Online Psychotherapy

Online psychotherapy, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, or teletherapy, is essentially the psychotherapeutic process conducted through visual and auditory means. This approach has been utilized by psychologists and psychotherapists globally for over a decade with high efficacy. It differs from traditional psychotherapy, which typically occurs in an office setting. Personally, I exclusively offer online services through videoconferencing, as I believe that solely written (chat, email) and telephone sessions significantly limit the reliability and effectiveness of the therapeutic process and the establishment of a meaningful therapeutic relationship. Nonetheless, I do utilize written and telephone communication to address any queries you may have regarding our upcoming sessions, assignments, technical issues, session cancellations or rescheduling, and any other urgencies you may have.

Precisely like conventional psychotherapy. Just as you wouldn't expect to walk into a psychologist's or psychotherapist's office and encounter a disorganized space with constant interruptions and distractions, online psychotherapy also requires a conducive environment for meaningful communication. Both parties ensure that they are in a space where they feel safe to express themselves without external disruptions such as noise, distractions, or unexpected interruptions. While achieving perfect conditions may sometimes be challenging due to unforeseen circumstances like phone calls or noisy neighbors, minor interruptions are generally considered manageable and do not significantly impact the therapeutic process. Research and experience suggest that occasional interruptions are unlikely to harm the therapeutic relationship as long as they remain exceptions rather than the norm.

First and foremost, you will need a reliable audio and video player. Any device with a camera, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer will suffice for this purpose. In many cases, using headphones or a headset can enhance the experience by isolating sound and reducing background noise. Additionally, a stable and adequate internet connection, preferably greater than 8Μbps, is essential to ensure smooth online sessions. Should a technical issue arise, rest assured that I have the necessary knowledge and experience to assist you. I can provide guidance and instructions to resolve most technical problems that may occur during our session. However, please note that issues related to your internet service provider are beyond my control and responsibility.

Should a technical issue arise, rest assured that I have the necessary knowledge and experience to assist you. I can provide guidance and instructions to resolve most technical problems that may occur during our session. However, please note that issues related to your internet service provider are beyond my control and responsibility.

Online psychotherapy is intended for all individuals, catering particularly to those who prefer not to commute to and from a psychologist's office due to travel constraints or busy schedules. It also provides a convenient option for individuals with mobility issues or health concerns. Furthermore, it benefits those who are located remotely, living abroad, recently relocated, or frequently on the move. Additionally, online psychotherapy serves individuals who have been unable to find a suitable therapist nearby. Lastly, it is a suitable method of therapy for individuals who prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own space and would rather conduct sessions from their home or office.

Online psychotherapy can provide the same level of effectiveness and support as traditional face-to-face therapy. If you want to know more about how Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can help you, click Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Psychotherapy is a journey of exploration, self-discovery, acceptance, and problem-solving. And this journey is deeply personal and sacred. Online psychotherapy takes this principle into account as it facilitates the person experiencing mental pain, distress, and reduced functioning by providing a more accessible, convenient, and flexible psychotherapy process. Here are the main advantages of online psychotherapy.

• Comfort/Ease: Online psychotherapy enables us to enjoy all the benefits of a conventional psychotherapy process from the comfort of our own space. Besides the comfort provided by our home or office, it often offers us a sense of intimacy and safety, which is particularly valuable when we seek to open up and discuss our concerns.
• Safety: Many people prefer to avoid situations and stimuli that might make them feel uncomfortable or put them at risk. Some of these include crowded public transport, traffic on the roads, the act of driving itself, inclement weather, the flu season, and evening/dark hours. With online psychotherapy, they need not worry about any of these limitations.
• Economy and Time: What do a parent trying to balance work, family, and leisure time, a professional under pressure from a heavy workload, and a student in the middle of exams who can't tear themselves away from their books have in common? Limited time. With online psychotherapy, all the extra time that would have been spent on preparation and travel is eliminated, leaving only the actual time of the psychotherapy session. Additionally, the extra expenses associated with travel are avoided.
• Health Issues: Individuals with mobility problems, reduced energy, or correspondingly high levels of fatigue, as well as those with various health issues, may face challenges accessing psychotherapeutic support in the traditional manner. Fortunately, online psychotherapy can assist these individuals without limitations or additional difficulties.
• Distance: Individuals residing in another country or city, those who frequently relocate, or those who are planning to move and do not have access to a psychologist/psychotherapist of their choice often encounter difficulties and may be discouraged from seeking psychotherapeutic help. However, through the internet, such limitations are automatically eliminated.
• Easy and Flexible Scheduling: Sometimes it can be challenging to fit psychotherapy into our schedule. For some, their schedule is completely full, while for others, it consumes all their morning hours, making it difficult to find a therapist available in the late afternoon. For some, nighttime is the only available time, but often the day is lost due to the need for rest and sleep. Additionally, for others, their schedule is constantly filled with surprises, changes, and cancellations. Online psychotherapy offers the option of flexible scheduling, allowing sessions to be scheduled in the evening hours or during weekends upon request. Furthermore, through the use of written or telephone communication, it is possible to cancel or reschedule a session to a day and time that is convenient for both the therapist and the client.

