Online counselling and psychotherapy are becoming increasingly viable options for people who need psychological help and guidance. This model has considerable criticism and there are valid concerns regarding the course of treatment. However, as wireless high-speed Internet access, along with video/audio streaming and webcam capabilities, are becoming more common, technology is rapidly catching up on this model. In many cases, sessions between the therapist and patients at two different locations can be linked very effectively with the correct technical specifications.
When looking directly at a psychologist or counsellor, it usually works like this: Ask your doctor for a referral or get a name from someone recommended by a friend and make an appointment. You have no idea if the person is right for you. Your doctor may be eager to tell you a lot about the person and their experience, or how compassionate your friend is, but this does not mean that they are the right therapist for you. In my experience, a large part of a successful psychotherapy relationship involves personal connections between the two. Sometimes clients come to see me and I just “understand” them. I empathize and we develop good alliances immediately. Another client decides to come for a few sessions and try someone else. I am not the right therapist for everyone.
From your point of view, you may have a strong connection to seek online psychotherapy or counsellor. You feel understandable, it is not the same as feeling comfortable and comfortable. A good therapist often feels uncomfortable but will tell you what the truth makes you feel. On the other hand, you may visit a psychotherapist for some sessions and feel that you have not “clicked”. Every time someone asks for a referral to a different therapist, they say a few names and try to make an appointment with everyone. Perhaps they understand you better and are more in tune with one of them.
The face-to-face treatment has many advantages over online consultation, but if you are looking for a remote therapist, you can visit the provider’s website for more information. The experts who provide these services often offer a wide range of articles, general information, and blog posts on the site. Many of them have videos that can “filter” the person in advance. You can feel your emotional presence and decide if that person is right for you. This is the advantage of Skype treatment, which promises to be face to face with someone you have never met.
Read as many articles and posts as possible and it helps you see how things are looking for you or see information about yourself that you haven’t considered before. Read as much as you can about the background, theoretical direction, and clinical experience. Read the public statement and verify the policies and procedures for payments, session cancellations, and interactions with health insurance companies. Few insurance companies reimburse you for phone or online consultations.
Choosing better online counselling is an important and often confusing decision. Hope this article helps you choose based on the information.