Online Therapy Sessions

Life as we know it has been turned upside down and no one knows where this will end. We’re all desperately trying to gain some routine and certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. I can’t think of a single person that this pandemic is not effecting in some way, but we will get through this together.

Here at Yorkshire Psychotherapy Ltd, we’ve had to quickly adapt how we work, as many clients are mid treatment and it is not safe or ethical to stop. With this in mind, we have offered all our existing and new clients sessions via phone, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or Whatsapp. Most clients have happily made the transition to remote therapy but a few have been initially reluctant.

The key to video/phone sessions that we have found, is to not over think it and accept that this is the way things have to be done for now. None of us are experts in the current situation and we’re all in this together for the foreseeable. A study conducted in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders suggested that online CBT is just as effective as face-to-face therapy as well as having equally high satisfaction and quality standards.

With this in mind, our clients are being encouraged to give it a go and can trial a remote session with our Office Manager prior to their appointments if they prefer, to ensure that connections and log ins are working properly and ensure appointments run smoothly.

What we have found is that at the end of their remote sessions, clients are reporting that it is not that much different to face to face sessions, apart from perhaps having to make their own cuppa!

It’s important to note that before the Covid-19 pandemic arose, some clients were already choosing to access therapy remotely, due to it being more convenient for them – it’s not a new concept and our therapists are experienced in working in this way. We can be much more flexible, offering sessions in the evening and weekends. If you struggle to find somewhere private to speak, you can even sit in your car outside your house and connect to the Wi-Fi! Also, wear headphones, it helps you to block out other noises in the house so you can hear what your therapist is saying clearly.

If you have existing issues with anxiety, Worry, OCD, Depression and so on, it’s likely to not be a coincidence if your symptoms have become worse due to the pandemic. What we would say is don’t try to supress these feelings. Think about making an appointment with one of our experienced therapists and allow us to support you through this time.

Briony 🙂

Reference: Andrews, G et al (2018) Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical healthcare: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 55 (p. 70-78)

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