Online therapy convenient but with some drawbacks
Easier to access than face-to-face encounters
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is the name of the game. Services that used to require standing in never-ending queues are now available at our fingertips.
Online therapy is also catching on, for individuals who need a quick fix but do not want the tediousness of booking an appointment. Unisa psychology lecturer and consulting psychologist Mochabo Moerane says online therapy “encompasses e-mail, real time therapy, video conferencing and telephonic therapy”.
“Its objective is to ensure that clients can be quickly helped, so that they can return to their workplace or daily activities as soon as possible,” he says. The pros of online therapy: Each session is treated as if it’s ● the last session. A lot is achieved in one session and laid on the table in order to quickly identify the root of the problem and offer solutions.
The clients are viewed as “experts”
● who have inherited skills and knowledge to solve their own problems.
It is future- and goal-oriented. ●
Counselling fees are reasonable
● or cheaper compared to face-to-face therapy sessions.
Anonymity is guaranteed as
● clients can communicate freely and openly without concerns of bias or subjectivity related to their race, age, sexual orientation and physical appearance. The possible drawbacks: Empathy, probing and reflection ● of feelings are compromised.
The observation and silence
● skills used by therapists are not effectively used in the session.
Genuine rapport and listening
● are compromised.
Non-verbal communication ● cues are not detected.
Moerane says online therapy is not for everyone.
“Online therapy will only be suited and appropriate for short-term interventions.
“The long-term counselling and couples counselling remain suited for the traditional approach which is still relevant and appropriate in this day and age.”