Differences And Similarities Between Online And In-person Therapy
If in recent years online psychotherapy was already experiencing rapid expansion in terms of its popularity among psychotherapists and patients, the appearance of the 2020 pandemic has only accelerated this progression.
Today this form of psychological intervention is more consolidated than ever, and is even well known by people who have never gone to a psychologist and are not even considering doing so in the near future. Now… what are its defining characteristics, what separates it from conventional psychotherapy?
Throughout this article we will see a summary of the differences and similarities between online psychotherapy and in-person psychotherapy something very useful to know what to expect from this type of service.
What are the differences between online psychological therapy and in-person therapy?
These are the main differences between online therapy and that which takes place in person, whether in a psychology consultation or in a larger health center.
This is probably the most obvious feature of online therapy: It is possible to use it without leaving home, as long as you have an Internet connection and an electronic device capable of connecting to the network, with a screen and camera. This saves time, effort and, in many cases, also money.
2. The communication channel is different
Another of the main differences between online psychotherapy and face-to-face psychotherapy is that In the first format the communication channel is a digital platform, while in the second case the interaction takes place in the same room This implies that the patient must have minimal knowledge when using the electronic device and the video call interface, but fortunately, its operation is simple, and in any case psychologists help when resolving doubts.
3. Online therapy offers a space that is familiar to the patient
From the first online psychotherapy session, it can take place in a place that the patient already knows well, since it is not necessary to go to a place they had not been before. This means that, in a subtle and semi-conscious way, patients tend to be more relaxed and open to explaining their problems which speeds up the dynamics of the therapeutic process.
4. Online psychotherapy offers extra anonymity and discretion
As to use online therapy it is not necessary to enter a psychology office or a psychotherapist’s office, but rather You simply have to find a quiet and reserved place that has an Internet connection, this provides extra anonymity when resorting to psychological support. Although fewer and fewer people are currently reluctant to admit that they are going to psychotherapy, this is a characteristic that is still important for some patients.
5. With the online format there is greater accessibility to psychological support
Due to the differences between online and in-person therapy, many of which are advantageous for those who choose the former format, psychotherapy can reach more people For example, people who, due to their state of health, the place where they live (isolated from large urban centers or poorly connected to them) or their economic difficulties, cannot afford to travel weekly to a psychotherapy center.
Similarities between online psychotherapy and face-to-face psychotherapy
These are the aspects in which online therapy and face-to-face therapy with a psychologist are similar.
1. They have a comparable level of effectiveness
If you have the appropriate technical requirements regarding the quality of the electronic device and the Internet connection (something that is common in most Spanish homes today), The effectiveness of online psychotherapy is basically the same as that of face-to-face psychotherapy except in special cases, such as child therapy with young children.
2. The professionals who provide the service are accredited psychologists
The type of training of psychologists who provide online therapy is the same as that of those who offer face-to-face psychotherapy. In all cases they are psychologists with university training, specialized in therapy
3. These are services that require an appointment
Both online and in-person therapy are based on sessions that must be agreed upon before taking place, given that in order to offer them, Psychologists have to be able to prepare them in advance and ensure that they have time in their schedule to dedicate time to them consistently throughout the weeks Which brings us to the next point.
Another similarity between in-person psychotherapy and online psychotherapy has to do with its duration. They are never based on one or a couple of sessions, nor do they last for years. To help patients overcome the problems for which they come to consultation, It is necessary that they commit to therapy for several weeks or months without skipping sessions.
Are you interested in having professional psychological support?
If you are looking for psychotherapy services, whether in person or online, contact us. In Psychology For We have been helping all types of patients for 20 years, and we currently provide care in both formats, whether face to face in our center in Madrid, or via video call. On this page you can see our contact information.
