Psychotherapy by video can be beneficial to a wide range of clients, including those living or working in remote locations, the elderly, and individuals who are housebound due to physical or psychological reasons. Some clients might want to come to the reception, but on some occassions use video due to different reasons.
Research shows that psychotherapy by video is effective
Research shows that psychotherapy by video is just as effective as when you meet in a clinic. Here you can read more about the meta-study of this. A meta-study is thus a study that looks at several previous studies and analyzes the whole.
To get the most out of psychotherapy by video
Although there is no difference between psychotherapy by video and physical meetings when it comes to the central psychotherapeutic components, the technology can sometimes cause problems. To reduce the risk of this, think a little about the following before the call:
- Choose a place where you can feel relaxed and safe.
- Think about what possible disturbances can occur in your physical environment. Can you make sure that you are not disturbed by anyone while the therapy is going on?
- Also, look at whether your internet connection is good and which device you should use for the call. Is it best for you to have a computer, tablet that you can put down, or is it better for you to have a phone in your hand. What helps you focus on therapy? Sometimes we do exercises where you close your eyes to focus inwards, then it can be easier to be able to put down your screen.
- To aviod distubances review your settings for notifications and notifications and feel free to turn them off during the call.
- Seeing yourself during the video call can also feel disturbing. You can click away the image or simply put a post it over the image on the screen.
Zoom – video meetings
I use Zoom, which is integrated into my medical record system CTnotes. It meets the security requirements for video calls for healthcare professionals so that no outsiders can access our call or your data. Zoom is HIPAA compliant, which is the standard for protecting sensitive data. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. If you have other equally safe suggestions, I’m flexible to a different solution.
If you already have Zoom, make sure you have the latest version before the call. If you want, I can email you a link when we start the call, so you don’t need to download any software. Alternatively, you can follow the instructions below.
- If you use your computer register a free account at zoom.us If you use your Ipone download the app “Zoom Cloud Meetings” and register a free account.
- When we make our first appointment I will send you an e-mail with a link to my System for Electronic Medical Records – CTnotes. You need to login within seven days after you recievd tha e-mail.
- At the time for your appointment, you login to CTnotes. Click the button with an icon for video with the text in swedish “Anslut till samtal” (Connect to video meeting).