The two basic requirements for online psychotherapy are a device with a good camera and a secure internet connection. Therefore, the person seeking online psychotherapy must have met these two conditions, as well as possess a basic knowledge of how to use these technological means; otherwise, the online session becomes impossible. Another limitation is the absence of the use of all the senses, as well as the greater 'aliveness' that typical face-to-face psychotherapy can offer. Initially, as online psychotherapy relies solely on hearing and vision, some individuals may experience a feeling of disconnection and a "superficial" relationship with the therapist. However, these feelings usually disappear after the first few sessions. There are cases, however, where patients with severe psychopathology , such as psychosis, or high suicidal ideation, are heavily medicated and require frequent face-to-face monitoring by a psychotherapist or psychiatrist, making online psychotherapy inappropriate for them.

Q: Is it possible to sit and talk in front of a camera, analyzing intimate thoughts, feelings, concerns, and complex inner conflicts?

A: Yes, it is. Initially, it may indeed seem somewhat strange or distant, especially if the person is not accustomed to using video communication. However, the truth is that one quickly becomes accustomed to it, as what becomes most important early on is the relationship between the person and their therapist, not whether it takes place face-to-face or online. After all, psychotherapists are trained to build strong therapeutic alliances with their clients and to create a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, regardless of the context in which the session takes place. Online sessions provide access to both images and audio, allowing for various verbal (tone and volume of voice, content of conversation, etc.) and non-verbal (facial expressions, nervous movements, etc.) elements of communication, which help enhance the sense of connection between therapist and client. In fact, many people find that they create a very strong therapeutic alliance as they feel more comfortable and safer in their own space.

Q: Is online therapy confidential and safe?

A: Absolutely. An online psychotherapist adheres to the same ethical and legal standards concerning confidentiality and privacy as a face-to-face psychotherapist does, taking measures to safeguard the information of individuals in therapy and maintain its confidentiality and security.

Q: Teleconferences are often plagued by unexpected interruptions, strange noises, technical glitches, and other similar issues.

A: While it's true that effective online conferencing relies on a strong and stable internet connection, minor interruptions and screen freezes due to a weak signal may occasionally occur. However, based on empirical evidence, they rarely pose significant obstacles to communication and the therapeutic process. Just as disruptions can occur in a traditional office setting, such as an incorrectly ringing doorbell or loud street noise, similar interruptions can happen during online sessions. Ultimately, life—whether online or offline—is filled with unexpected interruptions and disturbances. Learning to manage them effectively in therapy can help build resilience for dealing with similar challenges in daily life, and vice versa.

Q: Is online psychotherapy as effective as traditional, in-person therapy, or should it be exclusively conducted in an office setting with physical presence?

A: Let's first acknowledge the most crucial aspect: the decision to embark on the journey of self-awareness and personal growth. The method one chooses for their psychotherapeutic journey ultimately depends on personal preference. In terms of effectiveness, extensive research consistently indicates that online psychotherapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and more . The efficacy of therapy hinges more on the therapeutic relationship and the therapist's skills rather than the mode of delivery..

Q: How do I book my first therapy session?

A: There are four ways to do so. Firstly, you can complete the contact form , providing all necessary information and briefly outlining your concerns and goals for the therapeutic process. Secondly, you can send an email to thanoskarathymios@gmail.com , including a brief introduction about yourself and your areas of concern. Thirdly, you can send a direct message via Instagram (@walk_the_mental_talk). Lastly, you can reach out via phone call or text message at 6986816094. Whichever method you choose, I assure you that I will respond within 24 hours. Additionally, please be assured that all information shared with me is kept confidential and secure. I eagerly await your contact.

Q: Through which platform will the online sessions be conducted?

A: You can choose from any of the following platforms according to your convenience:

• Instagram
• Messenger
• Skype
• Viber
• Zoom

Q: What is the payment method?

A: Sessions are prepaid following our mutual agreement, and you can choose to make payments via Bank Deposit, PayPal, or Revolut.

In regards to payments, I've made an exception. I firmly believe that a relationship between two people should be built on mutual trust and respect. This principle is especially vital in the context of psychotherapy and the therapeutic alliance, which can profoundly impact a person's life. Therefore, it is ethically, logically, and financially unjustifiable to charge for a whole session if, after the initial meeting, the individual decides not to continue their therapeutic journey for any respectable reason. As a result, our first session is provided with an 80% discount.