September 6, 2024

Common Myths About Online Therapy and Counselling

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Common Myths about Online Therapy and Counselling

Online therapy in Australia is growing rapidly, especially with many people in Queensland and across Brisbane looking for more accessible mental health support. However, several misconceptions still exist about remote therapy that can make people hesitant to try it. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths.

Myth 1: Remote Therapy Isn’t as Effective as In-Person Therapy

Many people believe that virtual therapy isn’t as effective as in-person sessions. However, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective, particularly for conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

“Clinically, therapy is no less efficacious when delivered via videoconferencing than in-person, with efficacy being most pronounced in CBT for affective disorders. Live psychotherapy by video emerges not only as a popular and convenient choice but also one that is now upheld by meta-analytic evidence.”(Fernandez et al., 2021)

The key is finding the right therapist and fully engaging in the process, whether you’re based in Brisbane, Queensland, or anywhere else in Australia.

Myth 2: You Need to Be Tech-Savvy

You don’t have to be a tech expert to use online counselling platforms. Most remote therapy services are very user-friendly and provide simple instructions. Whether you’re in a busy city like Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne or a more remote part of Australia, all you need is a device with a stable internet connection.

In fact, in my time doing online counselling with my current platform, I can’t recall a single time that a client had trouble logging on with their unique link. (cheers, tech!)

Myth 3: It’s Less Confidential

Some worry about the privacy of online counselling, but reputable platforms use secure, encrypted technology to keep your sessions private. Remote therapy is just as confidential as in-person therapy, no matter where you are in Australia.

Here at Golden Thread Therapy, we use Upheal for online therapy sessions and we love their commitment to privacy and safety.

Myth 4: It’s Only for Mild Issues

People may think online therapy is only suitable for minor mental health concerns. In fact, it’s effective for a wide range of conditions, from stress and anxiety to more severe issues like trauma and depression. Whether you’re seeking support in Queensland or across Australia, remote therapy offers significant benefits.

Myth 5: Online Therapy Isn’t Personal Enough

Some believe that virtual counselling lacks the personal connection of face-to-face therapy. This might have been true a decade ago, when tech issues and slow connections were far more of a problem. But nowadays, many people find that the convenience of doing therapy from home allows them to feel more relaxed and open during sessions. Building rapport with your therapist can happen just as easily online, even if you’re connecting remotely from somewhere else in Australia.

Booking Online Counselling with Golden Thread Therapy

Looking for a new online therapist and want to give us a try? Book your session instantly using our online calendar.

Fernandez, E. et al. (2021) ‘Live psychotherapy by video versus in‐person: A meta‐analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment’, Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(6), pp. 1535–1549. doi:10.1002/cpp.2594.

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