Online Therapy: Is It Right for You?

Online Therapy, also commonly referred to as virtual therapy, video counseling, teletherapy, and other similar terms, has been increasing in popularity in recent years.

I recently decided to offer online therapy in my counseling practice. After looking at the pros and cons, it made sense to incorporate this option into my counseling services.

For a long time, I was in the camp that thought online therapy was simply not as effective as traditional psychotherapy. The personal touch was missing, I thought. So, I didn’t offer it.

But after doing some research and listening to a number of other therapists talk about its benefits, I gave it the green light.

Wondering if online therapy is right for you? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of traditional in-person therapy versus online therapy…

Your own space. Sitting down in a familiar, comfortable office with your therapist, away from any distractions, can provide a space for you to totally focus.

Subtleties. Your therapist can notice body language, like clenched hands, or nervous foot tapping, things that might clue them in to any incongruence between your words and your feelings.

Personal preference. Some people simply like the feeling of being in the same room with their therapist.

Travel. Commuting to the therapist’s office. In a large metro area with traffic and parking, this takes time.

Anonymity. Although rare, you could bump into someone you know outside your therapist’s office, or even in the waiting room.

Okay, now for the pros and cons of therapy online…

Convenience. This is probably the number one draw of online therapy. Some people have such busy schedules that traveling to and from a therapist’s office is really difficult.

Access. If you live in a rural area with few choices of therapists, sometimes online is the logical choice.

Style. Some people may prefer a bit of "distance" between themselves and their therapist when talking about emotional issues.

Comfort. Some folks prefer the familiarity and comfort of their own home.

Body language. Depending on your therapist’s counseling style, they may miss some non-verbal information.

Privacy. The Internet cannot be guaranteed confidential. For example, a browser window left open after an online session could be seen by a family member.

Crisis issues. Clients who are grieving, feeling suicidal, or have recently experienced a major trauma, would likely need the proximity of their therapist, especially if any additional healthcare professionals are needed.

Modalities. Certain types of therapy simply don’t work as well online. Drama therapy or play therapy with kids, for example, works best with direct interaction between client and therapist.

The Decision: Traditional Therapy or Online Therapy

So... is online therapy right for you?

Is commuting a challenge for you? Do you need to be at home for childcare? Prefer in-person interaction? Take your time to consider all the factors.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some therapists offer a combination of both in-person and online sessions, to fit your schedule.

In summary, the best way to make a decision is to weigh the pros and cons, then have an honest conversation with your prospective therapist. If you both feel online therapy is a good fit, then you might give it try!