The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us as a society to reprogram how the world normally operates. When it comes to therapy, practitioners had to find ways to connect with patients safely. Online therapy has been the method most therapists have turned to during this time. With its sudden surge of usage, you may be interested in learning more about this medium of therapy. This article can provide some answers to common questions about online counseling. 

It is fantastic that you are looking to start therapy!

The past year alone has brought so many challenges to our world. People have to deal with the pandemic’s consequences on top of other mental obstacles they may be facing. You may be dealing with financial and employment struggles, missing loved ones, or have the grey cloud of the pandemic looming over your head. Talking to an online therapist can help you through these challenging times and improve your overall well-being. 

Can online therapy even help me?

You may be skeptical about the effectiveness of therapy behind a screen or through a phone. Research has shown that compared to therapy in office, teletherapy can provide the same beneficial support to people with various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers found CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) provides through video-conferencing to be just as helpful as in-person therapy to people with mood and anxiety disorders. 

How can I receive online counseling?

You can receive teletherapy through a few different options: text (apps), phone calls (audio-only), or video calls. teletherapy through video calls, or video therapy, may feel the most similar to in-person interaction with a therapist. Video calls simulate face-to-face interaction and, in a time where social isolation is prevalent, this may help to produce a feeling of normality to a client. 

What issues can online therapy cover?

Teletherapy can cover almost all issues in-person therapy covers such as,

• anxiety in various forms
• depression
• stress
• trauma
• eating disorders
• emotion regulation
• relationship issues
• loss and grief
• ADHD
• OCD
• PTSD
• anger issue

How does online therapy ensure confidentiality? 

You may be concerned with the confidentiality of your online therapy sessions. Remember that it is crucial to use HIPAA compliant platforms that will ensure your privacy. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has compiled a list of platforms that are HIPAA compliant. The top 5 platforms are:

• Zoom for Healthcare,
• Doxy.me,
• Simple Practice
• Thera-LINK
• VSee

At Mind Connections, we use Zoom for Healthcare to ensure it is HIPAA compliant and protect your confidentiality.

Does online therapy work for couples and families? 

Yes, online therapy can benefit couples and families. Couples can receive online couples therapy in their own home or even from different places in the world if they are in a long-distance relationship (LDR). When couples live in the same house, sitting together and communicating through a singular device can simulate an in-person therapy session. This closeness can be important for experiencing “eye-contact and physical touch” during the session.  Having to sit closer together for visibility on the camera may even make the couple feel more connected during the session; physical closeness can indicate how emotionally in touch partners feel with each other.

Couples in LDR benefit significantly from online therapy. Teletherapy gives these couples a platform to receive therapy even though they are geographically separated. Although they cannot sit next to their partner and benefit from the physical closeness, online couples therapy may increase their understanding of each other and themselves. Clients can “see not only their partner’s nonverbal behavior, but their own as well,” through the device’s screen. Clients are able to experience what they look like from their partner’s point of view; this may help the partners work on their own “maladaptive behaviors” and better understand the other’s perspective.

Families can also benefit from online therapy. Video therapy, due to its convenience, allows for many people to join a session at once. This is useful for family members who are separated, especially due to COVID-19 circumstances. Like in couples therapy, if the family members reside in the same house, it may be beneficial to have everyone together on one screen. Children may struggle to pay attention during the entire session. Therapists can find ways to combat this issue by creating games that promote focus/attention, allowing for breaks, utilizing “mindfulness exercise,” and more.  

How do I pay?

You can make payments online for Tele mental health. This can be accomplished using a credit card or other types of electronic payment transfer.

Are there any differences between in-person and online therapy?

Not being in the same room as your therapist during your session seems to be the most glaring difference between online and in-person therapy. This may not be an ideal experience for you or your therapist, but the video aspect of online therapy is a way to try and recreate that same face-to-face feeling. Some people may feel more comfortable sharing their emotions behind a screen, which might help them convey their deeper thoughts more readily. Although most therapists prefer being in-person to observe a client’s cues and body language more clearly, video conferencing still allows for the client’s face/ facial expressions to be visible. Although there may be differences in each mode of therapy, Teletherapy has still been seen to provide effective support to clients, and that is what is most important! 

What if I have roommates or a partner in a small apartment? I do not want them to hear me in session.

Achieving privacy may be an obstacle during your sessions. Therapist Jessica Eiseman gave some very useful ideas to combat this issue could be for example, communicating with the people you live with about your privacy concerns. Maybe your roommate can go on a walk during your 45-minute session, or your sister can put headphones on while you are talking to your therapist. If you live with people who may not respect your wishes, one tip to help you to achieve some privacy is to play a white noise machine or app to help mask the conversation from other people. Another great tip is to use headphones during the session; this will make your therapist’s voice only available to your ears.

How should I prepare for my online therapy session?

• Since the comfort and calm of a usual therapist’s office is out of reach, you may want to try and find a quiet, safe place to talk to your therapist. If this is not possible, refer to the tips above to establish some seclusion.
• Stable internet access and a charged device to speak to your therapist on will make your experience in your session run smoothly.
• Put devices in your house on silent or low volume to minimize distraction.
• Do what makes you feel comfortable – since you are conducting your online therapy from your own device, you can decide where to do it. Whether it is to wear a T-shirt or a fancy shirt with sweatpants, sit in your favorite fluffy chair or even in your car, your goal is to benefit from talking to your therapist.

At Mind Connections, we aim to provide the best online therapy experience you are looking for. Contact us for 15-minute free consultation and book your session. Your online therapist is hopefully bringing you one step closer to achieving your most successful and happy self. Be proud of yourself for looking to support. Good luck with your online therapy experience.