<\/span>What is Online Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Considering the fact the concept of online therapy is not known to many people, we are going to start this post with a simple definition first. The online therapy is defined as the provision of professional mental health counseling services to patients through the internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as e-therapy, teletherapy, and e-counseling, this practice has quickly become an important resource for an increasing number of patients, and it will continue to be more popular in the near future. Although we see online therapy as the “invention” of the modern ages, its origins go hundreds of years back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, used letters extensively to communicate with his patients. Sure, he didn\u2019t exactly communicate with patients online, but the letters aren\u2019t in-person therapy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in time, mental health problems were taboo, but as society became more aware of these conditions, the number of support groups grew rapidly. With the advancements in technology and easy internet access, people have also started forming support groups online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these events led to the growing need to hold therapy sessions and communicate with patients online. The e-therapy sessions have a lot of advantages, but also some limitations. Further, in the post, you’ll see how it compares to in-person therapy and finds out more about its pros and cons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>How Does Online Therapy Work? <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you can conclude, online therapy is based on providing counseling online through software, websites, and apps where patients can log on and consult with their therapist. In online therapy, counselors can reach patients in many ways, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

• Email <\/li>
• Mobile device apps <\/li>
• Phone calls <\/li>
• Real-time chat <\/li>
• Text messaging <\/li>
• Video conferencing <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  Thanks to a wide range of video conferencing platforms, it has never been easier for a counselor to reach patients and vice versa. This is particularly important for patients who live in rural areas because traveling to the city can be difficult and bothersome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  As a result, they have more sessions than they would in-person. On the flip side, text messaging is all about ease of use and support more direct counseling.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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