Is Online Grief Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health care has experienced a transformative shift, with online therapy emerging as a mainstream choice for many seeking psychological support. This evolution is particularly relevant for grief therapy, where deep emotional processing is essential. A critical question clients often have is whether online grief therapy can be as beneficial as traditional, face-to-face sessions.

The Growth of Online Grief Therapy

Online therapy, also known as telehealth, offers powerful benefits by combining expert psychological care with the convenience and comfort of engaging from your own home. Clients have discovered they can access high-quality care without geographical constraints or the hassle of travel, enhancing accessibility for everyone.

Evidence Supporting Online Therapy Effectiveness

Recent research strongly supports the efficacy of online therapy. A study published in BMC Psychology demonstrated no significant differences in outcomes between online and in-person psychodynamic counseling, indicating both formats effectively reduce psychological distress. Additionally, research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to be equally effective as in-person sessions for individuals experiencing major depressive disorders.

These findings align closely with our groundbreaking research at the University of Adelaide, specifically evaluating Induced After Death Communication (IADC) therapy. Our soon-to-be-published study found virtually identical therapeutic outcomes between clients receiving online and in-person IADC therapy, providing strong reassurance for prospective clients. Indeed, a client receiving online IADC therapy should expect the same level of benefit as a client receiving IADC therapy in-person.

Practical Benefits of Online IADC Therapy

Clients choosing online grief therapy gain several unique advantages:

• Improved Accessibility: No matter your location, high-quality grief support is within reach. Online therapy bridges geographic barriers, offering vital care to individuals regardless of where they live.

• Greater Convenience and Flexibility: Without the need for commuting or navigating waiting rooms, online sessions can seamlessly integrate into your busy schedule. Sessions can be scheduled around work and family commitments, providing the flexibility to engage in therapy without major disruptions.

• Enhanced Privacy and Comfort: Engaging in therapy from a familiar, comfortable space can reduce anxiety and encourage openness, crucial factors in effective grief therapy. Secure, encrypted platforms ensure confidentiality, allowing you to feel safe and protected.

• Access to Specialist Expertise: Online therapy connects you with grief therapy experts who might not be locally available, ensuring you receive specialised support tailored precisely to your needs.

  
  
  
  

Building Strong Therapeutic Relationships Online

An essential aspect of therapy—especially in processing grief—is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Studies consistently show that clients form equally strong bonds with their therapists online as they do face-to-face. Online therapy allows a genuine rapport and trust to develop, often enhanced by the comfort and security clients feel in their personal environments. In fact, some clients report feeling even more comfortable discussing sensitive or personal topics online.

Client Satisfaction and Consistency

The convenience and accessibility of online therapy contribute to high client satisfaction. The ease of attending sessions from home reduces barriers and supports ease of participation, a critical factor for successful therapy outcomes.

Conclusion

The transformation towards online grief therapy is not merely about convenience—it is backed by robust evidence demonstrating its efficacy. As our research clearly indicates, clients seeking support through online IADC therapy can expect outcomes equivalent to traditional in-person sessions. Online therapy offers a reassuring combination of practicality, accessibility, and therapeutic effectiveness, empowering clients to confidently pursue their healing from the comfort of their own home.

If you are wondering if IADC therapy is right for you, complete the pre-screening questionnaire on our website.

References

Alavi, N., Moghimi, E., Stephenson, C., Gutierrez, G., Jagayat, J., Kumar, A., Shao, Y., Miller, S., Yee, C., Stefatos, A., Gholamzadehmir, M., Abbaspour, Z., Shirazi, A., & Gizzarelli, T. (2023). Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: A non-randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1113956. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113956

Ierardi, E., Bottini, M., & Riva Crugnola, C. (2022). Effectiveness of an online versus face-to-face psychodynamic counselling intervention for university students before and during the COVID‑19 period. BMC Psychology, 10, Article 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00742-7