Shifting Realities in the Wake of Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic changed how we live and work - and therapy was no exception. Video calls became the norm for everything from meetings to family catch-ups, and mental health care followed suit. While the shift to online therapy happened quickly out of necessity, it’s become clear that virtual sessions are here to stay.
Rise of Telehealth: A Historical Perspective
Online therapy, also known as telehealth, is not a novel concept. The need for remote access to healthcare has been recognised for years, especially in areas with limited physical accessibility. The pandemic, however, brought teletherapy to the forefront, leading to an increased acceptance and use of online mental health services.
The Efficacy of Virtual Therapy
Research has long explored the effectiveness of telehealth protocols, with recent meta-analyses showcasing the benefits of virtual therapy across various populations and disorders. For instance, studies have emphasised the effectiveness of online Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and even found online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be as effective as offline CBT for anxiety and depression in adults.
Client Preferences
As a clinician providing both online and in-person therapy, I’ve observed a shift in client preferences. Initially hesitant to embrace virtual sessions, many clients now find the convenience of online therapy appealing, leading to long-lasting therapeutic relationships conducted entirely remotely.
The benefits of online therapy are diverse and extend beyond the global accessibility it offers. One of the most significant advantages is virtual therapy allows individuals to schedule sessions efficiently, eliminating the need for travel.
The Comfort of Your Own Space
Where you have therapy matters. Some people prefer the neutral space of a therapist’s office, while others feel more comfortable exploring difficult feelings from their own home. Familiar surroundings can help people feel grounded, making it easier to open up about what’s really going on.
Tailoring Therapy to Symptom Presentation
Symptom presentation is a critical factor in deciding the mode of therapy. Individuals dealing with conditions like anxiety or depression may find it challenging to leave their homes for in-person sessions. Online therapy becomes a feasible option, ensuring that the effort required for attendance is minimised, especially when symptoms are severe.
In Conclusion: Building Meaningful Connections
In the end, therapy is about the relationship between you and your therapist. Whether that happens in person or online, what matters most is feeling safe, understood, and able to do the work that helps you move forward.
