Why Teletherapy Works for Healing Trauma

This article was written by Jodie Norris

The burden of emotional trauma can affect anyone and can be brought on by a multitude of causes. These causes can include one-time events (like accidents or injuries); ongoing stress (like battling illness or experiencing regular abuse); or commonly overlooked causes (like the death of someone close, or an instance of humiliation). Regardless of the specific cause or nature though, those who have experienced emotional trauma may find that it affects the way they live and how they interact with people around them. And while there is no definitive “correct” way for a person to react to these situations, it’s often best to start the journey toward healing with professional psychological help.

Outside of traditional appointments with experts, one of the many ways of pursuing this kind of help is through teletherapy. Online consultations with medical professionals have been around for almost as long as the internet and now stand as ideal alternatives for those who don’t want to go through the traditional avenues. Ultimately, those suffering from emotional and psychological trauma often find teletherapy to be extremely helpful. Here, we’ll explain why that is by looking at some of the benefits one can get from this method of counseling.

You will be given personalized coping strategies

One aspect of healing is being able to form healthy coping strategies in order to deal with the symptoms and pain you experience due to trauma. And while these strategies can be worked out through conventional therapy as well, there’s something to be said for the fact that therapists working through online consultations can have fewer patients and less demand on their time. These professionals will thus be able to take the time to craft strategies and suggest resources that are specific to your needs and situation.

We’ve spoken about the need for patient-specific coping strategies before with regard to PTSD. But the truth is that regardless of the specific cause or nature of your trauma, a teletherapist will be equipped to help you find a unique, personal way to handle it. This can include helping you understand the root of your symptoms; giving you reading materials to research, and offering coping methods which are particular to you as they get to know you. Having the right strategies will bring about an easier road to healing from trauma.

You will get specialized and quality help

Aside from personalized care and coping plans, you can also get specialized help from teletherapy. There are many different specializations in healthcare through which practitioners gain expert knowledge and experience in dealing with certain cases. Seeking the help of someone with the right set of skills will ensure that you will be getting the support your situation calls for. And teletherapy makes reaching out to these professionals much easier since you are not bound by proximity or accessibility (and in-person specialists aren’t always readily available where you need them).

With respect to the treatment of trauma specifically, remote nurse practitioners are equipped with the same credentials as traditional healthcare providers and have the education and training necessary to deal with particular situations and specialties. Said situations can include trauma caused by things like addiction, abuse, and grief. These nurse practitioners thus represent a diverse range of capabilities and specialties, and they’re increasingly available for telehealth appointments –– working with patients through ongoing chats and synchronous video chats alike, regardless of location. Traditional trauma therapists are available to provide specialized, quality help via teleconference. But because they operate in more specific roles, it can take longer to reach them for initial consultations, even with the added convenience and flexibility of teleconferencing.

You will have more privacy

Though teletherapy has been around for years, we saw a boom in online therapists during the pandemic, to the point that many now believe teletherapy is here to stay. This is largely due to its remote and convenient nature; teletherapy eliminated the need to go to a clinic for consultations, increasing patient comfort in the process. The option of speaking with therapists from home can be particularly beneficial to those who want to heal from trauma, as it provides more privacy for what can be difficult conversations and experiences. Plus, there is still a certain stigma surrounding mental health and trauma-induced conditions; working on trauma from home saves patients from feeling judged in medical centers or waiting rooms.

Indeed, if for whatever reason you are uncomfortable in medical waiting rooms, and prefer to have counseling from the comfort of your home, teletherapy will be the way to go. And to be perfectly clear, your privacy will extend beyond the appointments themselves. Telehealth practitioners, from psychotherapists to nurses, are still required to adhere to HIPAA regulations, ensuring that not only will your care be protected, but your data and information will be as well. This knowledge will help some feel less vulnerable when seeking out much-needed help and support.

Ultimately, teletherapy is here to stay in today’s healthcare industry. Among its numerous benefits, it can aid those who are vulnerable and in need of psychological help, while making support more accessible and safe. This can truly be beneficial for those who have suffered from a traumatic experience.

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