Today, the web is practically an indispensable tool for daily life. By using the internet, you can essentially do anything: from finding answers to the quirkiest questions to ordering your lunch and having it conveniently delivered to your doorstep. One of the newest developments, at least in our Italian micro-universe, is undoubtedly the frontier of online psychological counseling: a service that is gradually gaining ground and allows those undergoing psychotherapy not to be hindered by distance or the absence of a physical office.
The world of online psychological counseling is fairly recent and has been gaining traction over the past few years, especially since the pandemic made many things more accessible due to lockdowns. The role of the psychologisthas thus become somewhat ethereal, allowing many to receive support and therapy for their well-being and health remotely, using programs like Skype, Google Meet, or similar platforms.
This kind of activity is gaining ground as we speak within the Italian context, and doubts often arise in people's minds. To try to answer the most common questions about this new type of consultation, let's take a closer look at how this work functions, focusing on the advantages. We at Meeters believe in the importance of happiness through collaboration and the use of new technologies like the internet: we organize events and help people forge new friendships; for this reason, we believe in this kind of evolution.
What Do We Mean When We Talk About Online Psychological Counseling?
Let's start, as usual, with a clear profile. Online psychological counseling consists of indirect meetings with a professional via video call. During these sessions, you can share your daily dynamics, express the discomforts you experience, or describe the problems you face, having on the other side of the screen a professional capable of offering cognitive tools to tackle difficulties.
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At the time of writing this article, there are some elements to consider: psychodiagnostic and psychotherapeutic practices, for example, if conducted via the internet, might not comply with the principles expressed in articles 6/7/11 of the Italian psychologists' code of ethics; since they are non-compliant for professionals practicing these also online, they may risk sanctions. However, this does not prevent the practice of parallel activities with similar effects.
Another curiosity that highlights the sadness and bureaucracy of our system concerns the legality of online psychological counseling: these are allowed by all regional orders in Italy except for that of the Lazio region.
How Does an Online Psychological Counseling Session Work?
Usually, there are two types of online sessions: direct and indirect.
A direct session occurs through so-called synchronous communication methods, meaning systems that allow direct and continuous interaction between the two parties; in this case, the most used platforms are video chat services like Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Discord, WhatsApp video calls, and so on.
An indirect session, instead, takes place through asynchronous communication: in this case, the tool used is the classic email.
What Do Studies Say About Online Psychological Counseling?
Currently, scientific opinions on the effectiveness of online psychological counseling describe it as an interesting possibility, capable of offering entirely new advantages compared to traditional sessions.
Specifically, what has proven very interesting is the existence of support that can respond immediately to the patient's needs. This kind of support, usually provided via chat with one or more specialists behind it, has been shown effective in offering help against anxiety and body image disorders (you can read more by exploring this study)
There are also recent studies emphasizing a potentially positive use of online psychologists, also thanks to the possibility of choosing preferred times or professionals, leaving distance aside.
Who Are the Recipients of Online Psychological Counseling?
Anyone can benefit from online psychological counseling: there are certainly cases where it is more suitable than others, but there are no absolute limitations.
An online session can be very useful to get an idea of the scope of intervention, so as to evaluate whether to undertake a more structured path that also involves in-person meetings.
Having a therapist available to offer care based on digital means can also be helpful for those who know they will soon change residence and do not want to start over with a different professional.
And why not mention those who may have some kind of motor disability and cannot move independently? Why burden domestic helpers, family members, or professionals when it is possible to get counseling without leaving home?
In this case, it must be said, the end (well-being) can absolutely justify the means (using the internet as a communication tool).