Online psychology is the realization of psychology sessions at a distance through Internet systems. Different applications are used, such as videoconferencing, forums, chats, WhatsApp calls, etc.
How does online psychology work?
In my case, I conduct online sessions using videoconferencing applications: Google Hangouts, Google Meet, Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc.
For years, I have been working online with people who live in other countries or in other Spanish communities. I also work with people with reduced mobility, or professionals who travel constantly for their work. In addition, I combine face-to-face and online modalities depending on the needs of each person and each moment.
Is online psychology effective?
During the COVID-19 confinement, the psychological work had to be done online. The face-to-face culture of psychologists had to adapt abruptly to this new situation, with greater or lesser success depending on the technological capabilities of each professional.
In my case, I have a long professional experience in the technological world. In addition, I had already been providing online psychological support for a long time. So this change produced by COVID-19 was very natural.
Having the means, the tools and the experience, online sessions are as effective as face-to-face ones. The relationship that is established through them is the same.
What conditions should an online psychology session have?
In order to properly conduct an online session, it is necessary to fulfill a series of conditions:
- An adequate and fluid internet connection.
- A quiet and confidential space, free of interruptions, where the person is safe to talk freely.
What are the advantages of online psychology?
The current trend towards digital relationships is unstoppable. The need to travel to purchase products, receive services or perform one’s own work is reducing at an accelerated pace, and our way of life, our schedules and our relationships are being transformed.
The possibility of holding the same session online or in person, depending on the circumstances, gives enormous flexibility to the psychological relationship:
- It allows flexibility and adaptability of schedules.
- It allows to combine face-to-face sessions with online sessions, depending on the needs of each moment.
- It allows to maintain a continuous relationship in situations such as travel, mobility difficulties, family responsibilities, changes in work schedules, and moving house.
- It allows me to better choose the professional with whom to carry out the psychological work: by specialty, experience, affinity… Regardless of the location.
The important thing for me is to offer a great diversity of options to the people I accompany. This enables the continuity of psychological work regardless of life changes. Flexibility is a central element in my Psychological Accompaniment and in my Professional Counselling.