How effective is online talking therapy? Does it really work?

More people are turning to online therapy every day, seeing it as a, safe, convenient, and cost-effective method of seeing a therapist. But does virtual therapy really work or is it just a fad? This article will look at the effectiveness of online talking therapy.

There are many organisations that can help you find an online therapist wherever you are in the UK.

Or, if you live in Essex, check out our Complementary Therapists in Essex directory. Many of the therapists listed also offer online therapy.

What is a talking therapist?

Of course, there are lots of different kinds of complementary therapists, but in this article, we are specifically referring to therapists who are licensed mental health professionals who offer talking therapy. The purpose of a talking therapist is to help clients to understand their emotions, develop strategies to cope with various challenges in their lives and improve their mental wellbeing.

Rather than offering advice, therapists seek to offer support, compassion, and guidance. They help their clients to discover their strengths and to make sense of difficult emotions and experiences so they can move forward with their lives in a positive way.

What can a talking therapist help with?

Therapists can help with a broad range of situations. This can be anything from stress in your daily life, trauma, and grief, through to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and addiction.

The type of therapy used will depend on the struggles you are facing and can range from simple talking therapies to CBT – cognitive behavioural therapy.

Therapy is often recommended alongside medication for treating conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, there is a great deal of concern about potential oversubscribing of antidepressants. As well as talking therapies, there are many other options to consider and social prescribers/link workers attached to GP surgeries are often able to refer people with depression to other local support groups including projects such as community gardening, which have proven to be extremely successful.

What are the benefits of choosing an online therapist?

There are many benefits in choosing to hire a therapist online. The most obvious benefit is that you do not have to leave your home to access therapy. This means that it is ideal for fitting into a busy lifestyle, or for those who live in rural areas and may struggle for transport. And, of course, more important than ever when lockdown restrictions are in place.

Choosing to hire an online therapist also means that you bypass the ever-increasing NHS waiting lists for therapy. This means that you may be able to access psychotherapy almost immediately, putting the benefits of talking therapies to use without having to wait.

Some people also find they feel more comfortable opening up to a stranger over the internet, rather than in person. This may be particularly useful for those suffering from social anxiety, who may be more likely to reach out to an online therapist. You also do not have to worry about seeing anyone you know in the waiting room, giving you that extra bit of privacy.

What are the disadvantages of choosing an online therapist?

Although there are many advantages of choosing a virtual therapist, there are also some drawbacks.

Online therapy is not suitable for treating some of the most serious conditions, such as psychosis or suicidal intentions because it can be difficult for therapists to provide or signpost to necessary interventions during a crisis.

Some clients may struggle to form a trusting bond with their therapist virtually. If you are the type of person that prefers face-to-face contact overusing technology, this may apply to you.

Technology is not always reliable, so therapy sessions may be interrupted by poor internet connections, resulting in frozen videos, and dropped calls.

It can also be difficult to know which online therapists are really qualified and trustworthy. It is especially important to ask to see qualifications and credentials when you are hiring a therapist online.

Is online therapy really effective?

Many people find online therapy to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, and the science agrees. A study conducted by EClinicalMedicine and published in The Lancet in July 2020 concluded that:

eCBT was more effective than face-to-face CBT at reducing depression symptom severity.

and;

there were no significant differences between the two interventions on participant satisfaction

Ultimately, different approaches work for different people, and it is about finding the right approach for you – whether that’s online therapy or face-to-face therapy.

How to find an online therapist

It can take a while to find the right therapist for you. You need to find someone who you feel comfortable sharing intimate details of your life with. Take the time to ask potential therapists a few questions to get to know them so you can discover whether you feel comfortable talking to them.

Many therapists also specialise in specific areas such as eating disorders, trauma, or PTSD, so it’s worth making sure that they are well-experienced in the area that you require.

If you’re ready to get started with online therapy, you can find a therapist on Bark which, once you have registered your postcode, will ask a series of questions about you and what issues you have. You will then need to register your email address for further information.