Online Therapy: How It Works and Who Can Benefit

Life throws us curveballs, and sometimes, we need a helping hand to navigate the challenges. Therapy has long been a valuable tool for improving mental health and well-being, but traditional in-person therapy can come with hurdles like busy schedules, limited access to qualified professionals, and even cost concerns.

​This is where online therapy steps in.

What is Online Therapy?

​Online therapy is a convenient and effective way to receive professional mental health support from a regulated therapist – all from the comfort and privacy of your own home (or wherever you have a secure internet connection!). Sessions are conducted virtually, using video calls.

How Does it Work?

The process of online therapy is similar to traditional in person therapy. Here's a general outline:

• Contact us: Book in for an initial free consultation to see if Tay Psychology would be a good fit for you and what you are looking for from therapy.
• Initial Assessment: During your first session(s), you'll discuss your goals and concerns with your therapist. This helps them develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Therapy Sessions: You'll meet with your therapist regularly (usually weekly or fortnightly) for sessions that last 50-60 minutes. These sessions can involve talk therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement de-sensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), compassion focused therapy (CFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or other techniques best suited to your needs.

Who Can Benefit from Online Therapy?

​Online therapy can be a powerful tool for anyone seeking mental health support. Some particular benefits include:

• Flexibility: Online therapy enables you to schedule sessions around your work or family commitments without having to factor in travelling times.
• Support from anywhere: If you live in a location with limited access to therapists, online options eliminate geographical barriers. If you travel often or work away, engaging online allows you to have therapy without interruption.
• Reduces associated costs: Online therapy reduces associated costs such as travel, and parking.
• What works for you: The virtual setting might work best for you, it might feel easier to talk and to be yourself online.

Is Online Therapy Right for Me?

While online therapy offers numerous advantages, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are some things to consider:

• Technology comfort level: You should feel comfortable using technology for video calls and communication.
• Confidential space: You will need to have a place where you can speak freely and not be concerned about others around you or in the household overhearing. 
• Self-motivation: Online therapy requires a level of self-motivation to attend sessions and complete any personal practice encouraged by your therapist.
• What you want help with: Depending on what you want help and support for, it might be that sessions in person are also a helpful part of the journey of therapy for you. 

Taking the First Step

View our contact page or email us at [email protected] to book in for an initial free 20 minute consultation. This is essential for us to get a sense of whether we would be best placed to meet your needs, and to give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. 

​We have a number of clinicians who work only online. We also have clinicians who do a mix of in person and online work. We will consider your preferences for appointments and your therapy needs in linking you up with the best match for you.

References

• Catarino, A., Harper, S., Malcolm, R., et al. (2023). Economic evaluation of 27,540 patients with mood and anxiety disorders and the importance of waiting time and clinical effectiveness in mental healthcare. Nat. Mental Health 1, 667–678. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00106-z
• Fernandez, E., Woldgabreal, Y., Day, A., Pham, T., Gleich, B., & Aboujaoude, E. (2021). Live psychotherapy by video versus in-person: A meta-analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment. Clinical psychology & psychotherapy, 28(6), 1535–1549. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2594
• Kumar, V., Sattar, Y., Bseiso, A., Khan, S., & Rutkofsky, I. H. (2017). The Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Cureus, 9(8), e1626. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1626