with "nicknames" which can entice people who are embarrassed about getting services under their real names.
Most online therapy services cost less than face-to-face treatment.
Scheduling is more convenient for many people.
Studies show online therapy requires 7.8 times less of a therapist's time than face-to-face treatment—meaning therapists can often treat more people online than they can in-person.
Clients don't have to worry about seeing people they know in the waiting room.
It can be easier for some people to reveal private information when they're sharing it online.
Individuals with anxiety, especially social anxiety, are more likely to reach out to an online therapist.
The Potential Drawbacks
Online therapy isn't for everyone. Here are some potential risks and drawbacks:
Online therapy isn't meant for people with certain problems or conditions (such as suicidal intent or psychosis).
Without being able to interact face-to-face, therapists miss out on body language and other cues that can help them arrive at an appropriate diagnosis.
Technological issues can become a barrier. Dropped calls, frozen videos, and trouble accessing chats aren't conducive to treatment.
Some people who advertise themselves as online therapists might not be licensed mental health treatment providers.
Sites that aren't reputable may not keep client information safe.
It can be difficult to form a therapeutic alliance with someone when meetings aren't face-to-face.
It can be difficult for therapists to intervene in the event of a crisis.
How to Find an Online Therapist
If you are interested in online therapy, there are many options to choose from. Think about what type of services you want most—phone therapy, video chats, live chats, audio messaging, or text messaging.
You may find a local therapist who offers online services, or you might find you prefer a large organization that offers a substantial directory of therapists to choose from.
But do your homework and shop around for the service and price plan that best suits your needs.
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If you're looking for a therapist who provides online sessions, I invite you to contact me to schedule your free phone consultation today! Contact Me Here
Breaking the Cycle of Fear
In every moment, you have the power to create your future. The “failures” you’ve had in the past don’t define your future or mean that you are going to “fail” again. You have the power to define who you are, what you want, and how to get there. Every day, remind yourself: I am not going to let my past define me. I am going to define me. I am going to create my future.
Get Comfortable with being Uncomfortable
Change is uncomfortable, but it’s also the only constant in life. The world around us—our relationships, jobs, living situations, friends, everything—is constantly changing and influencing us. Amid all of this change, why would we expect that we would stay the same? We’re constantly changing. Honor that. A lot of people feel that a change of heart is a negative thing. That it reflects a fickle nature. It doesn’t. You don’t have to prove yourself to anybody. You have to find what fits for you—right now, at this time in your life.
When we don’t honor the ways in which we’ve changed, we end up sticking with something just because we don’t want to quit. We end up stressed, overworked, and miserable, holding on for dear life to a dream we don’t even want anymore. This is dangerous—but as long as you’re still breathing, as long as you’re still alive, you have the opportunity to change your situation and find a dream that’s worth the gamble. Each breath is an opportunity to change. Each breath is an opportunity to be better than we were before. With each breath, we choose our future.
Lesson: You always have the opportunity to grow if you’re willing to change.
Stretch Yourself
The body is often naturally tight, and that’s okay. Breathe into your muscles and they will loosen. The same thing happens in life. Breathe into your fears and they will loosen their grip on you, opening you up to new opportunities. The more you breathe into your fears, the easier it gets to do so, and the more flexible you will become in trying new things.
Change is happening all around us and inside of us. If you’re flexible, you’re able to move easily with those changes and find your flow. If you’re not, you’ll get stuck, be unable to shift and adapt, and live in a way that isn’t working for you anymore.
The more flexible you are and the more you keep moving, the less likely you are to get stuck in your fears, doubts, and worries.
Lesson: Stay flexible and available for new opportunities.
Never Call It Failure
Things don’t always work out the way we want or plan. When a deal falls through, a client goes to a competitor, a job opportunity vanishes, a relationship ends, a proposal is rejected, or an experience falls short of your expectations, don’t call it a failure. Shift your mind-set. Stop asking, How did I fail? How can I stop failing? Instead, ask, How did that situation make me stronger? What can I learn from that experience?
It’s important to do a reality check. Do you want to keep pursuing this goal, or do you want to stop? Ask yourself: Is this something I want to push forward, or do I want to let it go and put my energy in another direction? Am I happy on this journey?
Lesson: You can’t fail if you don’t stop trying.
If you’re comfortable being uncomfortable, stretching yourself, and not calling fears failure, you’ll see opportunities for growth daily. Embrace growth, embrace change, and find your flow.
Read the full article on Goop.
If you live in the Los Angeles or Westlake Village area and are interested in therapy, I invite you to contact me via email at: tanyasamuelianmft@yahoo.com . I provide a complimentary consultation. Check out my services to see which one might fit your needs. Contact me now to see if we might be a good fit to work together! Or book your appointment here!