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Choosing between online and offline therapy can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve gathered insights from eight professionals, including psychotherapists and a Clinical Director. These experts share their top considerations, from considering the therapeutic benefits of in-person therapy to weighing the limitations of online trauma treatment.
- Consider Therapeutic Benefits of In-Person Therapy
- Evaluate Ease of Scheduling and Regularity
- Reflect on Personal Inclinations and Reasons
- Prioritize Comfort and Openness in Therapy
- Assess Privacy and Emotional Connection
- Factor in Vulnerability and Non-Verbal Cues
- Choose Based on Comfort and Openness
- Weigh Limitations of Online Trauma Treatment
1. Consider the Therapeutic Benefits of In-Person Therapy
When choosing between in-person and virtual therapy, there are many differences that you should take into consideration. The major advantage of in-person therapy is the therapeutic benefits of disconnecting from your daily life.
In a face-to-face setting, you are in a safe environment that allows you to focus solely on your psyche. There is added value in expressing yourself with body language, social cues, and energy. The exclusion of technology and your home environment allows you to be present without distractions that can disrupt the therapy flow.
In my experience, in-person therapy is more effective as you benefit from a full, well-rounded therapeutic experience.
Shira Hon-Lahav, Psychoanalyst and Creative Arts Therapist, Peace of Mind PLLC
2. Evaluate Ease of Scheduling and Regularity
Commitment to regular meetings with your clinician is crucial for developing a solid therapeutic alliance when starting or restarting your therapy journey. “Scheduling therapy is not meant to be stressful—you have enough stress already.” is common advice.
When considering online or offline therapy, it’s essential to consider what will best fit your schedule and eliminate logistical stress. Privacy access, work schedule, and transit time should be considered. Ensuring you can log in or arrive at your sessions on time, without friction, and with privacy is essential.
Hannah Blustein, Psychotherapist
3. Reflect on Personal Inclinations and Reasons
When choosing between online or in-person therapy, your mind automatically seems more inclined to one.
For example, you might find online therapy immediately more appealing because of the ability to cut out time spent commuting, but perhaps also because there seems to be less anxiety involved. You might also prefer in-person therapy because something about being physically near someone creates a more meaningful environment for you.
Whatever the reasons, it is important to be honest with yourself about what they are; this may allow you to recognize which reasons you find are helpful (i.e., cutting out gas money spent commuting) and which might be unhelpful (i.e., avoiding the discomfort of entering into a vulnerable physical space).
Jotting all these reasons out on paper might help you see them differently and make a more earnest decision than simply “going with your gut.”
Steven Hryniewicz, Therapist, Pax Therapy Solutions, LLC
4. Prioritize Comfort and Openness in Therapy
One key factor to weigh is your comfort and openness, as the efficacy of therapy, be it online or offline, is significantly influenced by how at ease one feels in sharing their intimate thoughts and struggles.
For example, some may find the anonymity of online platforms liberating, allowing them to be more open. Others will find a sense of safety and connection from the physical presence of a therapist. I often suggest reflecting on past experiences and considering where they felt the most comfortable, heard and understood.
This introspection can help make a choice that aligns with their emotional and psychological needs, ultimately improving their therapy’s effectiveness.
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
5. Assess Privacy and Emotional Connection
Virtual therapy being an option nowadays is an incredible thing. It’s making it more accessible to people, and anything that can offer mental health services to more communities gets a gold star in my book. Realistically, though, there are both pros and cons with online therapy, just like there are pros and cons for offline therapy.
The biggest thing is privacy. Do you have a space where you can freely talk and feel your emotions without worrying someone is listening? Another thing to consider is the therapeutic relationship. Are you able to connect emotionally with your therapist virtually?
If your answers to those questions are yes, online therapy is a great option. If you are worried about privacy and connection building, in-person therapy may be better. Both options are fantastic, and accessibility matters too. So, when it comes down to it, ask yourself, “Which option will benefit me the most?”
Allie Wojcik, Mental Health Therapist, Diversified Health and Wellness Center
6. Factor in Vulnerability and Non-Verbal Cues
One thing to consider when choosing between online and offline therapy is comfort level. This refers to whether you are willing and able to be vulnerable and slightly uncomfortable when you come to a provider’s office.
It’s often easy to “hide” behind a computer screen and present as guarded and distracted online. When meeting with a therapist in person, there is more vulnerability more opportunity for connection, and the therapist can read your non-verbal language cues. This can be difficult to do when only seeing your head and shoulders on an online platform.
Both types of therapy are proven to be effective, but if you want to maybe push yourself even further, consider some in-person appointments.
