Tips for coping with the transition to online therapy during a pandemic

COVID-19 has implications for many things, including how to consult doctors and therapists. Physical distancing and people's concerns about traveling outside, including hospitals, make them skip therapy with doctors. However, there are other alternatives that can be done during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely online therapy, aka remote consultation using technology.

Transitioning online therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Reporting from the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 pandemic has made many changes in the world of health. One of them is that the hospital again provides remote consultation services and online therapy.

This aims to reduce virus exposure to health workers, save personal protective equipment (PPE), and reduce the risk of crowds in hospitals. Generally, this service helps patients get treatment, especially for those who do not depend on direct treatment at the hospital.

Remote consulting does have advantages and disadvantages. This method may be suitable for persons with disabilities who are unable to travel, especially during a pandemic.

However, online therapy certainly has drawbacks when compared to direct consultation. For example, remote consultation relies on technology and the internet, so that when the internet connection is running slow, it will certainly affect therapy.

Therefore, so that you can get the most out of online therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of things you can do during the transition period.

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1. Make a special time for therapy

One of the things that needs to be done when facing the transition to online therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is to set aside a special schedule for consultation. It is undeniable that remote consultations can be done anytime and anywhere, so it may be easier to set aside time.

However, it may bother you if you have to stop working in the middle and continue after therapy. Therefore, it is important to set the time for online therapy so that you can estimate your own schedule.

Furthermore, you also need to find a place or room with a comfortable atmosphere when undergoing online therapy. This is even more so when you are isolated and find it difficult to open up when around other people.

With the special time and space provided for remote consultations during the pandemic, at least you can talk more freely with a therapist.

2. Adapt slowly

Early in the transition to online therapy during a pandemic you may feel uncomfortable. Especially when you are used to talking directly with a doctor or therapist.

This discomfort is a fairly normal condition and it certainly takes time to adapt to this situation. For example, you may not get an immediate response from the therapist when you consult via text.

As a result, you may think that this method is not suitable. However, you can begin to adapt by maintaining open communication with the therapist. Don't forget to share your feelings of frustration and emotions, including any remote consultations like this one.

3. Practice releasing emotions more clearly

One of the drawbacks of remote consultations during a pandemic is that therapists cannot see your body language clearly, and vice versa. You may find it difficult to know how the therapist responds because you can't see their faces and bodies.

Therefore, you can practice verbalizing your emotions more clearly while transitioning to online therapy during a pandemic. This way, the therapist doesn't miss important clues when you try to get your emotions out.

Don't forget that during the therapy session no problem is too small or too big to talk about. Even if it may seem trivial to others, talking to a therapist might help you find a solution.

Not all therapists provide online services

While most people can make good use of technology, not all therapists provide online services. This may make it difficult for you to transition to online therapy during the pandemic because you have to find a new therapist.

You need to discuss this with a therapist. Ask them if this remote consultation method is suitable for you. The reason is that some serious mental health problems, such as suicidal thoughts, may not be suitable for virtual consultation.

In addition, you can do some research in advance about the online therapy options provided by the different therapists you want to choose from. Don't forget to consider what type of communication will be used and according to your needs, such as exchanging messages or video calls.

Some people may feel that the transition to online therapy during a pandemic is not as important as physical health so as not to catch the virus. Even though maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is very necessary. What's more, you may need more help than before.

Online therapy may be an effective alternative to maintain mental health, especially in this stressful time. Therefore, try not to be afraid to try something different and be willing to see a therapist, even if it seems difficult at first.