Online Therapy for Fears and Phobias

Why Online Therapy Is Helpful and Works | Which Therapies Work Best Online?

With advances in technology, there is an ever-growing list of online resources for mental health and well being. This includes treatment for fears and phobias.

Studies have shown that in the United States, one of every five adults lives with a mental illness. As a matter of fact, each year nearly 8 million potentially preventable deaths are attributed to mental illness.

That is how prevalent mental illness is in the U.S. alone. And believe it or not, fears and phobias contribute to these statistics. This is why the study of mental health and the exploration of different treatment methods are so important.

Unfortunately, with our fast-paced lifestyle, lack of time, wish for privacy, and busy schedules, most of us avoid face-to-face therapy. This is why online therapy has become so widely accepted.

If you’re considering online therapy or would like to learn how it can help with fears and phobias, read on. We’ll explain why online therapy options are reliable, helpful, and offer worthwhile outcomes.

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy is known by many names including teletherapy, telemental healthcare, e-therapy, and e-counseling. Its primary purpose is to provide mental health services via the internet through email, messaging, SMS, online chat, phone calls, video calls, and conferencing. Some therapies occur in real-time through phone calls, chatting, or conferencing, while some are self-paced.

An online therapist holds the same qualifications and credentials as a conventional therapist. They are skilled with the tools used in therapy, only work within the scope of their practice, and follow all the rules, laws, and regulations surrounding each session.

Benefits of Online Therapy

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that online treatment or telemental healthcare is not as effective as conventional, person-to-person therapy. However, studies have debunked this myth and established that online therapy is a viable alternative for standard therapy options.

Here are just a few advantages of online therapy that explore its many benefits.

Affordability

Online therapy sessions rate well on the cost and affordability factor versus in-person sessions. First, with new developments, many states require insurance providers to cover the cost of online therapy just as they would cover in-person therapies.

Second, not only are the sessions more cost-effective, but you may also stumble upon some channels that provide healthcare services free of charge. You may even be offered no-cost trial sessions from therapists after which you have the option of continuing with fee-for-service if they align with your needs.

Easy to Access

You can access your therapy sessions from any place, anytime. If you opt for real-time sessions, you can schedule a remote call or meeting with your therapist at a time that works for your busy schedule. If it is a self-paced session, you can access therapy any time day or night at your convenience.

You can take therapy sessions from the comfort of home, when you are on vacation, or in your car on the way to work. And if you are physically disabled and have restricted movement, you can access online sessions without any hindrance.

Approachable

There have been many stigmas attached to therapy, which is why most people are afraid to visit a mental health therapist. If you are uncomfortable discussing your mental health issues in person, online therapy is a great alternative. You can learn about your psychological health, identify the cause of symptoms, and develop coping mechanisms through proven strategies.

Privacy

Afraid of running into a friend or family member while on your way to your therapist’s office? Online therapy may be an option for you. You can schedule the sessions according to your schedule in the privacy of your own space.

Convenient and Effective

Online therapy is convenient, effective, and practical. All you need are the right resources: an internet connection and a laptop or other device.

You have the benefit of scheduling sessions that match your timetable. You can connect with the therapist through your preferred method and begin your session at your own, comfortable pace.

Limits of Online Therapy

Online therapy may prove to be an effective mode of treatment for many, but, as with all treatments, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Although online therapy can cater to a vast set of mental disorders, more severe disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and advanced dementia generally require more than online therapy.

Some states do not allow psychologists from other states to render services unless they have an in-state license. So, many people may lack access to competent and highly trained specialists that are based outside their home state.

In case of an emergency, many online therapists and therapy platforms may be unable to respond to their clients, which can be a significant setback.

Sometimes, body language and facial expressions help a therapist draw constructive conclusions about how a client is feeling. Such observation is lacking in online therapy, which generally occurs through calls and texts.

Which Therapies Work Best Online

Some of the most commonly treated issues through online therapy are anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, depression, addiction, relationship conflicts, and more. Different therapies have been devised to cater to other issues. The most prominent and successful online therapy options are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This is a short-term treatment program where the client is encouraged to address the thoughts and patterns which trouble them. Different factors that negatively impact the client are identified with the therapist’s help. The therapist then helps promote understanding and acceptance and teaches the client coping skills.

Exposure Therapy

Through this therapy, the client confronts the source of their fears and anxiety. Like the name of the treatment suggests, clients are exposed to the subject of their worries, distress, and stress in safe environments. This form of therapy is based on the fact that the more a person faces their fear, the more likely they are to overcome it.

Psychodynamic Therapy

This is a form of talk therapy which allows a client to verbally explore feelings and emotions. This provides a therapist insight into your life and how your unconscious state of mind is connected to your actions.

Bringing about Change

Mental health is as important as physical health, if not more. If you have been postponing your sessions or second-guessing the benefits of online therapy, wait no longer. For many, the advantages of online therapy outweigh the drawbacks, so it is an option worth considering.

Why not start today? Give Online Therapy a try and find the one that best suits your needs.

Heal well!

 

Hypnotherapy Can Also be Very Effective for Phobia Treatment

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