We have been living in such uncertainty and unknown for the past two years. Aside from the coronavirus-related anxieties around physical health, it has equally affected our mental health. We may be experiencing higher levels of isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and anxiety.

What are the benefits that online therapy has to offer?

Some of us may be going through agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house) or may be fearful of being in contact with another. However, this should not limit our access to mental health support, where starting with online therapy may be a great option. Research has shown that online treatment can be as effective as in-person therapy. Let's look at some benefits online therapy has to offer, what happens in online music therapy and what the benefits of in-person therapy can be.

Accessibility

One of the main benefits of online therapy is that you can access sessions from anywhere with a good internet connection. Either from the comfort of your home or a space where you feel safe. You don't have to travel long distances to get to the therapist's office anymore. Equally, if you live in a remote area, have physical limitations or disabilities, which makes it harder for you to travel, online sessions may be a more suitable option. 

Flexibility

Online therapy offers flexibility to fit your schedule. If you cannot attend therapy and need to cancel a session in time, the therapist may be able to provide you with an alternative time that fits your timetable. There is also flexibility in accessing the right specialist who will be able to help you with your specific needs. Whether you want to access a therapist who speaks your mother tongue, or someone who can relate to your experiences of living abroad, finding the right therapist is no longer a limit. 

Structure

Online therapy offers a weekly structure to take time for yourself and attend to your needs. With your therapist, you can explore what might be going on for you and make sense of your experience. You may be able to attend sessions more regularly when feeling down since you don't have to leave your house, and therapy may still be an option to offer you mental health support during these difficult times. It may be vital to come to therapy exactly then to be able to work through the most challenging emotions and feelings.

Creating distance

Compared to in-person sessions, working with a therapist online may help to open up more quickly. It may reduce the intensity of the sessions since the therapist is not sitting across from you, which can make you feel more at ease when talking about your experiences. The comfort of your home may already be the catalyst to creating the safe space you need - another benefit of online therapy.

Presence

Because online therapy applies the same principles as traditional face-to-face therapy, it may be more suitable for your pace of life. The therapist's presence can facilitate the flexibility of thought, thinking through details, and identifying patterns. Additionally, the relationship supports the ability to make connections and feel connected to your feelings in the session, thereby creating change. Research confirms that online therapy services can have the same mental health benefits.

Benefits of online music therapy

In music therapy, online therapy services may look slightly different from in-person sessions. Because of the latency in video calls, we won't be able to play together and share the same musical space. Still, we may be using listening to music for relaxation, guided imagery, or art-making. We may take turns in playing music if instruments are available to you and if that's what you want to explore. However, this is not a requirement and will not define whether you benefit from therapy or not. 

Benefits of in-person therapy

Virtual therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Going out to a therapy practice may be essential when you live in a home where you don't feel safe or where it is difficult to find a quiet space. Bringing that up with your therapist or family doctor is essential to provide the best care for you. In-person therapy is still recommended if you have suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe addiction, or complex symptoms of a mental health condition. Having a weekly routine of going to therapy may offer a secure structure and get you out of the house, which may be a step towards your recovery.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with completing daily tasks, feeling anxious or low in mood, then working together with a therapist can help you talk and express your needs and figure out what you might need to help relieve your pain. We are all different and require a unique kind of care. If this resonates with you, I look forward to connecting with you. I offer online and in-person therapy in Berlin. You can contact me here or email me at arulacounselling@proton.me. 

Please note: If you are in a severe crisis, thinking of hurting yourself or others, then call 112, and professional mental health workers will be able to help you. Arula Counselling is not designed to offer help in immediate mental health crises.