Does Online Psychological Therapy Work? The Revolution of Online Psychotherapy
‍Due to the fast pace of our lives, rarely having a moment to breathe, and especially following the end of the pandemic, many people need an online psychological therapy.
Consulting a psychologist online is the best way to take care of yourself from a distance, saving time without sacrificing privacy. An internet connection and a quiet place are enough to start or continue therapy with a professional of your choice.
Online therapy with a psychologist follows the same practices and rules as in-person therapy. The only difference is that the main tools used are a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet. This method allows for more comfort and less stress in reaching the therapist's office.
But what is it exactly and how does it work? What are the advantages of an online psychological path compared to a traditional one? How long does it last? These and other questions will be answered by our community within this article.
Before continuing, we want to introduce you to our online and in-person paths with our psychologists. Some of these take place in nature and are designed to sweep away stress, heal past wounds, and reconnect with our higher self.
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How Online Psychological Therapy Works: The “Comfort” Effect of the Screen
Screens have changed our lives somewhat, sometimes negatively, but online psychological therapy changes the game because many people feel more at ease. This is especially true for young people who feel freer to share their intimate concerns. Another advantage of starting an online psychological path is the affordable costs, along with the convenience of doing it directly from home, or anywhere in the world.
This therapeutic method adds new aspects to the doctor – patient communication, with the possibility to notice interesting features, for example the room chosen for the session, paintings on the wall, objects appearing in the background, and much more.
Prices for online psychological therapy vary but remain accessible to anyone who feels the need for psychological support.
What is the role of an online psychologist and how to find the right one? Whether therapy is conducted online or in person, the professional must make the patient feel welcomed and comfortable. They must not make the patient feel judged; they must support and actively listen. Active listening means showing empathy and connecting with the patient's concerns and feelings.
With all these elements, the person seeking help will be much more inclined to open up. This is a vital step for the success of psychological therapy. Because based on the details the patient provides, the psychologist must interpret what the patient is experiencing at that moment.
The Collaboration Between Psychologist and Patient
Listening by the specialist, and sharing by the patient, are the cornerstones of an effective therapeutic path Through sharing our thoughts, doubts, and fears, the psychologist listens and offers new perspectives on elements we may not perceive.
From the information provided during online psychological therapy, the psychologist builds an accurate picture of our emotional, cognitive, and behavioral nature. With these elements, the real path begins within a trusting relationship between patient and therapist. As this relationship strengthens, the patient will be able to delve deeper into their mind and provide increasingly important details. This process has also been observed in online sessions, demonstrating the effectiveness of online psychological therapy.
The psychologist and patient unite and work together like a strong team, like Holly and Banji—who among you doesn’t know the cartoon about these two champions? Well, it’s kind of like that: you are the ones kicking your balls, and the psychologist is the one catching them.
From this arises the effectiveness of thetherapeutic alliance , which originates in psychoanalysis and concerns the creation of the therapeutic relationship in the here and now. In other words, it also forms through the patient-therapist emotional bond characterized by mutual trust and respect. And it becomes empathy.
The Benefits of an Online Psychological Path
With the development of Covid-19, which forced the government to impose movement restrictions, more and more people became interested in how online psychological therapy works.
Work changes have also brought significant psychological and social consequences. People found themselves enduring long periods of lonelinessor forced cohabitation. This intensified feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, and depression.
Moreover, the government, aware that quarantine severely affected people's psychological well-being, allocated a 600-euro bonus to be used for starting a psychological path.
So, what are the advantages? Online therapy is a great advantage also for those with limited physical mobility who cannot make long trips, for those with little time due to constant work, or for Italians living abroad.
Another advantage of online psychological therapy is the ability to choose a specific psychologist who specializes in a particular field without much effort. Today, you may notice that some sessions are already fully booked because they have reached the maximum number of participants. This proves that online psychological therapy works while maintaining high standards of safety, privacy, and patient satisfaction.