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What to Expect of Your First Online Therapy Session?

In the recent past, with the advancement in technology, people have been granted an opportunity through online therapy to seek mental support. For those attending therapy for the first time, having a counsellor work with them by video, chat, or even over the phone can be somewhat intimidating.

In practice, however, online therapy is a perfectly proper and powerful form of dealing with mental health-related matters, and most people experience that it is equally effective—and arguably more so—than conventional in-person therapy.

This blog will explain what you may be able to anticipate in your initial online therapy session, so that you may be better prepared and even feeling confident about venturing into the business of seeking aid for your improved better mental health.

What is Online Therapy?

Online therapy also is known as e-therapy, teletherapy, and virtual therapy; it involves delivering therapy sessions over the internet and not in person. In this manner, individuals can attend therapy from home rather than traveling for therapy help. This is important because, without such an option, location, time limits, or shyness and inhibition of face-to-face interactions may obstruct therapy seekers.

Usually, the platform that online therapy operates with involves video calls, voice calls, and in some platforms even just sending texts to have therapy sessions. However, everything works quite the same way as if it is actually held inside. From depression and anxiety disorders, issues regarding a person's relationships and difficulties of handling stress.

If you wonder what online therapy will look like for you, the process is designed to be simple and straightforward. Here's a breakdown of what to expect when you begin your online therapy journey.

Choosing the Right Online Therapy Session Platform

Before your first online therapy session, you will need to choose an online therapy platform that best suits your needs and preferences. Popular platforms include Unfazed, and others, which provide access to licensed therapists and offer various communication methods, including video, audio, and text-based sessions. Most platforms also allow you to browse through a list of therapists, helping you find someone with expertise in your specific area of concern.

You may also be offered the chance to choose a therapist, based on gender, style, or availability. This provides you with the liberty of choosing who you think you can comfortably work with as well as who you believe they can best assist.

Registration and Creating Your Account

Once you choose a platform, you will need to sign up for and create an account. Generally, you would be asked to fill out some kind of questionnaire or intake form as part of registration. This includes questions about mental health history, what is concerning you at this time, and what you might hope to derive from therapy. Some sites ask demographic information that would help link you with the right therapist.

At this point, you will also have the ability to indicate your preferred mode of communication to be either video chat, a phone call, or texting. Once you have completed intake, you will then be paired with a therapist that works with the area you want to work on.

Your First Online Therapy Session

Typically, the first online therapy session will be the "getting-to-know-you" type of session. That is when the therapist will be asking questions concerning you, your background, the problems you are experiencing, and what you hope to find with the therapy. Your first session with the therapist would be more of an assessment of your needs and whether or not the therapist is appropriate for you.

It is worth mentioning that though it is flexible and comfortable, it does have a degree of commitment. The best results for regular therapy come from being open, honest, and prepared to work with the process. Your therapist may ask about your daily life, your relationships, and your emotional health as a way to understand the context of your concerns.

What to Expect from Online Therapy Communication?

Here are the main differences in online therapy session may have in terms of communication from the traditional in-person therapy:

·         Video Therapy: Video therapy is very close to in vivo sessions; you have a real-time conversation with your therapist. You can talk face-to-face and communicate as if in vivo. Most of these sites have very secure video conferencing tools so that your communication with your therapist remains private.

·         Text-Based Therapy: Some individuals prefer text-based therapy, especially if they are not comfortable with video or phone calls. Text therapy may involve daily messages or longer exchanges with your therapist, who will respond to your thoughts and concerns in writing. While this approach may seem less personal, it offers flexibility and the opportunity to reflect on your words before responding.

·         Voice/Phone Therapy: Voice or phone therapy sessions are convenient for people who would like to communicate with the therapist but would rather not have themselves recorded. The feeling could be informal and perhaps be a lot easier to adjust for newbies to therapy.

This mode of communication is one you would like to have and feel at ease with; there is room to switch options if the needs change during therapy.

The Therapeutic Relationship in E-Therapy

Just as in-person therapy is building a strong, trustworthy rapport between you and your therapist, so will online therapy. It may initially feel awkward, but remember that therapists are trained professionals; they're there to help. They are great at leading conversation and helping to really get inside your emotions and challenges.

You may feel a little awkward or uncomfortable with the online format at first, but as the sessions go on, you may find it easier to open up in the comfort of your home. In fact, many clients report feeling less intimidated by the virtual environment than they would in a traditional therapy office, which can lead to more honest conversations.

Ongoing Online Therapy Session and Therapy Progress

Therapy sessions after the initial will continue according to the set goals and progress. Usually, online therapy session will hold weekly or bi-weekly sessions, but it might be weekly, bi-weekly, or as per the person's need, which also depends on the therapist.

Your therapist will use a combination of approaches in working with you to help you address the problems you face, including, but not limited to, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, or psychodynamic therapy. Homework or exercises are sometimes assigned between sessions to work on new skills to better manage stressors and difficulties.

You may find that your issues evolve with increasing awareness and implementation of new interventions in the course of therapy. Online therapy allows flexibility in changing the course of treatment according to your needs.

Confidentiality and Privacy during Online Therapy Session

One of the biggest concerns of online therapy session is the issue of privacy. You may wonder if your sessions are entirely confidential or if someone is eavesdropping. However, most reliable online therapy sites follow strict confidentiality guidelines to make sure everything stays private.

Platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp use encryption and secure messaging systems to protect your personal information and communications. Additionally, therapists are required to follow the same ethical standards and legal requirements as those practicing in-person therapy. This ensures that your privacy and safety are prioritized throughout the process.

The Cost of Online Therapy Session

The cost is different from one site to another and kind of therapy a person is accessing. Online therapy is relatively less expensive than the traditional in-office therapy because it will not incur office space and other overhead costs as well as transportation expenses. However, prices are different, so one needs to do research to find out about the pricing models of various websites.

Some services offer subscription-based pricing, where you pay a monthly fee to have unlimited messaging and regular video sessions. Others charge per session, just like traditional therapy.

Most insurance plans now cover online therapy, but you should first check with your provider to determine if your sessions are eligible for reimbursement.

Advantages of Online Therapy

1.       Convenience and flexibility: Online therapy allows you to schedule according to your convenience without the need to travel for meetings. You can participate in therapy from the comfort of your home or any other private space.

2.       Availability of a Higher Number of Therapists: You do not have to rely on the therapists that may be in your area. Online therapy makes it possible to have access to a greater number of licensed professionals, and therefore increases the possibility of getting the right person.

3.       Comfort: Most clients say that they feel comfortable in online therapy sessions, and hence more candid with the therapist.

4.       Affordability: Online therapy could be the low-cost alternative for in-person therapy, which might make mental health support more accessible.

Conclusion

It's through online therapy, which can begin to bring in the necessary solutions to your struggles with mental well-being. By accessing the right online site, selecting the right style for communication, and being open in your engagement, you are poised for an efficient and supportive therapeutic process. Video or phone and texting online therapy give room for convenience fitting into your style of living as you meet the challenges facing you and build into a healthier version.

If you ever think of undergoing therapy, there is no need to worry because you might feel a bit apprehensive. However, online therapy will turn out to be the best for your personal growth and improvement in your mental health once you find a good therapist with a friendly environment.