Advantages of online psychotherapy

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy through the internet has the advantage that you can take this journey of self-discovery in the comfort of your personal space in your own home, without having to spend time and money to travel to the therapist’s location. For the busy professional this is beneficial in terms of saving precious time. Online therapy is also beneficial if you don’t have access to a therapist in your area and if you live abroad and wish to have therapy with a psychotherapist who speaks your mother tongue.

For Greeks who live abroad, in areas where it’s difficult to find a Greek speaking therapist, online therapy is a good way to access help in your mother tongue. And of course, being fluent in English, I also work with people who speak English.

It’s also an excellent way for you to access therapy if your disability restricts your mobility.

Limitations

Online psychotherapy differs from face-to-face psychotherapy, which allows the use of all senses during the session. Since only sight and hearing are involved in online therapy, it’s possible that you may feel a sense of disconnection with your online therapist in the first session. Although you quickly get used to this sense – especially if you are familiar with video conversations as a way of communicating with others – it might prove more difficult if you are under extreme mental and emotional distress.

Online psychotherapy is, therefore, not appropriate for acute difficulties, which require the help of a psychiatrist and/or a psychiatric team. It is, therefore, not appropriate for all types of psychoses. Finally, if you are having suicidal thoughts, online therapy will not be able to provide you with the support and holding that you need, so you should look for appropriate services in your area.