Video sessions with a psychologist: A new and effective approach to therapy With the advent of technology, there has been modification in practice of several careers and professions. Psychological therapy is not exempt from this modification. Previously, therapy was only carried out in the traditional in-the-office setting, where the therapist has a face to face meeting with the client. However, with technological advancement today we have online therapy. Making your therapist available anywhere, at any time, when needed.
Online therapy, which was originally referred to as e-therapy, e-counselling or cyber-counselling, is in some ways still a new advancement and field in psychology where a therapist or counsellor gives psychological advice and support through the internet (Cherry, 2019). This can take place in different format such as email, online chat, messaging or telemedicine, a clinical term for what is basically video conferencing, as utilized by many expats seeking a psychologist with a thorough understanding of cultural references or similar context for a natural and flowing therapy session (Kjerstein, 2018).
Video therapy simply involves connecting with a therapist through video sessions online. Instead of going through the stress of commuting to the therapist’s office and back, it provides the ease of simply staying back in the comfort of the home or office, and interact with the therapist via video conferencing (Kjerstein, 2017).
Video therapy possesses some advantages which are outlined below: Video therapy provides access for those with disability: According to Cherry (2019), video therapy is a great option for people that struggle with disability and mobility as they do not need to struggle with commuting for therapy sessions. Video therapy is convenient as you do not need to commute from one town or country to another to have your therapy session, it is provided right there for you in the convenience of your house or office (Kjerstein, 2019). Also, video therapy provides access for those living in remote areas. Stringer (2017) opines that video therapy can be of immense help to those who are living in remote areas as it helps them to get the required help they need in their location.
A review of studies published in World Journal of Psychiatry shows that patients receiving mental health treatment through video conferencing reported "high levels of satisfaction (Chakraborti, 2015). In addition, video therapy is usually less costly than in the office therapy. Also, video therapy is great for people who feel too paranoid to leave their home to have sessions with a therapist. On the other hand, video therapy poses some pitfalls and disadvantages you should be aware of. According to an article by Schwartz (2019), there has been growing number of cases brought by patients against online therapists for ethical and legal violations. Also, there have been reported cases where a therapist unintentionally has “pressed the wrong button� and disclosed private information about patients. Secondly, any form of therapy that is visually based with representationj of facial expression and upper body (gestures and partial body language) limits the effectiveness. So, while video sessions with a psychologist work out, therapy through media like texting, emailing, and tex-based chat lacks an important part of communication
in
the
form
of
bodily
signals
and
facial
expressions.
According to Prof. Mehrabian’s rule of personal communication, the words, tone of voice, and body language respectively account for 7%, 38%, and 55% of personal communication. Body language makes up the bulk of our communication and it involves facial expression, body language and gestures. The body language aspect of communication and subtle indications and markers, might not be fully conveyed or perceived, unless you utilize video therapy in your online sessions. Therefore, it is important for client and therapist to consider the limitations of text-based session and to seek video-based therapy if possible, as this supports a fully effective communication delivery, comparable to the traditional face to face sessions known from the classical therapy session, where a psychologiost a client sit facing each other. More so, video therapy is not ideally suitable for clients with serious psychiatric sicknesses because the scope of the therapy is limited to stress reactions, anxiety issues, depression and existential crises. So, on other words - videp session with a psychologist works out equally effective in comparison with conventional therapy in the psychologist’s office, while psychiatric illness still yields better results in the tradiotional setting.
Summary In summary, even though video sessions with a psychologist has its limitations and shortcomings in respect to psychiatric illnesses, it is clear that telemedicin - videotherapy - serves as a great tool in making therapy session with a psychologist relatively easier, more effective and logistically manageable.
References Cherry, K. (2019). Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Therapy. Source:https://www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2 795225 Cherry, K. (2019). What You Need to Know About Online Therapy: A Look at the Ins and Outs of Online Psychotherapy. Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-online-therapy-2795752 Chakrabarti, S. (2015). Usefulness of telepsychiatry: videoconferencing-based approaches. Source: World J Psychiatry. 2015 Sep 22;5(3):286-304.
A
critical
evaluation
Kjerstein, F. (2017). Online psychologist: Available today. Source: https://www.mindlang.com Kjerstein, F. (2018). English-speaking psychologist: International clients and expats. Source: https://www.djursland-psykologen.dk Kjerstein, F. (2019). Video-samtaler med din psykolog. Source: https://din-psykolog.dk/psykolog-video Schwartz, A. (2019). The Dangers of Online Therapy. Source:https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/the-dangers-of-online-therapy/ Stringer, M. (2017). Confessions of a Virtual Therapist: Pros and Cons of Online Therapy. Source: https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/the-dangers-of-online-therapy/
of