Online Counseling vs. In Person Counseling
You’ve been considering therapy, but you aren’t sure if you’d rather be in person or if you’d rather do counseling from home or on the go. Let’s take a look at some benefits and perhaps some risks to help you decide what is best for you!
Benefits of Online Counseling
Comfort of your own home! Online counseling really became increasingly popular when COVID first came through. More and more people were at home for work and/or were quarantined. Which meant - counselors needed to figure out a better way to serve people. As time has went on, more and more people have taken advantage of online counseling and benefited from seeing a therapist from their own couch, bed, kitchen, etc.
Can do anywhere and anytime. Online counseling (also referred to as telehealth, teletherapy, etc.) allows more flexibility for both you and the therapist. Are you going on vacation, but still want to have a therapy appointment? No problem.
Also, some counselors open up their schedules for later and/or earlier appointments if they are working from home as well!Getting the same results. One of the most controversial points that have been made about online counseling is that it “isn’t as effective.” From a personal standpoint, I have participated in online counseling, online coaching, and I assure you I still am getting benefit and still experiencing results. I also have provided online counseling for individuals and with much success. You still will get results even for online therapy!
Wear whatever you want (just make sure you’re dressed). When COVID was happening, I saw a lot of memes about therapists being “business on top” and “casual on bottom,” and it was true for therapists, but it was also true for clients! As a client, you are able to wear your pj’s or baggy sweats, or whatever you feel comfortable in. Which, truthfully, we don’t mind you dressing however you want when you come into the office, but I know it can feel more comfortable doing so online vs. in person.
Use your phone or laptop. You are able to use a phone or your laptop for online therapy. I think there was this idea that you had to have a laptop for telehealth, but truthfully, many of my telehealth clients will use their phone. It helps to make it easier and more convenient for them!
Risks to Online Counseling
Don’t get the in person interaction. This was a negative, I will admit, that has happened for some in regards to only participating in online counseling. Especially when we were quarantined. How nice it would feel to get out and socialize. AND this doesn’t have to impact your therapeutic relationship. You still can have a healthy, positive therapeutic relationship.
Distractions are easier. When you are at home and participating in counseling it may be more tempting to be multi-tasking. It’s encouraged that you set aside the time for counseling, just as you would going into the office. (benefit I forgot to mention - less drive time, traffic time, less time out of your day/routine if participate in online counseling)
Benefits for In Person Counseling compared to Online
Simply put - you’re in person. Some people do prefer to be in person rather than online. They want the more personable interaction and it can feel different compared to online therapy.
Some therapeutic techniques are easier in person versus online. The first example that comes to mind is EMDR. EMDR therapy can be done more easily in person vs. online. Although, it is still possible with the right EMDR therapist! And they now have different portals for EMDR therapists to use to more effectively provide EMDR therapy online.
Getting out of your house, office, etc. Having in person counseling can give you an excuse to get out of the house, the office, etc. and give you an opportunity to socialize more.
Summary: Which is right for you?
To summarize, there really isn’t a “right” or “wrong” when it comes to participating in online counseling vs. in person counseling.
Some people may prefer one over the other, and there are some who are indifferent. It may also come down to time and what is more applicable for your life right now!
There may also be an option for you to try both! Some therapists who are in office, also provide telehealth counseling as well.
I know for myself, as a therapist with my clients, I have some clients who primarily come into office, but if they aren’t feeling well or are rushed for time, they may reach out and ask if they can see me virtually rather than coming into the office. I also have clients who prefer to participate only online (and I have clients who are in other parts of the state, so we only do online). I also have had clients who are in other parts of the state that do online, but have came into town for EMDR intensives, then went back to online after we completed some more intensive work.
Simply put, you have the power to choose what is best for you!
