Online Therapy

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, we understand that traditional in-person therapy may not always be the most convenient or accessible option. That’s why we offer versatile therapeutic approaches to meet you where you are. We provide online counselling, therapy, and coaching services for those who prefer to work this way, whether due to busy schedules, geographical constraints, or personal preferences.

Our experienced professionals are well-versed in providing remote therapy, whether that is online, telephone or email counselling, ensuring that your comfort and sense of connection mirror those of an in-person session.

 

Online therapy can be conducted through different communication channels, including:

 

  • Video call: This is the most common method, where clients and therapists interact in real-time through video conferencing software, creating a face-to-face-like experience.
  • Telephone counselling: Therapy can also take place over the phone, providing voice-only communication.
  • Email: Email therapy involves exchanging messages with a therapist at a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Messaging therapy: Text-based therapy that allows clients to communicate with their therapist via typed messages.

Online therapy vs face-to-face

An expanding body of research uncovers the comparable effectiveness of online therapy when compared to in-person sessions (Day & Schneider, 2000; Richards & Viganó, 2013; Cohen & Kerr, 1998). Previous studies have proven the efficacy of online therapy for various psychological issues, including anxiety (Cohen & Kerr, 1998), eating disorders (Celio et al., 2000), panic disorder with agoraphobia (Bouchard et al., 2000), or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Lange et al., 2000).

 

In essence, online therapy is established as a valid alternative to face-to-face therapy, yielding similar results. While distinctions exist between the two, the choice often boils down to individual preference. The pivotal factor remains to select the therapeutic approach that resonates most with you, as this is most likely to offer the most positive outcomes.

 

Identical interventions

Our online therapy service mirrors the quality of face-to-face sessions. We provide identical interventions to those you’d receive in a therapist’s office, delivered by a certified therapist who undergoes ongoing clinical supervision. We prioritise ensuring that every element of the human connection remains intact, regardless of the chosen platform, be it in-person, video conferencing, email, or over the phone.

Bouchard, S., Payeur, R., Rivard, V., et al. (2000). Cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia in videoconference: preliminary results. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 3:999–1007

Celio, A.A., Winzelberg, A.J., Wilfley, D.E., et al. (2000). Reducing risk factors for eating disorders: comparison of an Internet- and a classroom- delivered psychoeducational program. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 68:650–657

Cohen, G.E., & Kerr, B.A. (1998). Computer-mediated counseling: an empirical study of a new mental health treatment. Computers in Human Services, 15: 13–26.

Day, S.X., & Schneider, P. (2000). The subjective experiences of therapists in face-to-face, video, and audio sessions. In: Walz, G.R., ed. Cybercounseling and cyberlearning: strategies and resources for the millennium.

Lange, A., Schrieken, B., van de Ven, J.-P., et al. (2000). “Interapy”: the effects of a short protocolled treatment of posttraumatic stress and pathological grief through the Internet. Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy, 28:175–192

Richards, D., & Viganó, N. (2013). Online Counseling: A Narrative and Critical Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(9), 994–1011. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.21974

Online therapy (video call)

Online therapy via video call closely emulates the structure of a typical therapy session, wherein you and your therapist convene at a predetermined date and time. During these sessions, you can see and interact with your therapist in real-time. This form of therapy has gained popularity, particularly among individuals who face challenges in attending traditional in-person therapy regularly. Such difficulties may stem from irregular work schedules, mobility constraints, frequent travel for business or leisure, and a host of other factors.

 

How does it work?

Email us at [email protected] and let us know that you’re interested in online therapy. We will schedule an appointment for you and provide a link for you to access the date and time of your session.

Telephone counselling

We offer telephone counselling using WhatsApp audio calls. Telephone therapy closely resembles the experience of in-person or video-call therapy, with the distinction that it takes place over a WhatsApp call, led by a qualified and registered therapist.

 

How does it work?

Email us at [email protected] and express your interest in telephone counselling. We will then arrange an appointment for you and reach out to you via WhatsApp calls at the scheduled date and time of your session.

 

Email therapy

Email therapy is a form of counselling that involves therapeutic communication between a client and a qualified therapist through email. The main therapeutic work occurs through written exchanges via email. You and your therapist communicate by sending and receiving messages. These messages can include sharing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns, and the therapist provides responses, guidance, and therapeutic interventions.

 

How does it work?

Each session is structured as a normal face-to-face or online therapy hour, lasting 50 minutes, during which your emails are thoughtfully reviewed and responded to. Your counsellor’s response will encompass not only support but also constructive feedback, recommendations, and queries. The session is finalised when your counsellor has used the 50 minutes to read and address your emails. Our email service adheres to our standard fee arrangements. 

Online therapy in Spanish

If you reside in Spain, Latin America, or anywhere else and are seeking a Spanish-speaking therapist, or if you prefer therapy in Spanish, we have you covered. We provide online therapy services in both Spanish and English. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected]

 

What issues does online therapy help with? 

Online therapy can effectively address the same range of issues that face-to-face therapy handles. The primary distinction lies in the platform used, but the therapeutic interventions remain consistent between online and in-person counselling. Achieving a strong therapeutic relationship is equally possible in both modes of therapy.

 

Some examples of psychological issues that online therapy can assist with include:

 

➤   Anxiety disorders

➤   OCD, body dysmorphia, and related

➤   Depression

➤   Stress management

➤   Workplace stress and burnout

➤   Chronic pain

➤   Substance use disorders

➤   Eating disorders and body image

➤   Grief and loss

➤   Relationship issues

➤   Self-esteem and perfectionism

➤   Work-related stress and burnout

➤   Self-harm

➤   Insomnia

➤   Pornography addiction

Examples of research showing online therapy effectiveness

Bouchard, S., Payeur, R., Rivard, V., et al. (2000). Cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia in videoconference: preliminary results. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 3:999–1007

 

Celio, A.A., Winzelberg, A.J., Wilfley, D.E., et al. (2000). Reducing risk factors for eating disorders: comparison of an Internet- and a classroom- delivered psychoeducational program. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 68:650–657

 

Cohen, G.E., & Kerr, B.A. (1998). Computer-mediated counseling: an empirical study of a new mental health treatment. Computers in Human Services, 15: 13–26.

 

Day, S.X., & Schneider, P. (2000). The subjective experiences of therapists in face-to-face, video, and audio sessions. In: Walz, G.R., ed. Cybercounseling and cyberlearning: strategies and resources for the millennium.

 

Lange, A., Schrieken, B., van de Ven, J.-P., et al. (2000). “Interapy”: the effects of a short protocolled treatment of posttraumatic stress and pathological grief through the Internet. Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy, 28:175–192

 

Richards, D., & Viganó, N. (2013). Online Counseling: A Narrative and Critical Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(9), 994–1011. 

The Edinburgh Therapy Service is a psychotherapy and counseling practice based in Edinburgh, Scotland (United Kingdom). We offer therapy both in-person in Edinburgh and online, available in English and Spanish.

Contact info

Contact us for more information or to book your first appointment: [email protected]