In-person vs Online/Tele Therapy or Counselling

Reasons for In-Person Therapy or Counselling:

Getting Out of the House

Maybe we are someone who likes to get out, to spend time in different places physically. To go for a walk. To interact with people on the street. Maybe we like to see people out and about, to smile at people, to make eye contact and engage with others.The decision of in-person versus online or teletherapy has shifted a lot in the last 5 years. The pandemic obviously has influenced that discussion. Personally, as a client of therapy myself I prefer online therapy for my one-on-one sessions, for group work I like both online and in-person depending on nature of the experience, the group and the facilitator of the work. How we are supported with our mental and emotional challenges is a very personal one. I thought I would create a video on some of the considerations.

For those who prefer a written article I have laid out the basics of what I talk about below.

Reasons for In-Person Therapy or Counselling:

Getting Out of the House

Not on a Screen

We might need a break from being on our screens all day. If we work on the screen for work, or we spend time on screens with our family’s watching TV or things on the internet, it can be nice for a change. We are zoomed or Microsoft team’s out.

Preference for seeing someone face to face

For many of us we like the experience of being in another’s person’s physical presence.

Somatic Feel or Experience of In-Person

Some therapists like myself work in a way where we explore how things feel in the body. This is called Somatic based therapy or counselling. Somatic therapy actually works very well online but it is a little different in-person and some prefer that. As a part of the way that Somatic counsellors often work is becoming more aware of and working with the nervous system. For some it’s easier or more naturally to do that exploration face to face in-person.

Privacy Considerations – Not everyone has privacy at home or in the Office

Maybe we won’t have full privacy at home. Maybe there are kids there, or our partners or roommates are there. Counselling how I practice it can feel very vulnerable and private for some. Some clients might not feel 100% comfortable opening up if they know other people are in the other room.

Social Interaction

Being out in the world in the world being around or in the vicinity of other people can be good practice for some people. More and more people work from home, they have their groceries delivered right to their door, so they might be missing those small moments of connection and interaction with people.

Technology Limitations – Internet Outages, Software Updates, Camera/Mic Issues

Ask wonderful and reliable as technology has become there are times when it doesn’t work when we need it to. The internet and power grid have outages. Our microphones or cameras won’t connect to zoom from time to time.

Reasons for Online Counselling or Therapy

More Flexibility in Booking Availability

This can be beneficial for busy individuals or those with unpredictable schedules. Many therapists are able to offer more availability for clients to book online than they can in-person. For many clients they are able to fit in a session online more easily than if they had to go into a physical office.

Easier on the Nervous System

For some people online therapy is easier on their nervous system than being face-to-face with someone, especially when therapy is beginning. The screen gives a little more psychological space for safety to be created. The nervous system might be able to settle more easily, allowing for certain relationally or somatic work to be done more quickly.

Comfort of your Own Home or Space

Similar to the last point, being in our own comfortable space can be a benefit for some people. It can provide extra emotional safety in the nervous system.

Save Time – No Travel Time

Online sessions can save time since there is no travel time involved. As mentioned before, this might allow you to fit in a much-needed session when you are busy.

Save Money

This can also save you money on travel expenses. As the saying goes “time is money”

Almost the Same Experience – For many Including myself

What I, and many of my clients have found. Online therapy can be the same in nearly identical to in-person counselling. It’s a subjective experience but I have little to no difference for my own therapy.

Allows More Choice in your Therapist

When you aren’t tied to a physical location it opens up your choices when it comes to finding a great therapist. Teletherapy can be great for those in smaller towns who might have limited options in local therapists. This opens up your options with the type of therapy or therapist you can work with.

Easier for Therapist to Share New Resources – Zoom’s screen/sound sharing

Technology offers some great options with screen and sound sharing. I often will share a visual diagram as I explain a concept or idea with a client. For visual learners this can be really helpful. I also like to play certain music during certain moments of therapy. Online counselling makes that very natural and fluid.

Continue Therapy while Travelling

Teletherapy can be experience anywhere that has a decent internet connection. You can get the support of a session while traveling for work, or when you are on vacation. It enables you to have your needs met more consistently.

Anonymity or Privacy

Online therapy can provide a greater sense of anonymity or privacy for individuals who may feel uncomfortable disclosing personal information in a face-to-face setting. There isn’t a chance you run into someone you know, on your way or from the counselling office.

Here is a link to article (and video) I created on some important considerations when choosing a therapist or counsellor.