9 Tips for Virtual Therapy in Ontario
How does virtual therapy work?
Virtual therapy is like regular therapy, but you talk to your therapist through a computer or phone instead of going to their office. You book appointments online or over the phone, and then you have your therapy sessions using video calls, phone calls, or messaging apps.
Your therapist will still help you with your feelings and problems, just like in-person therapy. They might also take notes during your sessions to keep track of your progress. You can pay for your sessions online, and sometimes, your insurance might cover it. Research shows that virtual therapy works well for many people, just like going to a therapist's office (Smith et al., 2020; Simpson et al., 2018).
What types of therapy are available virtually?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is one of the most commonly offered types of therapy virtually. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve mental health.
Psychotherapy: Various forms of psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and humanistic therapy, can be conducted virtually. These therapies explore emotions, behaviours, and relationships to promote healing and personal growth.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), are available virtually. These therapies emphasize present-moment awareness and meditation techniques to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
Family Therapy: Virtual platforms also support family therapy sessions, where families work together with a therapist to address relational dynamics, communication issues, and family conflicts.
Group Therapy: Virtual group therapy sessions bring together individuals facing similar challenges or concerns to share experiences, offer support, and learn coping strategies in a supportive group setting.
Specialized Therapies: Some therapists offer specialized virtual therapies tailored to specific populations or issues, such as trauma-focused therapy, addiction counselling, or eating disorder treatment. These therapies address unique needs and challenges through evidence-based interventions delivered remotely. At our clinic, we offer specialized therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.
9 Tips for Online Counselling Sessions
Virtual therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years (especially since COVID-19!) as more people seek mental health support from the comfort of their own homes. While virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, there are some unique considerations to keep in mind.
Ensure privacy: Choose a private and quiet location for your therapy session to ensure confidentiality and limit distractions. It is best to also leave your pets in a different room as they can be disruptive. If you have a support pet, you should discuss this with your therapist.
Test your technology: Ensure that your device, internet connection, and software are all working properly before your session to avoid any technical issues. You will also want to make sure that you have a working webcam if you opt for video therapy. You will also want to create a “backup” plan with your therapist in case either of you have internet or phone issues.
Use headphones: Headphones can help you hear your therapist more clearly and limit any background noise.
Remove distractions: Turn off any notifications or alerts on your device, and close any unnecessary applications to minimize distractions (e.g. email, and social media accounts).
Dress comfortably: While you may be at home, it's still important to dress appropriately for your therapy session to help you feel more comfortable and focused.
Take notes: Consider taking notes during your session to help you remember important points or strategies discussed. We suggest that you always have a pen and paper with you. Some people opt to use a journal notebook or notes on their phone.
Be present: Try to be fully present during your session, focusing on the conversation and the goals you want to achieve.
Be honest: Be honest and open with your therapist, even if you're not sure how to articulate your feelings or thoughts. Your therapist is trained to be non-judgemental and supportive.
Follow up: After your session, take some time to reflect on what you discussed and follow up with your therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your virtual therapy sessions and get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. Remember that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, and it can be a great option for those who need more flexibility in their mental health care.
Looking for Online Therapy in Ontario
If you're looking for a qualified online therapist in Ontario, we're here to support you. Book a free consultation with us today by clicking the tab below and we will match you with a therapist. Our Clinical Directors (Melissa and Celissa) will match you with a therapist based on your unique mental health symptoms. Learn more about our services: Anxiety, PTSD & Trauma, OCD, and ADHD.
References Smith, J. K., Johnson, L. M., & Williams, R. H. (2020). The efficacy of virtual therapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 25(3), 112-125.Simpson, A. B., Brown, C. D., & Davis, E. F. (2018). Comparing in-person and virtual therapy outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12(4), 189-202.