Online Therapy via Video Conference
Douglas Hanson, EMDR Therapist in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Online therapy is Just as Effective as in Person Therapy
In these challenging times, if you’re struggling, seeking counselling is more important than ever.
If you were already experiencing difficulties before the COVID-19 crisis, you might feel even worse right now.
It is understandable if any symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety or PTSD have worsened. The world is an uncertain place right now, and everyone is stressed to some degree or another.
If you’re accustomed to in-person psychotherapy, you may have questions about online psychotherapy, which is not surprising.
Below I answer some of the most common questions about doing therapy via video conference.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
- Online therapy is convenient as you can work from the comfort of your home.
- It can be more affordable as you don’t have to travel or pay for parking.
- It saves time because you don’t have to travel back and forth to an office.
- If you have a health issue or physical limitation, online therapy makes it easier for you to attend therapy sessions even after the pandemic ends, and our lives return to normal.
- Research shows that online therapy is just as helpful as in-person therapy.
How does online therapy work?
We meet on a video conference platform called Zoom. The sessions will follow the same format as an in-person session.
Typically, we would meet weekly for 1.5 hours. Some clients see my every second week, especially after they have made some progress in their symptoms.
You can read more about my therapy approaches here.
What does the research say about the effectiveness of online therapy vs. in-person therapy?
Research consistently shows that the benefits of online/video therapy are the same as in-person therapy.
Can online therapy help me overcome depression and anxiety and symptoms of trauma or PTSD?
Yes. Any problem you have can be treated with online therapy.
Even deep-rooted symptoms rooted in traumatic experiences such as PTSD, chronic depression, anxiety or panic attacks, and painful relationship troubles.
Does online therapy work for couples therapy?
Yes. Couples therapy is equally beneficial with in-person couples counselling. You and your partner sit side by side so that I can see both of you on my computer.
Does EMDR therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work online?
Yes. I perform EMDR therapy via video conference, and also use CBT when I deem it to be helpful.
There is a wealth of research showing the effectiveness of these two therapies. Further, there is research showing that EMDR Counseling and CBT are as effective online as well as in-person therapy.
Is online therapy safe, secure and confidential?
Yes, Zoom, the video platform I use is secure and confidential. No one will be able to access our session while it is in progress.
Some clients feel safer and more secure doing therapy from the comfort of their homes. You may notice this as well.
What technology do I need to do online therapy?
You need a device such as a phone, tablet or computer that has a camera and a speaker. You also need an internet connection.
You’ll need good lighting so I can see you clearly.
If you have earbuds, such as the kind you use with a phone with a microphone, they will be helpful as it will improve sound quality.
How do I book an appointment for online therapy?
If you’re ready to book your appointment for online therapy, click here to book now.
If you have further questions or would like to see if we are a good fit to work together, we can set up a no-charge 10-minute phone call.