Online Therapy: Pros and Cons
The "modern world" has brought us undeniable advantages, such as online psychological help. Thanks to the numerous roles of psychotherapists in everyday life as a solution for mental or emotional problems, more people take care of their emotional well-being. Psychological therapy allows us to face and overcome situations that alter the emotional balance, although sometimes these circumstances are created by our mind.Whether they are minor difficulties that are uncomfortable or problems that cause great personal and social harm, understanding how online psychology can help you is key.On the other hand, new technologies have also changed the way we relate to the world. Now we communicate differently. The Internet opens doors for us and we practice new models of communication and social relations. That's why we're talking about the advantages and disadvantages of online therapy.Today we can enjoy online therapy, a mode of consultation with which you can carry out your sessions without having to physically go to a cabinet. This method is not intended to replace the classic model of visiting a therapist, but to provide an alternative for all those people who have limitations to perform a face-to-face therapy.
Psychological consultation online, quality therapy
An online therapist is rigorous and safe but as easy as talking on WhatsApp. The fact that it is at a distance does not mean that it is of lesser quality, because to practice online therapy you need the same requirements and have the same responsibilities as with face-to-face therapy. Both are practiced with the same rigor, ethics and professionalism. Online psychotherapists are registered professionals and have civil liability insurance, just like face-to-face psychotherapists.Therefore, these two systems should not be differentiated by what they are, but by how they are carried out. In this sense, each one has its pros and cons. Are you considering psychological therapy and don't know whether to do it online or face-to-face? Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of online therapy consultation
Data certifies that its effectiveness cannot be questioned and would not be effective if it did not have obvious advantages. What online therapy provides is, in addition to the knowledge and formulas of this discipline, certain specific aspects derived from being able to be carried out at a distance. What are they?
Comfort
Not everyone feels comfortable doing therapy in an environment that is strange or alien to their day-to-day life. For some, the strangeness of a cabinet or face-to-face consultation can restrict and inconvenience, which makes it difficult both the expression of feelings and ideas and the capture of suggestions and solutions proposed by the professional.With an online therapist you can make the most of the consultation because you choose how and where to have it. In general, this means doing it at home, in a comfortable, favorable, recognizable environment. Closer, impossible.In addition, online therapy saves time, as you avoid travelling, waiting in the waiting room, suffering the stress of not arriving on time because the consultation is far from work, etc.Of course, this implies that you can approach therapy at the time that suits you best, when you are emotionally "in tune". Going to therapy on the run with your tongue out, your head on the clock because you just left the kids in class and then you have to go to the gym? Not at all. Therapy, at your best. Currently, there is also the process of coaching carried out through the Internet.
Intimacy
When you do something for the first time, the fear of the unknown makes you feel a special tension because you don't know what is going to happen. Taking the step of seeking help is important enough for you to think on the way to your appointment if therapy will help you or if you made the wrong decision to go.This coupled with the moment you arrive at a place that is new to you and knowing that you are going to spend an hour with a person you don't know causes that tension to continue to increase. Chances are, when you leave the office, you'll think you shouldn't have worried about any of that because you've been comfortable and that nervousness is gone. However, that first contact is in the tranquility of your home avoids that wheel of emotions in a situation you do not yet know.
Continuity
The flexibility of location and schedules allows the therapy to have as much continuity as you want, without the typical interruptions for holidays or business trips interfering with it. In addition, online therapy covers the disadvantage of having to leave your therapist and look for another if you change your place of residence. For psychological intervention to be effective, fluidity and continuity are important aspects.
Discretion
No one has to know you're in therapy. The professional, in both in-person and online psychology, guarantees absolute confidentiality, but if you're concerned about privacy (for example, if you live in a small town), with an online therapist you get it.This is something you do for yourself and you are the one who decides to share it with the people you consider and when you consider it convenient. Privacy also helps you to let go, as some people can't speak freely to a stranger and, in that sense, the intimacy of online therapy helps you.
The disadvantages of online therapy
There are drawbacks that you should be aware of in order to decide which type of consultation best suits your needs.
Custom
If you've done face-to-face therapy before, you may have become accustomed to face-to-face treatment and for that reason you don't prefer online therapy. You may even have associated going to the psychotherapist as a time to enjoy yourself, enjoying the ride afterwards while you go over what you have talked about with your therapist. In that sense, you may feel that your preferred option is face-to-face.Similarly, if you've followed an online therapy and want to try another psychotherapist, maybe your only option is face-to-face consultation. The "shock" could dislocate you and make therapy more difficult. Whether it's one way or the other, the situations you're used to are often preferred for their ease.
Conflict with Social Security
Online therapy is not usually covered by Social Security services. If you depend on it for your family doctor to refer you to a therapist, it is likely that you will not be able to resort to Internet therapy and you will have to decide on a public service therapist. This could be inconvenient if online therapy is more convenient and useful for you, for whatever reason.In short, online therapy has pros and cons that should be considered. Do you need psychological help? Do not hesitate, go to professionals and value Internet therapy as a safe, effective and rigorous resource where comfort and privacy are a priority.If you want to improve your level of well-being, in therapyside we can help you. We are international leaders in online psychology and we have the right therapist for you.