Amanda Marks, Psychotherapist, Resilient Counseling
7. Choose Based on Comfort and Openness
When choosing between online and in-person therapy, consider which option allows you to feel comfortable opening up. In-office sessions provide a focused, confidential setting that some find productive. Others appreciate the accessibility and comfort of virtual sessions from home. With video chat, nonverbal cues can often be picked up online.
Also, factor in your personal space – an office might be better without a calm area at home. There is no universally right choice. Find a therapist you trust, then decide if virtual or in-person sessions suit your needs. The goal is choosing the setting where you feel at ease being vulnerable with that provider. Opt for the format that fits your style so you fully benefit from and connect with your therapist.
Mona Kirstein, Ph.D., Digital Strategist, Holistic Coach and Consultant, The Wholehearted Path
8. Weigh Limitations of Online Trauma Treatment
Advanced models of trauma treatment can be challenging or impossible to conduct online. For instance, when using brain spotting, it’s often necessary to point out changes in a client’s posture or movements in their extremities. These details, which the client may need to be made aware of, could be missed in an online setting. Therapies such as brainspotting, ETT, parts-based, and experiential therapies are difficult to conduct online. However, finding specialists trained in these modalities can also be challenging, making remote work a potentially viable option.
If considering online therapy, finding a small local business where you can speak with the therapist beforehand may be beneficial. Ensure they accept your insurance and do not require you to commit to caring “packages”.
Joel Blackstock, Clinical Director, Taproot Therapy Collective
Expert Tips: Navigating the Realm of Therapy Choices
The choice between online and offline therapy is far from black and white. Here are some expert tips to steer you through this decision-making maze:
- Convenience vs. Depth: Consider your lifestyle and preferences. Online therapy offers flexibility, but traditional face-to-face sessions often provide a deeper emotional connection.
- Trial and Error: Don’t be afraid to try both formats to see which feels more comfortable. Some therapists even offer hybrid models, combining online and offline sessions.
- Privacy Checks: Make sure you have a private space for online therapy. Lack of privacy can hinder emotional expression and hamper your progress.
- Vulnerability Factor: Gauge how vulnerable you can be in each setting. Offline therapy may push you out of your comfort zone, enabling growth.
- Non-Verbal Cues: If you feel that non-verbal cues are vital for your therapeutic journey, traditional therapy might be the better choice.
Our Analysis and Tips: A Balanced Perspective
The modern age allows us the luxury of choice, and therapy is no exception. But with choice comes the responsibility to make informed decisions. Here are our pointers:
- Pacing Over Place: Ultimately, therapy is a personal journey. The pace at which you’re comfortable opening up matters most, whether online or offline.
- Tailored Needs: If you have specific needs like trauma treatment, you might need specialized in-person methods. However, online therapy can be a good starting point if specialty treatments are hard to find in your area.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: While offline therapy might offer a fuller experience, online therapy can be more cost-effective and accessible.
- Logistical Ease: Online therapy can be a lifesaver if you have a busy life or if traveling is cumbersome. However, don’t discount the importance of the therapeutic environment. Some issues may be better tackled in the safe space of a therapist’s office.
- Community Input: Sometimes, it helps to hear from others who have faced the same choice. Online forums or community groups can offer insights into what to expect from each format.
The choice between online and offline therapy should be about maximizing the benefits while acknowledging and mitigating the limitations. Consider your individual needs, circumstances, and preferences. After all, therapy is about you.
Jacob Maslow
After surviving the traumatizing events of 9/11, I took it upon myself to heal through helping others. I’m the primary caregiver of my children and understand from first-hand experience the lonely paths you have to walk as a partner and parent when leaving an unhealthy relationship.
We’re all echoing in a dark space that doesn’t have to be this empty, and that’s been my mission since finding solace and recovery in therapy: To help comfort others who are still in shock and at the prime of their struggle.
I came across BetterHelp after searching for this type of community. I wanted to belong to a body of proactive therapists and supportive therapy veterans that allowed me to see other sides of the story.
It was unconventional, and that’s what attracted me most. During my most challenging times, when my ex-wife completely cut me off from my children, I found comfort and clarity through BetterHelp.
Instead of being chained to a strict therapist recommendation, I was in charge of who I felt understood my struggle most. That allowed me to find my true peace, as I was reunited with those who read behind my words and had first-hand experience with my trauma.
Recovery is a choice; with BetterHelp, that choice will be a few clicks away. You can join their couples-oriented platform, Regain.us, for those stuck with family estrangement and toxic relationship patterns.
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