Online Counselling
What it is
Online therapy is, effectively, psychotherapy that is conducted through a video camera installed in your computer, with the use of web-based applications (Skype*).
The experience is similar to going to a physician or therapist's office except the drive is avoided. For many potential clients this is important because of time or distance problems. People in rural areas have fewer health care options locally.This method of video therapy online increases your ability to access assistance and broadens your choices.
Research shows that Internet based psychotherapeutic interventions prove to be a legitimate and an effective therapeutic activity. It has been found to be helpful in treating a range of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and emotional difficulties such as mid-life and/or identity crises, issues with self-confidence, difficulty in assertiveness, stress management, difficulty in communication, as well as a wide range of challenges presented to every individual.
Findings are generally positive and indicate that, through this media, the working alliance that develops in the therapeutic process has a good, deep and authentic quality, the results of which being not less effective in healing process than that of face-to-face sessions.
How it works
Having face-to-face psychotherapy means that you visit the therapist in his/her practice.
The practitioner is responsible for providing you with a safe therapy environment that is quiet, stable and free from interruptions that could disrupt the therapeutic process.
The online psychotherapy differs from the above only inasmuch as you are in your own space (home, hotel room, office) and therefore the responsibility for creating a quiet and safe environment for the sessions is yours.
In this case, it is highly advisable that you find a space which makes you feel comfortable, safe and that gives you the confidence that there will be no people ‘invading’ it or that someone might overhear what you or your therapist are talking about.
There may be occasions when you might indeed be interrupted but, as long as these instances are not recurrent, there will be no impact on your actual therapy.
Technical requirements
Ideally you will have an Internet connection with a minimum of 1Mbps and a desktop computer or a laptop with the Skype application. If your computer has a built-in camera, then the communication should be straightforward. Some people prefer to have a plug-in, high definition camera, mainly due to the fact that the quality of both the picture and sound are better (but this depends on your current computer’s technology).
Note that the use of the word 'Skype' refers to mechanisms that allow people to engage in video-audio conferences.
However, I encourage my clients to use Zoom, a platform that is quickly becoming the norm in 'tele healthcare' not only because it is more stable but also guarantees enhanced levels of cyber-security.
