Blog
The New Digital Era: Online Therapy and Coaching
Tuesday 3rd January 2017
With busy schedules and demands of modern day lives it can feel hard to fit in therapy or coaching. However, with the digital era to hand the internet has opened up new innovative mental health treatment and self-development. Online therapy or coaching is often termed e-therapy or e-coaching which can be a helpful therapy for you and here are some reasons why:
A good option for those that travel or who live in remote areas:
If you tend to travel or live far from a therapist's clinic then online therapy can be accessed from international or remote locations. It is especially helpful for those living in such areas who may not have access to any other form of mental health treatment locally. E-therapy gives these individuals access to treatment that they might not have otherwise.
Accessibility for those with physical difficulties:
Online therapy provides accessibility to individuals who are disabled or housebound, pregnant or have young children.
Convenience and affordability:
Online therapy can be fairly affordable, as you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home or private office. It is convenient if you do not have access to any sort of transport. In addition, you can often schedule your therapy sessions for times that are the most convenient for you.
An educational tool:
E-therapy or e-coaching can be an important tool to help people learn more about psychological health and be a revealing and insightful process.
Life coaching sessions are often led over the phone and people have found this format beneficial. There are many studies that have been carried out in the UK and USA which show that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy for mental health issues (Andersson & Cuijpers, 2009; Godleski et al., 2014; Kessler et al., 2009). Please note that it is not suitable for people with a history of mental illness which requires the continuation of medical treatment.
In summary, I have put forward several benefits for choosing online therapy and coaching as your choice of support and it serves not just as an alternative but for many it is the preferred option.