If you’re considering therapy, you may be wondering if online therapy is a good option for you. The great thing about online therapy is that it can be tailored to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Many different types of online therapy are available, so you can find the one that best fits your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss what online therapy is, how it works, what to expect, and ten types of online therapy and why they can be beneficial for you.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy, also known as e-therapy or distance counseling, is simply therapy conducted over the internet instead of in person. This can take many forms, but it most commonly involves meeting with your therapist via video chat (like Skype or FaceTime) or messaging a therapist online.
Online therapy has been becoming increasingly popular. Pennsylvania is one of the states that have been most receptive to online therapy, and as a result, there are many online therapists and types of online therapy to choose from.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy is very similar to in-person therapy, but it has some key differences. First, you will need to find a therapist who is licensed to practice online therapy in your state. Once you’ve found a therapist you feel comfortable with, you will typically schedule weekly or biweekly sessions with them online.
During your sessions, you will discuss the same topics that you would in an in-person therapy session, but from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere else with an internet connection). Some of these topics could include:
-Your goals for therapy; this gives your therapist an idea of what you’re hoping to achieve through online therapy.
-The things that are causing you stress or anxiety; this gives your therapist a better understanding of what you’re dealing with.
-Your relationships; this is helpful because it gives your therapist insight into how you interact with others.
-Your family and personal history; this gives your therapist a better understanding of where you come from and how it has impacted you.
-Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors give your therapist a better understanding of what is going on in your mind.
-Your coping mechanisms; this is helpful because it gives your therapist an idea of how you deal with stress and adversity.
-Your fears and worries; this is helpful because it gives your therapist an idea of what is causing you anxiety.
-Your strengths and weaknesses give your therapist an idea of what you’re good at and what you need to work on.
-Your dreams and aspirations; this is helpful because it gives your therapist an idea of what you want to achieve in life.
Like in traditional therapy, online therapy is confidential, meaning that what you discuss with your therapist will remain between the two of you.
What you can expect from your first online therapy session
Your first online therapy session will be similar to your first in-person therapy session. You’ll discuss your goals for therapy, and your therapist will ask you about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Your therapist may also ask you about your mental health history and any medications you’re currently taking. Once they have a better understanding of your needs, they’ll develop a treatment plan specifically for you with one of the types of online therapy.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you change your thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy can be beneficial if you’re dealing with anxiety or depression. CBT can help you learn how to recognize and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your anxiety or depression.
CBT typically involves weekly 50-minute sessions with your therapist. During these sessions, you will discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You will also be given homework assignments to help you practice the skills you’re learning in therapy. These homework assignments could include keeping a journal, practicing relaxation techniques, or exposure therapy.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is one of the types of online therapy that focuses on helping you regulate your emotions. This type of therapy can be beneficial if you’re dealing with depression or another mental health disorder that causes you to have intense emotions. DBT can help you learn how to cope with your emotions healthily.
DBT typically involves weekly 50-minute sessions with your therapist. Like CBT, you will discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during these sessions. You will also be given homework assignments to help you practice the skills you’re learning in therapy. These homework assignments could include keeping a journal, practicing relaxation techniques, or exposure therapy.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a therapy that focuses on helping you deal with trauma. This type of therapy can be beneficial if you’re dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR typically involves weekly 50-minute sessions with your therapist. During these sessions, you will discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the trauma you are working through. You could be asked to follow your therapist’s finger with your eyes and to recall the trauma or an action that has a similar effect on your brain. These things help you process the trauma so that it no longer has a hold on your life.
IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you improve your relationships. This type of therapy can be beneficial if you’re dealing with relationship issues.
During an IPT session, your therapist will help you identify the patterns of behavior that are causing problems in your relationships. You will then work on changing these patterns to have healthier relationships.
MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you manage stress. This type of therapy can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with chronic stress.
During an MBSR session, your therapist will teach you mindfulness techniques. You will then practice these techniques during the session and in your everyday life. These techniques can help you be more present and mindful so that you can reduce the amount of stress in your life.
SFT (Solution-Focused Therapy)
Solution-Focused Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you achieve your goals. This type of therapy can be especially helpful when dealing with life transitions.
During an IPT session, your therapist will help you identify your goals. You will then work on developing a plan to achieve these goals. This plan will involve taking small steps that will lead you to the changes you want to see in your life.
PT (Psychodynamic Therapy)
Psychodynamic Therapy is one of the types of online therapy that focuses on exploring the past. This type of therapy can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with unresolved issues from your past.
During a PT session, your therapist will help you explore your past experiences. You will then work on understanding how these experiences affect your present life. This understanding can help you move forward and make the changes you want to see in your life.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you deal with chronic pain. This type of therapy can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with chronic pain that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments.
During an ACT session, your therapist will help you accept your pain and work on learning how to live a full life despite your pain. This can involve learning how to set goals and make choices that are in line with your values.
GT (Group Therapy)
Group Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you socialize. This type of therapy can be especially helpful when dealing with social anxiety.
During an IPT session, you will be in a group with other people who are dealing with similar issues. You will then work on socializing with these people and developing healthy relationships. This can help you build confidence and reduce the amount of social anxiety you’re experiencing.
FT (Family Therapy)
Family Therapy is one of the types of online therapy that focuses on helping you improve your relationships with your family. This type of therapy can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with family conflict.
During an FT session, your therapist will help you explore your relationships with your family. You will then work on developing healthy communication and conflict-resolution skills. This can help you improve your relationships with your family and reduce the amount of conflict you’re experiencing.
Choosing the Right Types of Online Therapy for You
Choosing the right type of therapy for you is important. Online therapy can be just as beneficial as in-person therapy, so it can be helpful for you to keep an open mind. If you’re unsure which option to choose, reach out to Makin Wellness for help. We offer a variety of online therapy options to fit your needs.
To learn more about how we can help you, call today or book a session online to start your healing journey now.
At Makin Wellness, we serve the Greater Pittsburgh, PA area, the Philadelphia, PA region, and the entire state of Pennsylvania.
Watch this video from our Youtube Channel about the benefits of going to online therapy:
This Post Has 4 Comments
Thank you for mentioning that internet counselling enables you to address the same subjects during your sessions from the comfort of your home as you would in person. Due to her life, my friend is under a lot of stress. She will undergo counselling in the comfort of her home; therefore, I’ll let her know about the online counselling programme.
Thanks for mentioning that online counseling covers the same topics as in-person sessions. My stressed friend will undergo counseling from home, so I’ll recommend the online program.
I absolutely loved reading this blog post on the 10 types of online therapy and their importance in the healing process. It’s remarkable how technology has revolutionized the field of therapy, making it more accessible and convenient for individuals seeking support. Each type of online therapy discussed here offers unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences. From video conferencing to chat-based therapy and even virtual reality sessions, the possibilities are endless. This article beautifully highlights the importance of personalized and flexible therapeutic approaches, ensuring that individuals can receive the help they need in a manner that suits them best. Kudos to the author for shedding light on this important topic and showcasing the potential of online therapy in today’s digital age!
I appreciate how the blog emphasizes the importance of choosing the right type of online therapy based on individual preferences and needs. This tailored approach to mental health care is crucial, as it ensures that individuals can access the most suitable form of therapy for their specific situation.