Currently, new technologies simplify many tasks. Now, for example, psychotherapy on line It’s a way to get psychological help. From the comfort of home, people have sessions with their therapists. With this, transfer problems, time, among other inconveniences are completely eliminated.
This method allows patients to contact their trusted psychologist, no matter where they are. In this way distance is no longer an obstacle to mental health care. However, there are also some drawbacks to this therapeutic process. What is this? Next, we detail them.
How does online psychotherapy work?
Conventional therapies are a face-to-face interaction process between a specialist and their patients. in psychotherapy on line, the interaction occurs through the use of the new technologies. For example, making a video call with patients is the most used resource today.
There are various technological tools that facilitate communication between people and their therapists. Such is the case with Zoom inA platform designed to schedule and organize video conferences. Furthermore, there are also the alternatives of google meet or video calls by Whatsapp.
Once the patient and the practitioner choose the means to connect, the process is comfortable and simple. Initially, the therapist conducts a short interview to obtain personal data. The direct observation process will depend on the image quality of the video call.
The most used psychotherapies on line They are second and third generation. For example, the therapy cognitive-behavioral. Because this is a remote process, therapists rely on conversational techniques.
5 advantages of online psychotherapy
Right now, there are many patients who benefit from this method. It is also important to point this out more and more therapists are adopting technology as an asset. Let’s look at a list of some of the benefits offered by telepsychology.
1. Greater level of privacy
Some people find it difficult to go to therapy due to social stigma. And it is that, often, many are labeled “crazy” for seeking psychological help. In the case of telepsychology there is the possibility of scheduling and carrying out sessions from home. Decidedly, It is a situation that helps to maintain anonymity.
2. Provides patient safety
Many find it more comfortable to express themselves when they are seated in a safe environment. In this sense, it is understood that from their homes, patients open up more easily to talk about their conflicts.
When the process happens from a known location, there are fewer obstacles. In this sense it becomes easier to talk about sensitive issues. For example, mourning processes for the death of a loved one, separation of couples, sexual abuse or rape.
3. Personal comfort
This point might be considered the most remarkable in psychotherapy. on line. The convenience that not having to leave the house represents is enough beneficial for people with mobility issues. In any case, as long as patients have an internet connection they can receive psychological assistance.
This benefit also applies to therapists, who can work from home. Transfers from one place to another to care for patients in different places are a thing of the past. Today a psychologist can provide support both to people in your community and to others on the other side of the world.
4. Increased reach
Great technological advances allow it get in touch with people in different parts of the world without difficulty. Although initially the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdoing therapy on line It was not well received, over time it gained a place. Even today it is a way endorsed by professionals from all over the world.
5. Ease of tracking
Another of the positive characteristics of telepsychology is the ease it offers to the monitoring process. Now it is common for patients to be in contact with their therapists through messages From Whatsapp, Telegram or other means that allow instant communication.
3 disadvantages of online psychotherapy
In another order of ideas, telepsychology also has some drawbacks. Although they are not limiting situations, it is important to know its possible complications. Below we look at a list of the disadvantages of using technology in the therapeutic process. Let’s see it.
1. It hinders smooth communication
It is possible that during telepsychology sessions there may be internet connectivity problems. When connections are poor, communication does not take place in the best way. This situation hinders therapeutic rituals.
2. Complications for applying psychological tests (tests)
During the counseling process, some tests are usually applied to evaluate the patients. When the therapy session is face to face, the application of the test is simple. However, in telepsychology the application of tests is complicated. It is impossible to fully observe the patient during the time of the execution.
3. Technical problems
It is logical to think that providing this kind of assistance the specialist and the patients must know how the necessary technological resources work. However, that’s not always the case. In some cases, people end up overwhelmed.
When there is no proper management of technology, it is not advisable to start a therapeutic process on line. The ideal is to learn the essentials of communication tools before starting this method.
How to choose an online therapist?
After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of psychotherapy on line, we can better choose our therapist. In summary, you need to know the type of therapy that the professional provides and the management that demonstrates the new technologies applied to communication.
Ideally, choose a therapist trained in second and third generation therapies. As we have already mentioned, these therapeutic models are based on a conversational process. It is also important to take into account the therapist’s experience with the modality on line.
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