Flexibility and Online Therapy
In recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing conflicts that have impacted mobility and routines, we have all had to adjust to a reality where movement has become more complex. Various limitations—whether due to geographical distance, safety concerns, or, during the pandemic, movement restrictions—have made it challenging to maintain the day-to-day activities we were once used to. These changes have required everyone to find new ways to continue with daily routines, and flexibility has become more essential than ever. For many of us, this was a period of unavoidable sacrifices—giving up activities that were integral to our daily lives, and sometimes even giving up a stable work environment. Studies indicate that mental flexibility is a critical tool for dealing with emergency situations and rapid changes (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013).
Over time, the need to change affected not only individuals but also organizations and workplaces, which began to embrace functional flexibility and promote a hybrid work model that combines in-person attendance with remote work. What began as a restriction became an advantage, and now, many people continue to work in this flexible format that combines in-person meetings with remote work.
In this article, I’d like to focus on how this hybrid approach also applies to psychological therapy. In my clinic, I meet many women who face challenges that make it difficult for them to attend face-to-face therapy sessions regularly. Beyond the situations already mentioned, other life circumstances also play a role: women balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities, women who live far from the clinic, and others facing health issues that limit mobility. In the past, these women might have given up on therapy entirely. However, with online therapy now widely available, many women are asking whether online sessions can serve as a suitable alternative to in-person meetings (Suler, 2004).
The Advantages of Online Therapy – Maintaining Therapeutic Continuity
Online therapy sessions were once rare, but in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become a widely accepted approach. I meet many women who have found that online therapy is an effective option, allowing them to continue their therapeutic process even when in-person meetings are not feasible (Norcross & Lambert, 2018).
In my clinic, a variety of topics arise, such as pregnancies, fertility treatments, miscarriages, and more. Often, women struggle with mobility, not necessarily because of health restrictions, but simply due to exhaustion or the need for rest between treatments. Online therapy offers them flexibility, enabling them to continue their therapeutic journey. For many, the ability to maintain mental care during such times, without sacrificing the support they need, is crucial for healthy coping (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010).
Furthermore, periods of restricted movement and uncertainty are precisely when maintaining therapeutic continuity provides a stable anchor, even when everything outside feels challenging and the future is unclear. This continuity provides a sense of security, helping clients maintain their lives despite external conditions.
At the same time, it's essential to remember that despite the benefits of online therapy, there is significant value in in-person sessions, which offer a level of personal connection and intimacy that can only be achieved face-to-face. I believe it’s important for clients to experience the therapeutic environment, even if they don't visit it frequently. In-person meetings at the clinic allow for the creation of a personal connection that deepens the therapeutic bond over time. Thus, a combination of in-person and online sessions preserves the therapeutic experience while adapting to changing circumstances.
Flexibility in Therapy as Part of Everyday Life
Many women experience life situations that require balancing conflicting demands. Therapy helps them see options, expand their perspective, and understand that not every change requires sacrifice. Instead, flexibility allows them to find balance and function effectively, even when circumstances are not ideal.
For women living abroad, like Israeli women in the U.S., online therapy offers a bridge that allows them to maintain cultural and linguistic connections that are important to them. In these cases, I recommend combining online meetings with in-person sessions when they visit Israel to sustain the emotional connection that is built in therapy.
Flexibility is not only a way to cope with constraints but also a means of expanding personal abilities and dealing more effectively with stress and unexpected challenges (Bonanno, 2004).
Conclusion – Flexibility in Therapy and in Life
Life often demands flexibility. Online therapy enables us to maintain therapeutic continuity, even when circumstances make in-person sessions challenging. However, the in-person session remains essential for strengthening the interpersonal connection and building shared experiences between the therapist and the client. The combination of online therapy and in-person meetings creates a flexible model that allows us to adapt to a changing reality while maintaining emotional stability and ongoing support.
Bibliography:
Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865-878.
Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20-28.
Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2018). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Volume 1: Evidence-based therapist contributions. Oxford University Press.
Suler, J. (2004). The psychology of cyberspace: Online therapy and self-help groups. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(5), 509-517.
Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2013). Psychological resilience: A review and critique of definitions, concepts, and theory. European Psychologist, 18(1), 12-23.
Comments