With the advancements in technology and the increasing accessibility of the internet, online therapy has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional in-person therapy. While some may question whether online therapy can be effective, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many individuals – or even more so!
The benefits of online therapy
One of the primary benefits of online therapy is increased accessibility. For individuals who live in rural areas, have mobility issues, or have limited transportation options, accessing traditional in-person therapy can be a challenge. Online therapy eliminates many of these barriers, making therapy more accessible to those who may have otherwise been unable to receive care.
Online therapy can also be much, much more convenient for individuals with busy schedules. Rather than having to schedule time for travel and in-person appointments, online therapy can be conducted from the comfort of your own home or office, at a time that works for you – which is especially helpful for those who have busy schedules!
For some people, even just waiting in waiting rooms at therapy practices can feel uncomfortable, so the greater sense of privacy and anonymity that online therapy can provide can be a huge benefit. Apart from making the experience feel more comfortable in general, the less daunting environment can also help you to be more open and honest, and get more out of your therapy sessions.
How to get the most out of online therapy
Online therapy can help you to work through a wide variety of mental health struggles and challenging life experiences, but essentially, therapy only really ‘works’ if you are open, have the right attitude and are willing to do the work it takes to make improvements. To get the most out of therapy, here are some of our top tips.
- Set up a quiet, private space. Make sure that you take your video call in a comfortable space, where you won’t be interrupted. It’s important to feel safe and like you have enough privacy during your sessions.
- Make sure you have a secure internet connection: For an uninterrupted therapy session, you will want to ensure that your internet connection is reliable and won’t constantly drop out.
- Be honest and open. Although you may feel nervous during your first session, you should be your complete, true self during your therapy sessions, being transparent about your thoughts and feelings. It’s okay to be vulnerable, and psychologists are trained to talk about whatever it is you want to share.
- Practice self-care. Exercising, meditating, eating healthy and getting enough rest can help to provide yourself with a good foundation to begin to feel better every day. To improve what you want to work through, therapy is just a component, and taking care of yourself outside of therapy is another building block to getting better.
- Be prepared. Before your session, have a good think about what you want to talk about. You can jot some notes down to have next to you, which can help to have some direction in the conversation if you feel a little overwhelmed.
- Give feedback. Don’t be afraid to give your therapist feedback on what is and isn’t working for you. This can help them tailor your sessions to your specific needs.
- Be accountable. Take responsibility for your own progress and work collaboratively with your therapist to reach your goals.
- Follow up on action plans. Your therapist may give you action plans to work on outside of sessions. Follow up on these plans and report back to your therapist on your progress. This can help you get the most out of your therapy sessions.
- Be consistent with your sessions. Consistency is key in therapy. Try to attend your sessions regularly and stick to your treatment plan.
- Be patient. It can take time to build a rapport with your therapist and see progress. Be patient and trust the process.
How to choose your therapist
Choosing an online psychologist can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to therapy or have never tried online therapy before. However, there are multiple factors to consider when choosing an online therapist that can help you find the right fit.
The first step in choosing an online therapist is to determine your needs. What are you hoping to get out of therapy? What are your specific concerns or goals? Do you have any preferences for the type of therapist you would like to work with? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your search and find a therapist who can best meet your needs.
Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s important to research websites that offer online therapy services. Pynk Health is run by women, for women, also providing couple’s counselling. We can provide therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships and more, as well as conduct assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
When considering an online psychologist, it’s important to ensure that your therapist will have the necessary experience and credentials. In our team, we have clinical psychologists and registered psychologists who have had extensive training and experience in the field of therapy.
Pynk Health: All-female team of online psychologists
At Pynk Health, we believe that you should feel like you’re thriving in life, and not just surviving. From anxiety and depression to relationship concerns, we’re here to help – wherever you need it.
Whether you’re in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart or a remote area from anywhere in Australia, our qualified team of psychologists have the right skillset to guide you through your struggles.
If you feel like you need to talk to someone, contact us today.