Online counseling is effective and convenient. There are many who would benefit from it, particularly those who cannot or will not venture out of their homes to meet up with a counselor or a therapist because they are anxious or feel depressed. People living in remote locations or have physical impairments – wheelchair-bound, vision- or hearing-impaired, and older adults- can also benefit from counseling or therapy that is delivered online, as well as stay-at-home moms and dads, children and teens.

Talk Therapy Works!

Communication is a crucial component of therapy, whether it is in-person or done online. Inasmuch as talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy entails talking about or processing of emotions, thoughts, actions, and responses, these can be adequately done online. These approaches are useful, even in breaking possibly damaging forms of behavior and thoughts, as well as in making you conscious of your shifting of moods. It is undeniable, though, that it may not be appropriate for online counseling if there are clinical issues that are as serious as psychosis or severe depression.

What Research Says

If you are still ‘sitting on the fence,’ feeling undecided which way to go, you need to ask yourself if you can benefit from online counseling or if it will work for you.

There are many good reasons to seek online counseling or therapy. Aside from the benefits already cited, there are studies that support its effectiveness, such as:

• A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment was just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
• A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is, “effective, acceptable and practical health care.” The study found the online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
• A 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders. Treatment was cost-effective and the positive improvements were sustained at the one-year follow-up.

The time is now right for online counseling. Seek out the assistance of a therapist from a credible institution, such as the Carolina Counseling Services – West Fayetteville Office –Fayetteville, NC.