Do you live in North Carolina and want to find online therapy?
If so, there are plenty of benefits to consider before starting. Whether you’re looking to save time or just feel more comfortable meeting with someone virtually, online therapy can help you grow as an individual while opening up new opportunities to improve your life in ways you may not have previously considered. In this article, we’ll go over some of the main reasons you might consider working with an online therapist and how it can benefit you in ways that traditional therapy can’t always reach.
Why consider using an online therapist?
Working with an online therapist can be beneficial for many reasons. For example, it’s convenient, secure, and there are no geographical limitations. Plus, if you want therapy but don’t have the time or ability to leave your home or office, this is an excellent option. Online therapy can also help you address any shame associated with needing mental health services and give you the opportunity to work on difficult issues without having to sit in a waiting room for an appointment. All of these benefits make online therapy worth considering.
Online therapy can be helpful for those who are geographically isolated or have fears about entering counseling offices due to past trauma. It’s a good option for people who have trouble getting out of the house due to illness or disability. It’s also great for couples who may live apart and want an outlet for expressing their thoughts and feelings without having to find child care or take time off work.
You’ll be able to use time you would have spent driving back and forth to your therapist’s office in other ways. You’ll also be saving money on gas and parking, as well as saving time.
What does an online therapy session look like?
An online therapist will typically provide counseling sessions through a video program similar to Zoom, but HIPAA compliant so you don’t have to worry about security. These sessions generally last about 45-55 minutes, which is the same amount of time as in-person therapy appointments.
The therapist will ask you questions about what’s going on in your life and how you’re feeling, just as they would during an in-person session. They may also provide guidance and resources to help you work through whatever issue you’re facing. You’ll have the chance to talk openly and honestly about whatever is going on, without judgment. Counselors may offer some extra resources like guided meditations or mindfulness exercises.
Online counseling works just like traditional therapy, but without the need to meet in person.
You’ll work with a therapist to address whatever issue you’re struggling with, whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or something else. The therapist will provide guidance and support as you work through your challenges.
To get started with online counseling, you’ll need to find a therapist that you feel comfortable working with. Once you’ve found someone, you’ll schedule an initial appointment. This will usually be a video call, though some therapists may also offer audio-only calls or chat options.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
Yes, online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and you receive the same quality care.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety and depression.
The study followed two groups of people over the course of 12 weeks. One group participated in online cognitive behavioral therapy, while the other group participated in traditional, in-person cognitive behavioral therapy. At the end of the 12 weeks, both groups showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.
The study demonstrates that online therapy can be just as helpful as meeting with a therapist in person. If you’re considering therapy but don’t want to or can’t meet with a therapist in person, online therapy is a great option.
Additionally, there are many other types of therapy modalities that work great through online therapy such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Your therapist can model these tools with you and complete them alongside you in your virtual session together. We also have success doing Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Brainspotting virtually. It is important to note that if you are interested in Brainspotting, it is necessary to be on a computer or laptop, as opposed to a smart device, and have a stable wifi connection.
If you have any other questions about virtual therapy or working with a therapist online, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
Have you ever worked with a virtual therapist before? What was your experience like? Leave us a comment below.
Begin Online Therapy in North Carolina
Distance shouldn’t determine the kind of mental support available to you. Our team of caring therapists at Renewed Wellness would be happy to offer support for the mental health concerns affecting you most. You can start your therapy journey by following these steps:
1. Fill out this consult form.
2. Learn more about our skilled therapists.
3. Start receiving the support you deserve from the comfort of your home!
Other Services Offered With Renewed Wellness Counseling
Our team knows you may struggle with a variety of mental health issues. This is why we are happy to offer support for your mental wellness from our New Bern, NC-based practice. Our therapists specialize specifically in therapy for military families, chronic illness counseling, and addiction counseling. We also offer life transition counseling, anxiety treatment, and trauma therapy. Let’s work together to get you to a good place!