In today’s fast-paced, digital world, online coaching therapy has emerged as a viable and sometimes preferable alternative to traditional face-to-face sessions, particularly for children aged 8 and above. As an NLP4Kids therapist based in the town town of Lifford, Donegal, near Strabane I am very aware of how important the provision of virtual therapy sessions are for our children and young people, particularly those in underserved areas.  I have seen firsthand how online therapy can provide unique benefits tailored to the needs of young clients.

Let me share with you why online coaching therapy can be advantageous, what issues it best supports, and review some of the latest research supporting its effectiveness.

Benefits of Online Coaching Therapy

1. Accessibility and Convenience: Online therapy removes geographical barriers, making it accessible to children and families in remote areas or those with limited access to specialised therapists. Sessions can be conducted from the comfort of your home, reducing the time and stress associated with travel.
2. Comfort and Familiarity: Many children feel more at ease in their home environment. This comfort can facilitate a more open and effective therapeutic process, as your child may be more willing to share their thoughts and feelings.
3. Consistency and Flexibility: Online therapy offers greater scheduling flexibility, which is crucial for busy families. It also allows for more consistent session attendance, as sessions can be rescheduled or adapted more easily in case of conflicts.
4. Privacy and Anonymity: For some children, the perceived anonymity of online sessions can reduce anxiety and encourage openness. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may feel self-conscious or stigmatised attending therapy in person.

Challenges that are Best Supported by Online Therapy

Online coaching therapy can effectively address a wide range of issues commonly faced by children aged 8 and above:

1. Anxiety: Children dealing with generalised anxiety, social anxiety, or specific phobias can benefit from the flexibility and comfort of online sessions, which can help them feel safer while exploring their fears.
2. Depression: For children experiencing depression, online therapy provides a consistent support system that can be accessed from home, making it easier to maintain regular contact with their therapist.
3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Online therapy can offer tailored strategies and tools to help children with ADHD manage their symptoms, such as improving focus, organisation, and behavioural regulation.
4. Behavioural Issues: Online coaching can address various behavioural issues by working with children and their families to develop effective behaviour management strategies and improve family dynamics.
5. Social Skills and Peer Relationships: For children struggling with social interactions and peer relationships, online therapy can provide a safe space to practice and develop these skills through role-playing and other interactive activities.
6. Academic Stress and Performance: Therapy can help children cope with academic pressures and improve their performance by teaching stress management techniques and fostering a growth mindset.
7. Trauma and Grief: Children who have experienced trauma or are dealing with grief can find solace in the consistency and privacy of online therapy, which allows them to process their emotions in a safe environment.

Adaptable NLP4Kids Techniques for Online Child Therapy

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers techniques perfectly suited for online therapy, making them especially effective for children and young adults. With methods like anchoring for calmness, visualisation for confidence, submodalities for altering perceptions, reframing for new perspectives, and the Swish Pattern for positive thinking, online therapy becomes engaging and impactful. These adaptable techniques ensure your child can benefit from effective mental health support, no matter where you are.

Research Supporting Online Therapy

United Kingdom

Research in the UK has shown that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for children. A study by the University of Cambridge highlighted that children participating in online therapy  for anxiety experienced significant improvements comparable to those in traditional settings. According to the study, 70% of children who received online CBT showed a reduction in anxiety symptoms【University of Cambridge】.

Ireland

In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has recognised the potential of online therapy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies conducted during this period demonstrated that children and adolescents responded well to online mental health services, with 85% of participants reporting satisfaction with the flexibility and convenience it offered. The HSE’s findings support the continued use of online therapy as a complement to traditional methods【Health Service Executive】.

Other Regions

Globally, the effectiveness of online therapy has been supported by numerous studies. In Australia, for example, research published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that online interventions for young people were effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study reported that 78% of children and adolescents experienced symptom improvement following online therapy【Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry】. Similarly, studies in the United States have shown that online therapy can provide a supportive and effective means of delivering mental health care to children and adolescents, particularly those in underserved areas. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 82% of children receiving online therapy reported a decrease in their symptoms【American Psychological Association】.

Conclusion

As an NLP4Kids therapist, I am committed to providing the best possible care for young clients. Online coaching therapy offers numerous benefits, including increased accessibility, comfort, and flexibility, making it a valuable option for many families. The growing body of research from the UK, Ireland, and other regions supports the effectiveness of online therapy, demonstrating its potential to deliver significant and lasting improvements in children’s mental health.

By embracing the and incorporating effective NLP techniques, we can ensure that more children receive the support they need, regardless of their location or circumstances. If you’re considering therapy for your child, exploring online options could be a step towards a brighter, healthier future for them.

Written By: Nicola McCay – Licensed NLP4Kids Practitioner

Childtherapylifford-strabane.NLP4Kids.org

If you would like to know more about my therapeutic online or face-to-face sessions in Strabane –  Lifford, Donegal, please reach out and I will be more than happy to share more information with you.

Email Me: Nicola@NLP4Kids.org

Phone: (+44) 07879601659 (+353) 0873 707433