Is Teletherapy Right for Me?
Teletherapy has outlasted its pandemic origins due to its unique benefits: convenience, cost, and accessibility, to name a few. However, while teletherapy continues to grow in popularity, there are many clients and professionals who think virtual sessions are a poor substitute for in-person therapy. So, how can you tell if teletherapy is right for you? In this article, we’ll discuss all the pros and cons of virtual therapy you need to know in order to make the right decision for you.
Teletherapy’s many benefits include:
Convenience: no driving, no dressing up (not that you need to dress nice for in-person therapy!), and no braving bad weather conditions.
Cost savings: save on gas, childcare, and potentially out-of-pocket costs.
Accessibility: teletherapy is perfect for those with disabilities that make physically commuting to an office difficult, those in rural areas without a local therapist, or those looking for a specialist not available in their area.
Flexibility: most providers offer more flexible or extended hours for virtual visits. For example, some of our therapists here at AWC offer virtual visits on Saturdays for those who need a weekend appointment.
Anonymity and Confidentiality: some people feel a stigma around seeing a therapist and might be concerned about seeing someone they know at a therapy office. Teletherapy can be a great option to protect your confidentiality.
Comfort: you may find you’re more comfortable talking about difficult topics from the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
Potential drawbacks of teletherapy can include:
Technical difficulties: today’s teletherapy platforms are quite good, but tech failures can still happen and cut into your time with your therapist. Those who are less experienced with technology may be uncomfortable meeting online.
Communication Difficulties: research suggests that only 7% of communication is verbal and that we analyze emotion and meaning mostly using body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. These non-verbals can be harder to decipher virtually, which may present a challenge for both you and your therapist.
Difficulty Assessing Quality: some online therapists draw in clients with excellent websites but fail to deliver the skills and experience to match. When considering a teletherapy-only therapist, look for reviews and license information before booking.
Not Suitable for Serious Conditions: due to the communication challenges teletherapy can create, it is not suitable for people in crisis or experiencing severe symptoms such as active suicidal ideation, psychosis, or mania.
Treatment Modality Limitations: some treatment approaches or modalities such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) require in-person attendance. If you’re interested in a specific modality, ask your potential therapist if it requires you to be seen in-person.
Requires Quiet Space: teletherapy requires you have a quiet, private space to take your appointment. If you don’t have such a space or you are concerned about household members eavesdropping, in-person therapy is probably the better option for you.
As you can see, virtual therapy has many benefits and drawbacks. The good news is that both in-person and teletherapy options are available to you at AWC, and if you find you prefer one modality over the other, our clinicians are flexible and our front desk staff is happy to help you make the change. Teletherapy may not be for everyone, but many people absolutely love it for the convenience and comfort. Looking for a reputable online therapist in Michigan? Give us a call today at (248) 413-5865.
References
The pros and cons of virtual therapy vs. in-person therapy. Reach Behavioural Health. (2022, April 6). https://reachbh.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-virtual-therapy-vs-in-person-therapy/
