In-Person Therapy or Virtual Therapy from My Couch?
If you’re hoping to start therapy, you might be considering the advantages of in-person therapy or virtual therapy. Providers actually began providing mental health therapy virtually (via the old fashioned internet, referred to as ‘the telephone’) in the 1960’s. Various messaging or communication systems have been developed to support traditional therapy sessions since then. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, which sometimes feels like it was either last year or 20 years ago, reforms were made to telehealth regulations that made it possible for practitioners to see clients and patients virtually more easily, and for insurance to reimburse similarly to in-person sessions.
Research studies have shown similar efficacy in results for people who participated in in-person and virtual therapy. So… what works?
Therapy at home in pajamas or in-person at the office? Note: You can wear comfy clothes in-person, too.
If you’re hoping to start therapy, you might be considering the advantages of in-person therapy or virtual therapy. Providers actually began providing mental health therapy virtually (via the old fashioned internet, referred to as ‘the telephone’) in the 1960’s. Various messaging or communication systems have been developed to support traditional therapy sessions since then. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, which sometimes feels like it was either last year or 20 years ago, reforms were made to telehealth regulations that made it possible for practitioners to see clients and patients virtually more easily, and for insurance to reimburse similarly to in-person sessions.
Research studies have shown similar efficacy in results for people who participated in in-person and virtual therapy. So… what works?
Virtual therapy can be accessible, convenient, and reduce barriers of time commitments, commuting, and having to change out of sweatpants. It can be easy to take a virtual session in a private office or at home.
Drawbacks may include privacy, technical issues, and ability to focus. Some people have a hard time focusing on a conversation when their cat’s tail is twitching in their face (although I will put seeing pets in the ‘pros’ column myself) or when they’re staring at that pile of laundry that needs to be folded. Thinking about virtual sessions might include being honest with yourself; will you be distracted by other tabs? Looking at incoming emails? You might want to end whatever you’re working on a few minutes before your session so you can close all of the tabs, send out that last email, and find a quiet space. You could also see if your therapist would be alright if you fold laundry while chatting, which can actually be helpful for some folks who don’t love staring at someone on a screen without a break.
In-person sessions can be helpful to get out of your space and into a change of scenery. Therapy offices are (hopefully) uncluttered, calming, and free from distractions. Having therapy in the same room can cue your body and brain to shift into therapy mode. Sometimes, it’s a challenge to make space in your day for therapy, so you could also build in time for a little treat after, like a coffee or a walk (may I suggest the beautiful river path right by our Avondale office?). Some people find it helpful to think through what they’d like to bring up on the way to therapy, and have the commute home to process what was discussed.
Drawbacks for in-person sessions are typically related to time constraints and planning, as well as differences in terms of flexibility in work, school, or parenting schedules (note: you can absolutely bring your baby to a session). Transportation may also be limited, and may determine choosing a therapist with an office by a train stop, bus line, or with available parking.
You could also try out both options and see which works best for you. Many practices will offer hybrid scheduling, and most clinicians are flexible with switching between virtual or in-person sessions. If you’re feeling anxious about beating traffic to get to a session in time, maybe it’s a virtual day for you. Our Chicago offices in Logan Square and Avondale strive to be accessible and welcoming. The key is figuring out where you feel most comfortable, can consistently show up, and feel like you are getting the most out of your counseling sessions.