It is becoming more and more common online therapy as an alternative to the in-person modality. Many patients find this innovative service useful, which many psychology offices already offer.
The Internet has been a true revolution in every sense, also for forms of psychotherapy. It is now possible to comply with the therapy session schedule from your own home. Online psychological therapy services have arrived to provide an extra dose of comfort and privacy, making schedules more flexible, pulverizing physical distance and saving travel costs, among other things.
Studies on the usefulness of online therapy
Online therapy, according to studies carried out, appears to be just as effective as in-person therapy. In different disorders, such as post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, addictions, depression, panic disorder and many others, online therapy has proven to be just as effective.
According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, online cognitive behavioral therapy combined with clinical care is beneficial for people suffering from depression, anxiety and emotional distress.
Regarding post-traumatic stress, the effects are prolonged as in conventional therapy and recovery rates are similar in both cases.
Additionally, research suggests that patients with anxiety and depression appear more disinhibited with this type of therapy.
Another discovery has been online therapy through chat, in which patients use their own writing to express their emotions. This has been especially valuable in the treatment of cases of depression.
How does online therapy work?
As is done in face-to-face therapeutic sessions, those carried out online involve regular meetings with the therapist, in this case virtual and through an application. To do this, you will use your mobile device or computer.
In these meetings, as in any other therapeutic situationthe disturbing thoughts or problems that the patient refers are worked on, always under the guidance of the therapist.
The duration of the sessions ranges between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the customs of each office. In this link we tell you in more detail how we offer our service in and at our center.
What are the ideal cases for online psychological treatment?
This form of therapy demonstrates its maximum usefulness in the following cases:
- Agenda problems, heavy workloads, schedule limitations…
- Disability problems, patients whose ability to move is restricted…
- Patients from rural areas who have to travel many kilometers to visit their therapist.
- People who travel constantly for work reasons, etc.
- People with family responsibilities (young children or elderly people in their care) who cannot leave their home easily.
- Cases of social anxiety in which virtual care is more comfortable and less stressful for the patient.
- House arrests, parole, etc.
As you can see, apart from its usefulness for different disorders, there are many circumstances that can benefit from online treatment thanks to new technologies.
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