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From appointment request to closure: the whole process
How Does Online Therapy Work?
Online therapy is not a vague 'video chat', it is a structured clinical process involving assessment, goal-setting, method, and measurable progress. This page explains the process step by step.
The process works in four steps: (1) an appointment request by form or email, (2) an initial conversation in which your concerns and suitability for online work are assessed, (3) regular 50-minute sessions using a method chosen to fit your goal (CBT, EMDR, EFT, schema or psychodynamic therapy), (4) a review of progress and a planned conclusion.
1. Appointment request and initial information
You can submit a request using the form on the Appointment page or by email. At this stage you do not need to share detailed health information; your name, a reachable email address, and a sentence or two summarising your reason for reaching out are enough. Available time slots and the link for the conversation are then sent by email.
2. Initial intake conversation
The first conversation is more a mutual assessment than a 'therapy session': we discuss the history of your concerns, their impact on daily life, what you have already tried, any risk factors, and your expectations. Equally important is whether your situation is suitable for online work: in cases such as an acute crisis, you will be referred to the appropriate level of care within the Dutch system (huisarts, GGZ, crisis service). At the end of the conversation, the proposed plan of work is shared clearly; the decision to proceed is yours.
3. Goal and method
The method is chosen based on the underlying mechanism rather than the diagnosis alone: for anxiety maintained by avoidance, exposure-based CBT; for trauma presentations where unprocessed memories are triggered, EMDR; for recurring relationship patterns, EFT and systemic work; for chronic patterns maintained by early schemas, a schema or psychodynamic approach. Goals are defined concretely (not 'feeling better', but for example 'driving again, something I've been putting off because of panic') and progress is reviewed together at regular intervals.
4. Session structure and technical setup
A standard session lasts 50 minutes; a weekly frequency is recommended at the start. Conversations take place over a secure, encrypted video connection and are not recorded. For a productive session, all you need is headphones, a stable internet connection, a room where you can be alone, and your phone on silent. If privacy at home is hard to find, practical solutions such as sitting in the car or using an empty office after working hours often work well.
5. Progress and closure
Therapy is not an open-ended subscription. Progress toward the goals is reviewed at set intervals; a method that isn't working is adjusted, session frequency is reduced once the goal is reached, and the process is concluded in a planned way. Single follow-up sessions are possible if needed.
Limits of the online format
An honest framework also names its limits: active suicide risk, psychotic presentations, severe substance use, and situations requiring intensive care are not suitable for online practice. In these cases, our task is to quickly guide you to the right level of care within the Dutch system; this too is part of the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions does it take?
It depends on the concern: focused work on a well-defined goal can bring results within 8 to 15 sessions; chronic concerns or work at the level of long-standing patterns take longer. A realistic estimate is shared during the first conversation.
Do I have to turn my camera on?
Video is preferred for the therapeutic relationship and non-verbal cues; in situations with good reason, a temporary audio-only conversation can be discussed.
Where can I join a session from?
From the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, or almost anywhere else in Europe; from any place where you can be quiet and alone.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Online EMDR uses on-screen tools to guide eye movements and alternative forms of bilateral stimulation; the body of research supporting its effectiveness continues to grow.
Clinical limits and emergency notice
This page is intended for general information purposes only. No diagnosis is made and no individual treatment advice is given through this website. In the event of an acute crisis, risk of self-harm, or a safety threat, please contact 112, your general practitioner (huisarts), or the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) in the Netherlands. The 113 Suicide Prevention helpline (113 Zelfmoordpreventie, 0800-0113) is available to talk to day and night.