The Dark Side of Online Therapy

Are You Being Exploited?

The rise of online therapy has been a boon for many, offering accessible and convenient mental health support. However, a disturbing trend is emerging within some online therapy portals, raising serious ethical concerns and putting vulnerable individuals at risk. While these platforms often present a facade of care and support, the reality behind the scenes can be far more sinister.

Profiting from Vulnerability:

Reports are surfacing that some online therapy businesses are prioritising profit over patient well-being. Therapists working for some of these platforms are allegedly pressured to keep clients in long-term therapy, regardless of individual needs or progress. This pressure manifests in several alarming ways:

• Mandatory Weekly Sessions: Therapists are instructed to ensure every client attends at least one session per week, regardless of whether it’s clinically necessary.
• Double-Booking Coercion: Missed sessions aren’t simply rescheduled; clients are urged to book two sessions the following week.
• Fear-Mongering Tactics: Clients are warned that missed appointments could lead to “relapse,” a tactic designed to instill fear and perpetuate dependency on the platform.
• Prolonged Therapy: Therapists are expected to keep clients engaged for months, even years, despite the fact that many therapy approaches can achieve positive outcomes in a significantly shorter timeframe.

This pressure on therapists to maximise client retention paints a worrying picture. It suggests a sociopathic attitude, preying on vulnerable individuals seeking help, for the sole purpose of financial gain.

Protect Yourself: Navigating the Online Therapy Landscape:

While online therapy can be incredibly beneficial, it’s crucial to be vigilant and protect yourself from potentially exploitative practices. Here’s how:

• Verify Therapist Credentials: This is paramount. Before engaging with any therapist, online or offline, meticulously check their credentials. Ensure they are registered with a recognised and reputable professional organisation. In the UK, look for registration with bodies such as:
• The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• The British Psychological Society (BPS)
• The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
• The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The British Hypnotherapy Society
• The General Hypnotherapy Register
• The Hypnotherapy Association
• Question Unregulated Portals: Be wary of platforms that don’t explicitly require or verify therapist registration with these established bodies. Consider whether booking directly with a registered therapist or through a recognised association offers a safer and more ethical route.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Be wary of therapists who push you to attend more sessions than you feel are necessary, or who use fear-based tactics to keep you engaged.
• Seek Second Opinions: Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another therapist if you have concerns about the treatment you’re receiving.

The Ethical Imperative:

The primary focus of therapy should always be the well-being of the client. By prioritising profit over ethical practice, these exploitative online therapy portals are undermining the trust and integrity of the mental health profession. It’s essential that both therapists and clients are aware of these potential pitfalls and take steps to protect themselves.

By being informed, vigilant, and demanding ethical practice, we can ensure that online therapy remains a valuable resource for those who need it, rather than a vehicle for exploitation.