Therapy is generally done in person, but since the rise of Covid, online therapy has been the
alternative. Nowadays, many clinics and therapists offer the option of either in-person or online therapy sessions.
Now you may be wondering, which is the better option for me?
Let’s talk about some of the pros and cons about online vs. in-person therapy that can help you decide:
1. Communication: The most obvious difference between in-person and online therapy is
that one is done in-person, with your therapist sitting across from you, while the other is
through online video chatting programs. One of the differences that may not be as
obvious is that things like body language and facial expressions are another form of
communication that therapists pick up on during in-person therapy. These “non-verbal
cues” may be harder to notice during online therapy as your therapist can’t see your full
body and your camera quality may not be that good either.
2. Convenience: One of the major benefits of online therapy compared to in-person therapy
is accessibility. It may be because your therapist is really far from where you live or that
you’re super busy and don’t have much time, but it’s much quicker and easier to go on
your computer/phone. The convenience may also save you transit time or gas money as
well.
3. Comfort: It may be daunting to sit and talk about your problems with your therapist in
their office, as it may feel intimidating and unfamiliar. On top of that, if you’re someone
who is anxious about going out or someone who gets anxious talking to others, staying in
the comfort of your own home during therapy may help ease your discomfort. While on
the other hand, you may prefer going in-person because you feel more comfortable
talking face-to-face or being in a different environment rather than your own home.
4. Confidentiality: Privacy is one of the most important things in therapy as therapists
follow very strict rules to keep information private when it comes to their patients. Online
therapy is conducted on protected apps and websites so that your therapy session is not
shared with others. While in-person therapy is conducted in private offices where your
session won’t be listened in and without interruption. It depends on your living situation,
but in-person therapy may work better for you if you want more of a private space if you
live with other people.
Ultimately, there is no one right answer, but with some more information from these
considerations, it can help you make a decision whether online therapy or in-person therapy is better for you.
If you're interested in learning more about online or in person therapy, go to www.georgetowncouplestherapy.com. We offer both options to meet your needs.
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