What is online psychotherapy, and what does an online psychotherapy session look like?

Online psychotherapy is a psychotherapeutic process conducted through secure video communication, with the client and psychotherapist physically located in different places. The basic principles of psychotherapy remain the same: confidentiality, a professional therapeutic relationship, clearly defined boundaries and therapy goals, and active collaboration between the client and therapist.

Online therapy makes psychotherapy accessible to people who live in another city or country, travel frequently, have limited mobility, have demanding schedules, or simply feel more comfortable attending sessions from their own space.

What does an online psychotherapy session look like?

An online session is, in essence, very similar to an in-person session. At the agreed time, the client and psychotherapist connect via video call and speak in real time.

For a high-quality session, you need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and, most importantly, a quiet and private space where you can speak without interruptions or concern that someone may overhear you.

We recommend joining a few minutes early to check your internet connection, camera, and microphone. During the session, it is advisable to turn off other notifications and, as much as possible, ensure that you will not be disturbed.

A session usually lasts between 50 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of therapy and the agreement with your therapist.

As with in-person therapy, the first sessions are often focused on getting to know each other, understanding the reasons for seeking therapy, current difficulties, expectations, and therapy goals. The client and therapist then agree together on the approach and frequency of further work.

Online psychotherapy is not simply a conversation through a screen. Depending on the therapeutic approach and the client’s needs, the therapist may use different methods and techniques, including experiential exercises, work with emotions and bodily sensations, creative techniques, guided imagery, role-playing, or tasks between sessions.

A stable and meaningful therapeutic relationship can also be developed in online therapy. The client has the opportunity to speak openly, explore their experiences, and work together with the therapist on changes that are important to them.