With social distancing required to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, many counsellors have moved their sessions online into cyberspace. While any change to the norm can be disruptive when you’re stressed, you may find that remote therapy is just as valuable as meeting your counsellor in person.
Benefits?
Research has shown that people suffering with anxiety or depression respond just as well to therapy over video-conference as they do in-person.
There’s also the convenience factor. Attending therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home or private space, allows you to schedule them when it suits you best. A bonus is avoiding the time and trouble of getting to and from therapy in traffic.
Zoom sessions are not as alienating as you might think. In some ways, there is something comforting about being in your own space while sharing feelings that might be difficult to talk about.
Worried about privacy and anonymity?
Online sessions are password protected and your therapist will assure you of the protocols to protect your information. You’ll just need to make sure you’re in a private space without interruption and a good internet signal.
Can the closeness and trust with your therapist in the same room, be achieved online?
The answer is yes. Many non-verbal facial cues which are useful in face-to-face communication, can still be detected by online cameras, although real-world interactions obviously allow for more complex and intricate observations and intimacy. At a time when the viral risks of in-person treatment outweigh its benefits, technology allows us to continue to benefit from therapy (with a cat on your lap!).
Corporate Wellness Week in July reminds us to attend to our mental health, and having an online therapy session may provide the support you need at this challenging time.
Sources:
http://www.clairenewton.co.za/online-counselling-coaching/online-counselling-coaching.html
https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/management-leadership/online-counselling/
Author: Dr Juliette MacLiam