Online or in-person: What therapy choice is best for you?

Therapy is a deeply personal thing, being vulnerable with your therapist is very important for progress. To be able to be as open as possible you also need to be as comfortable as possible, whether that’s lying on the couch across from your therapist or in your room talking to your therapist through a laptop. Neither is wrong, but there are pros and cons to both methods and you need to decide which one is best suited for your needs. Some therapists are solely in-person or online, while Lifecare Wellness Counseling offers both online and in-person therapy. Firstly let’s go into the pros and cons of the more traditional method of In-person therapy. 

In-person therapy pros and cons

Pros

Here are a few pros that may benefit your decision for in-person therapy. 

1. You can read your therapist's intent

When you’re in person, you can create a strong connection with your therapist by reading their body language and being in a physical space with them. Being able to read your therapist's body language can help you interpret the tone your therapist is using, helping ease you if you’re anxious. 

2. You’re in a space designated for releasing emotions

Being in a different space, other than your bedroom or living room can break the monotony of familiar surroundings that may stifle your ability to express your feelings openly especially since a therapist’s office is normally curated to be comfortable for sessions. 

 3. Your therapist can provide resources in person and comfort 

If you're feeling overwhelmed, your therapist can more effectively offer comfort by observing your body language and providing resources that may help.

Cons

While there are benefits to in-person therapy here are some of the cons. 

1. You aren’t in your own space

Sometimes being in a different environment out of your comfort zone can lead to even more distress, making it difficult to be fully open in your session.

2. You have to spend resources getting to your appointment

Having to travel to the therapy office can be hard for some mental illnesses or disorders. 

Some examples are individuals who struggle with social anxiety, trauma, or ADHD. 

3. You may run into someone before or after your session when you’re feeling emotional 

There is still a stigma around seeking help and getting therapy, this can be exacerbated by others in the lobby or seeing someone before or after your session. 

Online therapy pros and cons 

Pros

While online therapy is a more recent form of therapy that does not mean it’s not as useful as in-person therapy. Here are some pros that might make you consider online therapy. 

1. You don’t have to travel to your therapy session 

Some individuals struggle with time blindness because of certain disorders for example Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD. Trauma can also cause difficulty traveling. Online therapy reduces the extra step of having to travel, giving you one less thing to stress about. 

2. Being in your own space

If you’re in your own space it may make it easier for you to open up, as you’re in an environment you already feel safe in. This may make it easier for you to open in as you don’t have to adapt to a new space. 

3. Flexibility

Online therapy allows for more flexibility such as attending an appointment even when you’re out of town, or if work runs late and you can only make it home and not to the office. This is important for people with busy schedules. 

Cons

Here are some cons to consider when deciding if you want online therapy.

1. Glitches/lags 

Being able to have a session is reliant on how well your technology and wifi are working that day. 

2. Can feel impersonal

For some people talking through a screen can make you feel like you aren’t truly connecting to the person you’re talking to. Which is very important when talking to your therapist and making progress in your mental health journey. 

3. Some Insurance doesn’t cover online therapy 

It may be difficult to find an online therapist that takes your insurance. 

Both forms of therapy are equally as useful, you have to evaluate which option is best suited for your needs. Whether you need face-to-face interactions to feel comfortable or use your laptop in your bedroom, both are completely valid. If you want to explore therapy options feel free to reach out to Lifecare Wellness Counseling and book an online or in-person therapy appointment.