Why Online Therapy Is Essential Support In Times Of COVID-19
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 into our lives has brought about many changes and among them, the need for a whole series of challenges that appear in our path stands out, whether they have to do with fears and expectations about what could happen or with real events that are taking place in our family context, in our work, in our country, or even in our own body.
The general feeling is that we were not prepared for a pandemic of these dimensions, and it is partly true; For some reason it has become the main topic of conversation for many months. However, luckily, the coronavirus crisis has arrived at a time when the world of mental health has had the opportunity to develop one of its most useful resources in these cases.
This is online psychotherapy , a format of psychological intervention that has been consolidated in recent years and that, although it was not created to allow us to adapt to a pandemic context, fortunately it fits very well in covering the needs in terms of psychological support that a good part of the population in the middle of this situation of measures to prevent infections. Here we will see in what ways it is beneficial to us against the coronavirus.
How does online psychotherapy help us in the face of the COVID-19 crisis?
These are the aspects that make online psychological therapy a valuable resource in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and everything that surrounds it.
The first advantage is obvious: with online psychotherapy sessions it is not even necessary to leave home to “go to the psychologist.” That is the risk of infections is reduced to 0% and on the other hand, possible problems of access to consultation caused by the confinement measures applied in some regions are avoided.
2. Its degree of effectiveness makes it an alternative
Where the online format does not cause problems for logistical reasons (that is, due to the patient’s ability to connect by video call or due to difficult access to materials necessary for some types of therapy, such as Neurofeedback), Online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy, according to research carried out on this topic.
That is, except in exceptional cases in which the patient cannot use certain materials from home or does not know how to do so, the simple fact that the communication channel changes and one is not in the same room as the psychologist does not introduce relevant changes in the potential of psychotherapy in allowing patients to overcome their problems. On the other hand, the effect of psychological intervention is maintained over time in the long term, just like in-person intervention.
3. It is very easy to use
As we have seen, the only limiting factor of online psychotherapy has to do with the use of material resources. However, this happens on very rare occasions, because most of the resources used in therapy can be adapted to the distance format or directly have a digital version, and on the other hand, It is very easy to teach anyone to attend their online psychology sessions.
Even the elderly, especially vulnerable to COVID-19, can learn to connect to these video call sessions in a couple of minutes also in cases where they have almost never used the computer. IT solutions have had a long time to evolve, and currently the interfaces are much simpler and designed for easy use, without too many intermediate steps.
4. It is economical
Online psychotherapy sessions have a lower cost, and this is usually reflected in the price. It is an especially useful advantage at times when many people need to reduce their expenses.
5. Helps deal with psychological exhaustion factors
Finally, we must not forget that Professional support through psychotherapy is essential in crisis situations. You cannot normalize suffering or the appearance of pathological behavioral patterns to try to cope with day-to-day discomfort due to anxiety or general emotional discomfort.
Are you looking for psychotherapy services?
If you are interested in starting a psychotherapy process, whether in person or online via video call, contact us. In Advance Psychologists We have been caring for patients with all types of emotional, behavioral and emotional problems for two decades. You will find us in our center located in Madrid, or through this page with our contact information.
