Studies show that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy in many cases. A 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that anxiety disorders can be effectively treated via online cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants in the study reported that their improvements were sustained at a one- year follow-up.
1. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
2. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders determined that online cognitive behavioral therapy is effective, acceptable, and practical health care. The study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was just as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Video calls simulate face-to-face interaction and this may help to produce a feeling of normality to a client. Meanwhile, video therapy has the benefit of showing your face which helps Asha to see the biggest portion of your body language to detect your feelings.

Online therapy can help to deal with almost all issues in-person therapy covers such as,
anxiety in various forms such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic, phobias, depression, stress, anger issues, trauma, eating disorders, emotion regulation, relationship issues, loss and grief, adult ADHD, teenager struggles with mental health, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy.

Understandably you may miss the cozy and private space in a office where you can pour your heart out and share your feelings freely. Not being in the same room with Asha during your session seems to be the most glaring difference between online and in-person therapy. Online video therapy however is a way to recreate that same face-to-face feeling. Besides, some people may feel more comfortable sharing their emotions behind a screen, which might help them convey their deeper thoughts more readily.

There is no more commute from your office all the way to another office, which means you don’t need to worry about being late for your session or allocating travel time. It is convenient, accessible and confidential. No risk running into someone you know in the waiting area. You can sit or even lie comfortably on your own couch to talk to Asha. If you wish, you can have anything that is comforting with you in session. For example, I have had several clients have their pet join in the session if that’s comforting. It is convenient even if you have to travel out of town. If you have social anxiety or agoraphobia, online therapy could be a better option for you to initially manage your fear of talking.

Online counseling is not for everyone. And usually, they would benefit from more immediate face-to-face counseling. These include: people who are suicidal, people who are in a situation involving domestic violence, or people who are in a crisis. If you are in any of these emergencies, it is important to understand that online counselling is not the best option for you.

Communicate with the people you live with about your privacy concerns. Ask your roommate/partner to go on a walk during your session. Ask them to put headphones on while you are talking to Asha. You can use headphones during the session; this will make Asha’s voice only available to your ears. Play a white noise machine or app to help mask the conversation from other people. Type your questions or responses on the screen if you have to.

Find a quiet, safe, and private place to talk to Asha.
Ensure stable internet access and a charged device to speak to Asha.
Put devices in your house on silent or low volume to minimize distraction.
Do what makes you feel comfortable – wear comfortably clothes and sit in a comfortable chair, in your car, or even lie in couch.
Prepare some tissue just in case you may need. Have water or coffee in front of you.
Have a pen and paper (if you still use them) or simply your phone ready to take notes in session.

Asha Dullabh aims to provide the best online therapy experience you are looking for. Your online therapy session is hopefully bringing you one step closer to achieving your most authentic self. Good luck with your online therapy experience.

Online therapy has become much more prominent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research has shown that online therapy is often as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment. While online therapy has many benefits (including convenience), it may not be the best choice for every situation.