Benefits of Online Therapy

‘Maybe You Should Talk To Someone?’

“…We always had our wants, but now, it got so quick

You could have anything you dreamed of, in a day and with a click

We noticed families had stopped talking, that’s not to say they never spoke

But the meaning must have melted and the work-life balance broke

And the children’s eyes grew squarer, and every toddler had a phone

They filtered out the imperfections, but amidst the noise, they felt alone.

And every day the skies grew thicker, ‘till you couldn’t see the stars,

So, we flew in planes to find them, while down below we filled our cars.

We drove around all day in circles, we’d forgotten how to run

We swopped the grass for tarmac, shrunk the parks ‘till there were none

We filled the sea with plastic because our waste was never capped

Until, each day when you went fishing, you’d pull them out already wrapped

And while we drank and smoked and gambled, our leaders taught us why

It’s best to not upset the lobbies, more convenient to die…”

~Tom Foolery

Benefits of Online Therapy

In these changing tumultuous times, we have been surrounded by triggers that are not only overwhelming for our personal but also our professional, environmental, and political selves. The impact more than is often so consuming that we find it difficult to take a step forward. The apprehensions about ‘how to begin’, ‘what will others think’, hold us back from acquainting ourselves with something available at a ‘click’- Online Therapy.

The construct itself was designed to meet the needs of our fast-paced lives. The pillars of empathy, non-judgment, active listening, acceptance, and safety that define it, enable it to offer a space where courage is not about having all the answers, but about being ready to address the questions, the apprehensions, the emotions that we have been overlooking in the quickness of our reactions and responses.

To understand what online therapy is, let us break the construct into smaller, meaningful, bite-sized pieces that are easier to process and understand.

Meaning and medium –  Online therapy is also known as e-therapy, teletherapy, or cyber-therapy, which provides informed mental health services and support over the virtual space. The medium through which it is delivered can either be email, online chat, video conferencing, or internet phone call.

Primary tools for communication – These services can be accessed through a desktop or a laptop or service-friendly mobile applications.

Qualifications and Credibility of Online Therapists – The word ‘online’ does not really have an impact on the training and qualifications of your therapist. It takes the same effort, dedication, education, and training as it takes in becoming a traditional therapist.

Ethics of Online Therapy – Ethics are a crucial part of an informed therapeutic practice and just like a traditional setup, online platforms too adheres to the basic principles of autonomy, confidentiality, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and respect. In addition to that, online therapists are-

• Well versed with technology
• Under regular supervision and training
• Circumscribed to work within their area of practice.

Benefits of Online Therapy – Though it comes with its own set of limitations, the following benefits accrued to online therapy makes it an available option for many people out there:

• Accessibility- It allows you to seek therapeutic services from your space of comfort and safety.
• Affordability- It eliminates the overhead costs and therefore, offers more affordable options.
• Convenience and Flexibility- Online therapy enables you to schedule sessions that fit in well with your work and personal life.
• Effectiveness- Research suggests that online therapy is as effective as traditional therapy. It yields evidence that confirms the great level of satisfaction amongst its users.

Over the years, we have constantly learnt to grow and adapt to our surroundings. Through agricultural, mechanical, and technological advancements we have adapted through them all and emerged as perhaps a more dynamic community. Now, as for the first time in decades we suffer collectively from an outbreak, we adapt again and implore our available resources. Resources that shall protect not only our physical selves, but also our psychological counterparts. Resources that include online therapy.

Seeking help is a sign of courage. Don't let self-limiting beliefs hold you back from a life you deserve. Avail online therapy to become happier and better. Learn how