Are you considering online therapy? The good news is that the Internet has opened up new avenues for mental health treatment online.
Remote online therapy is growing in popularity in the UK for various reasons, including reduced costs, improved comfort, and increased confidentiality for patients. Online counselling is easily accessible to all individuals who need it as it overcomes the common barriers that may stop people from seeking therapy. For example, those who live in rural or remote areas where they can’t access counselling services can benefit from the accessibility of online treatment.
If you are not sure whether online therapy is right for you, consider these positive benefits it offers.
Why is online therapy popular?
It’s not difficult to see why online therapy is growing in popularity today as technology is part of modern life. Technology allows people who need counselling to find a therapist from the comfort of their own home, no matter where they are in the world.
Accessibility is the number one benefit of online counselling because everybody with a device and an Internet connection can have access to therapy services. People who live in areas without such services and people who are disabled or unable to leave their homes can easily access such services with little inconvenience.
Online therapy is also more convenient than traditional counselling services. Both the therapist and the client can hold sessions from the comfort of their own homes, at any time they agree on. This is particularly advantageous for clients who have a busy schedule and can’t find the time to schedule appointments in more traditional settings. Plus, for those who may feel uncomfortable with the conventional face-to-face models of therapy, online counselling may be more suitable for them. They might feel more comfortable to open up about their problems when the sessions don’t take place in a traditional face-to-face setting.
Online therapy has also been shown to be more economical for both therapists and their clients. For therapists who can’t afford to rent commercial spaces and for clients who have a smaller budget for counselling, online therapy is the way to go.
Another great benefit of online counselling is that it is really useful in eliminating the social stigma associated with going to counselling. Some people may feel uncomfortable for others to know that they are receiving therapy. For those who feel so, online therapy services allow them to receive counselling in the privacy of their own homes, without having to visit the counselling centre.
Unlike traditional counselling services, online therapy also provides a wide range of ways to communicate. Online therapy encompasses variant ways to offer and to receive treatment such as through writing, emails, or chat rooms.
Is online therapy effective?
You may be wondering whether or not online therapy is as effective as traditional counselling. Yet, despite the concerns, various studies have consistently shown that online treatment can be as effective, if not more effective as face-to-face therapy. Thanks to all the benefits it offers, online therapy services make clients feel more comfortable about receiving therapy which helps them be more willing to open up and talk about their problems.
