What is Online Psychotherapy and How Does It Work?

Online psychotherapy is a method that allows clients to receive therapy via the internet. In this process, the client and therapist come together in a digital environment, similar to face-to-face therapy. Online psychotherapy can be conducted through video calls, voice calls, or messaging. The online psychotherapy process works as follows:

1. Choosing the Therapy Method and Platform

To begin online psychotherapy, first, you decide with your therapist which method is suitable for you. Common methods include:

Video Calls: This is the most widely used method. It provides face-to-face interaction during therapy, allowing communication elements such as facial expressions and body language to be observed.

Voice Calls: In situations where video calls are not possible, voice calls are an alternative method.

Messaging-Based Therapy: Clients can exchange messages with their therapist for a specific time or duration during the day. This is particularly suitable for clients with busy schedules or those who have difficulty with verbal communication.

2. Choosing a Secure and Suitable Platform

To ensure the safety of the client, therapists prefer encrypted and privacy-protecting video conferencing platforms. Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or other private platforms recommended by the therapist can be used. Some therapists may choose platforms exclusive to the healthcare sector to protect the client’s records and privacy.

3. Scheduling the Appointment and Preparation

Before starting online psychotherapy, an appointment time is set with the therapist. It is important to be in a private, distraction-free environment at the scheduled time to focus fully on the therapy session. Also, checking your internet connection and device is essential to prevent technical issues.

4. First Session: Assessment and Goal Setting

The first session typically involves an assessment to understand the client’s needs. The therapist explores the client’s goals, challenges, and expectations. Based on this evaluation, a roadmap for the therapy goals and process is created.

5. Regular Sessions

Following a set schedule, the client and therapist conduct regular sessions. Each session focuses on specific topics, steps toward goals are taken, and progress is monitored. During this process, the therapist may provide various strategies for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

6. Follow-up, Feedback, and Progress Evaluation

After several sessions, the therapist evaluates the client's progress. The therapist addresses how well the goals are being achieved, the areas where the client is struggling or making progress, and may adjust the sessions accordingly. This follow-up process in the online environment provides an effective feedback mechanism for the client.

7. Confidentiality and Security

Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects of online therapy. The therapist does not share the client’s information with third parties, and all sessions are conducted under confidentiality rules. Also, clients should participate in the session in a private and secure environment.

8. Completing the Therapy Process

When the client achieves their goals or sufficient progress has been made, the therapist and client discuss ending the therapy process. This process is concluded in a supportive way, enabling the client to continue independently and apply the learned strategies.

Online psychotherapy is conducted systematically, just like face-to-face therapy. A convenient, secure, and effective support method, online therapy is an ideal option for those looking to save time, dealing with geographic limitations, or feeling more comfortable in a digital environment.

Benefits and Advantages of Online Psychotherapy

With the advancements in modern technology, psychotherapy and counseling services are no longer limited to face-to-face meetings. Experienced professionals especially prefer online psychotherapy to offer support to clients regardless of distance. Here are the advantages and benefits of online psychotherapy compared to traditional face-to-face therapy:

1. Easy Accessibility

Online psychotherapy is a great convenience, especially for individuals living in small towns or areas where access to mental health professionals is limited. It allows clients to get the help they need, regardless of physical barriers or geographical constraints. This is particularly beneficial for people who are unable to allocate time for therapy due to work or family responsibilities.

2. Time Savings

Traffic, transportation, and waiting times can be barriers to attending therapy. With online psychotherapy, clients can easily join sessions from home or any place of their choice. This saves time and helps clients focus more on the therapy.

3. Comfort and Security

Another advantage of online therapy is that clients can participate in therapy from their own environment. Being in their own homes in a comfortable space makes clients feel more secure, allowing them to focus better on the therapy and increasing the effectiveness of the process.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy

Online therapy is an ideal solution for individuals who value privacy and want to keep their therapy sessions discreet. With online sessions, clients can remain in their private space, avoiding the anxiety of being observed by others.

5. Flexibility and Easy Accessibility

Online psychotherapy offers flexible appointment times that can accommodate clients’ busy schedules. For those who finish work, have a break between classes, or want therapy during their child’s nap time, online therapy is much more practical.

6. Support for Anxiety and Social Anxiety Issues

Many clients, particularly those with social anxiety or anxiety, may initially struggle with attending face-to-face therapy. Online therapy allows these clients to feel more comfortable and open up more easily. In such cases, online therapy enables the client to feel at ease, which facilitates a more effective therapeutic process.

7. Immediate Support During Crisis

Online psychotherapy also provides the advantage of quickly accessing support during a crisis. In such emergencies, having an accessible therapist like Yaprak Arslan ensures clients can receive immediate help, making it an ideal solution for urgent situations.

8. Simplified Follow-up and Feedback Processes

In online therapy, post-session notes, tracking processes, and progress reports can be easily kept in a digital format. With the system used by professionals like Yaprak Arslan, monitoring the client’s development, making necessary adjustments, and creating a roadmap for the goals becomes easier.

Online psychotherapy stands out with its advantages such as easy access, confidentiality, comfort, and flexibility. Especially when guided by an experienced psychiatrist, online therapy creates an effective and beneficial support system for many clients. These benefits help individuals take easier steps toward improving their mental health and advancing toward a better state.