3 reasons you should try virtual therapy
Learn why seeing a mental health therapist online can help as much as in-person care. Plus, get expert tips for making the most of every teletherapy session.
For many of us, home is where we feel the most comfortable. It’s where you can kick off your shoes and really be yourself. So, it makes sense that having a therapy session from home could be a good experience.
Virtual therapy (also called teletherapy) can be a helpful option in a lot of circumstances. Maybe you don’t have a car to get to an appointment. Or another medical condition (such as diabetes) makes it hard for you to travel. Perhaps you recently spent some time in the hospital for a mental health condition like depression or substance use. Now you’ve been discharged and you’re ready to be at home.
In cases like these, virtual therapy can make it easier to get mental health care when you need it. All you need to make it happen is a strong internet connection, a bit of privacy, and a willingness to make it work.
On the fence about therapy in general? Learn reasons why it can help you on your path to wellness. And if you’re ready to try a virtual session, we have tips for making the most of it.
Reason 1: Therapy can help you let go of your worries.
Talking about things that worry or upset you helps clear mental space in your brain. That way, they don’t build up over time (and possibly grow stronger), says Nicole Lipkin, PsyD. She’s a psychologist based in Philadelphia. That’s true whether you visit your therapist in person or on a video call.
Your problems won’t go away after a single session. But you may feel a little clearer. You may also be able to handle stress in your life with more ease.
Reason 2: You’ll gain a fresh point of view.
Talking with someone you trust may help you see that some issues are easier to solve than you thought. Or you might find that smaller problems are really covering up a larger issue.
Your therapist can help you figure out what’s troubling you. Then they can help you problem-solve.
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Reason 3: You can learn to stop repeating negative thoughts.
It’s easy to let negative thoughts play over and over in our minds. Negative thinking can make you feel down about yourself. It also raises your chance of depression and anxiety.
Therapy can help break these unhealthy patterns. It lets someone else challenge the way you think and feel. It can help you see how your thought patterns are harming your mental and physical health. The result? You’ll be open to using more positive self-talk.
Your therapist can help you with that too. They might suggest that you:
- Practice positive thinking
- Practice mindfulness (living in the moment)
- Keep a gratitude journal
How to make the most of virtual therapy sessions.
Online therapy can be just as productive as a session outside your home. It is also convenient. These steps can help you make virtual sessions even more helpful.
Keep an open mind. Even if you’re unsure about virtual therapy, go in with a positive outlook. You’ll be more open to getting more out of it.
Change the scenery. You may not be leaving your home. But try doing your session in a different place from where you normally use your computer or tablet. This can give you a mental break.
Do you usually work at a desk? Sit on your couch instead. Or set up a small table in the corner of your bedroom.
Remember that privacy is also key. It lets you speak freely. Be sure to find a place where others won't hear you. Try to book your session for a time when no one is around.
You might also want to ask your therapist about talking over the phone. That way, you could be away from a screen or your home if you like. “You can do your session on the phone and go for a walk. So long as there’s privacy,” Lipkin says.
Make sure you’re in focus. It’s important that your therapist can see your face during a video session. Lighting plays a big part in that. Keep the lighting in front of you, not behind.
Also, remember that your therapist will have a harder time seeing your body language on a screen. Is your session over the phone? They won’t see any visual cues about your mood at all. So, you may need to be more direct in talking about how you’re feeling.
What’s the bottom line?
Maybe you’re used to in-person therapy. It’s normal that online sessions may feel a bit awkward at first.
But you might be surprised at how quickly you get used to it. And once you do, you may find you prefer the ease and convenience of teletherapy. The only way to find out? Give it a try.
Sources
- “Getting Mental Health Support Virtually.” National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/what-is-telemental-health
- “Psychotherapy.” Mayo Clinic. April 11, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616
- “Stop Your Negative Thoughts with These Strategies.” Cleveland Clinic. October 3, 2019. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turn-around-negative-thinking
- Heller AS, Shi TC, Ezie CEC, et al. “Association between Real-World Experiential Diversity and Positive Affect Relates to Hippocampal-striatal Functional Connectivity.” Nature Neuroscience. May 18, 2020; vol. 23: pp. 800-804. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-020-0636-4
