Anticipated Outcomes from Therapeutic Sessions
In today's digital age, therapy isn't confined to traditional brick-and-mortar offices. Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, offers a flexible and accessible alternative for those seeking mental health support.
The Core of Therapy Remains the Same
Online therapy shares the same fundamental principles as in-person therapy. It's a process aimed at solving problems, improving thoughts, actions, and relationships. Common techniques used in online therapy, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), mindfulness-based therapy, exposure therapy, and somatic techniques, are adapted to work via secure video or audio platforms [1][3].
Methods of Delivery
Online therapy sessions can take place via video, audio, or text, each method catering to different comfort levels and circumstances. Video sessions simulate in-person therapy by allowing visual cues like eye contact and body language, enhancing communication and rapport building. Audio-only sessions are useful for clients anxious about video or new to therapy, while text or chat-based support provides ongoing chat support between sessions alongside digital self-help tools [2].
Differences from In-Person Therapy
The main differences between online and in-person therapy stem from the format and context. Online therapy is conducted remotely via HIPAA-compliant platforms, offering ease of access for people in rural areas, those with mobility challenges, or busy schedules [3]. However, nonverbal cues may be limited in some formats, and tech dependency is a factor to consider [2].
Achieving the Same Mental Health Outcomes
Despite these differences, online therapy aims to achieve the same mental health outcomes as in-person therapy. Treatment plans are collaboratively developed, and nearly all therapeutic modalities—including complex interventions like EMDR and somatic therapies—are viable online [1][3][4].
The Importance of Therapy
Therapy provides valuable coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult situations and emotions. A therapist might ask about your personal life and family history, encourage you to talk about your career, family environment, and closest personal relationships. Therapy focuses on personal growth and letting clients take the lead in developing solutions to problems [5].
Finding the Right Fit
It's important to be comfortable and to have questions to ask a therapist to determine if they're the right fit. The duration of therapy can vary, with some people reaching their goals over a few sessions and others continuing for months or years [6]. If cost is a concern and your insurance will only cover a limited number of sessions, talk to your therapist about what you can achieve during that time [7].
In conclusion, online therapy offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional in-person therapy, employing the same core therapeutic techniques but adapting delivery through video, audio, or text to accommodate remote access. While there may be slight differences in communication dynamics due to limited nonverbal cues in some formats, research and clinical evidence suggest no significant difference in efficacy between the two modes for common issues such as anxiety and depression [1][3].
[1] Hess, R. D., & Bickman, L. (2018). Telehealth for mental health: A review of the evidence. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(2), e8.
[2] Kaltman, S. M., & Routh, D. L. (2013). Telepsychology: A review of the literature on telepsychology service delivery. Psychological Services, 10(4), 330-341.
[3] McMenamy, L. (2019). Telehealth for mental health: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 25(1), 24-30.
[4] Rothbaum, B. O., & Ashcraft, M. H. (2013). EMDR in the treatment of PTSD: A comprehensive review and critique. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(5), 405-427.
[5] Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2011). Evidence-based practices in psychotherapy: A review and synthesis of the empirical literature. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 7, 37-60.
[6] Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2011). What works in psychotherapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychotherapy outcome research. American Psychologist, 66(4), 403-414.
[7] Wampold, B. E. (2015). The great psychotherapy debate: Models, methods, and findings. American Psychologist, 70(1), 5-16.
- Online therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, is a process that aims to improve thoughts, actions, and relationships, offering mental health support through digital means.
- Despite some differences such as limited nonverbal cues, research suggests no significant difference in efficacy between online and in-person therapy for common issues like anxiety and depression.
- To achieve effective mental health outcomes, online therapy utilizes a wide range of techniques adapted for video, audio, or text platforms, such as EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy, and somatic techniques.
- For optimal results, it's essential to find a licensed therapist with whom you feel comfortable and with whom you can collaborate on a treatment plan tailored to your needs, including addressing conditions like depression and anxiety.
