Online Psychotherapy

Easy access, less discomfort and shame, a sense of security, control and freedom are the main advantages of online psychotherapy – according to conducted research (Alleman, 2002; Maheu & Gordon, 2000). How does online therapy look, what should you expect from an online consultation and what are the advantages of virtual meetings with a psychotherapist?

It has been proven that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor, which determine the outcome of psychotherapy (Horvath, Del Re, Flückiger & Symonds, 2011), and the virtual bond with the therapist also influences the treatment process. The British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP) points out that e-therapy allows you to speak to your therapist more freely and makes it easier to express your own thoughts and emotions.

Anonymity

People struggling with the feeling of shame find it is easier to discuss own issues using internet and to control fear of self-disclosure. An online consultation helps with building therapeutic relationship and build sense of safety.

Autonomy

One of the most important elements of psychotherapy is building a sense of independence. People using online therapy can become independent faster, and their potential and position in a relationship with a psychotherapist facilitate the creation of a symmetrical and complementary bond.

Authenticity

People using online therapy emphasize the importance of their environment and objects in their vicinity. Items such as a pillow, a blanket, a flower, or a mug with hot beverage make it easier to express themselves, their own expectations and needs. As your therapist, I also pay attention to what you surround yourself with, as it emphasizes your individuality and uniqueness and can help me to understand you better.

Privacy

In psychotherapy, respect for boundaries and the right to privacy are extremely important. Therefore, both what you choose to show in front of the camera and what is outside of the camera spectrum allows you to realize how important it is to define your own boundaries in relation with others and how it directly affects your mental health.

Availability

Online psychotherapy is a convenience for those who for work, family, health or communication reasons cannot attend therapy sessions in person. Easier access to e-therapy is an opportunity for those who often travel, have emigrated to another country or city, and do not want to break the relationship they have built with their therapist.

Minimize anxiety

People who experience strong social anxiety have a chance to reduce the feeling of fear during online therapy. This allows them to build relationships with the therapist easier, in which trust and a sense of security directly affect the healing processes.

Online therapy |

In my work online, I follow the principles and recommendations of good online therapy, i.e. the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP) netiquette, which aims to ensure the high quality of therapy services offered. For the purposes of therapy, I use the Zoom application, a videoconference platform to which you will receive a specially generated link by e-mail before each subsequent meeting. I will be taking my clients in the virtual room as you connect and then we can continue our therapeutic work at a predetermined time. You can have a non-alcoholic drink by hand during the meeting, but please do not bring any food. Any inappropriate behaviour or dress that significantly exceeds generally accepted social norms may result in termination of the session. I accept payment for online psychotherapy before each meeting, and my bank details can be found in the service agreement, which you receive from me by e-mail.

Make sure your family members, friends, roommates or pets do not interfere with your online work so that your privacy rights will be respected. Remove possible distractions before the meeting, such as messages, alarms, and unused applications on a computer or telephone, TV, radio, etc. After the meeting, make sure you close all websites related to your therapy.

The online therapy process is completely confidential and takes place in a positive atmosphere. Together, we will consider and analyse the problems you want to work through on therapy. Therapeutic interventions are primarily designed to help you understand the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that make you feel anxious or depressed. In turn, the relationship between us will serve as a tool to understand what is holding you back from achieving mental stability and emotional health in relationships with others.

Write an email or give me a call to book your initial on-line appointment.

email: info@psychepotorski.com

mobile: 07765 636 439

*Alleman, J. R. (2002). Online counselling: The internet and mental health treatment. Psychotherapy, 39, 199-209.
*Horvath, A.O., Del Re, A., Flückiger, C. & Symonds, D. (2011). Alliance in individual psychotherapy. In: J.C. Norcross (Ed.), Psychotherapy Relationships that Work (2nd edn). New York: Oxford University Press.
*Maheu, M. & Gordon, B.L. (2000). Counselling and therapy on the Internet. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 31(5), 484-489.

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