In-person Therapy vs Remote Therapy
By Rachael Benson
With the advance of technology within the past couple of years, it’s now possible to get connected with your therapist outside of the office. This means that you can choose between in-person therapy or remote therapy. Whether you want to stick to the traditional approach or try the new modern method is up to you. To help you determine which type would best suit your mental health needs, let’s take a deeper look into the two.
The primary benefit of in-person therapy is how it provides a deeper connection between you and your therapist. When engaging in face-to-face conversation with a therapist, they need to be able to read your non-verbal cues, engage in rapport-building discussions with you, and provide tailored interventions based on your needs. In-person therapy is typically the ideal therapy setting for most people due to its great benefits. Therefore, it’s highly recommended by many professionals in the mental health care field.
When In-person Therapy Is Required
Some specific types of therapy like art therapy, group therapy, couple’s therapy, or equine therapy require in-person interaction work at all. Depending on your unique situation, you may need in-person therapy or you may be able to choose between the two based on your personal preference. If you have the flexibility to choose, trying a hybrid approach of both in-person therapy and remote therapy can sometimes create a good sense of balance in your life.
In-person therapy is often needed for people who struggle with mental health problems such as:
Suicidal ideation
Drug or alcohol addictions
Self-harm
Moderate to severe OCD
Moderate to severe PTSD
Personality disorders
Somatic disorders
Eating disorders
Therapists often need to use in-office tools to help their clients through more severe mental health struggles. Therefore, in-person therapy is sometimes required for people who are in certain critical, high-risk situations. If you are unsure where your issues lie on the spectrum of severity, it is recommended to start with in-person therapy first before transitioning strictly to remote therapy.
Unlike remote therapy, where it is recommended that clients be at least 12 years old, there is no specified age requirement for in-person therapy. That means children can benefit from in-person therapy if they are experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral problems.
The Flexibility In Remote Therapy
On the other hand, remote therapy offers the ability to maintain a flexible schedule and limit logistical challenges that would otherwise hold you back. These advantages often make remote therapy appealing to a large audience of people who are 12 years old or older. This includes students who need flexibility with their demanding class schedules, busy parents who raise young children, and career-focused professionals who travel often for work. No matter what lifestyle you may lead, you can still meet with a professional therapist and benefit from remote therapy.
Remote therapy also provides a greater sense of emotional safety because it allows you the freedom to meet with your therapist in the comfort of your own home or another chosen place of refuge. For people who struggle with extreme social anxiety or severe PTSD, remote therapy can be a great alternative to traditional in-person therapy for those struggling to find a good therapist.
People can greatly benefit from remote therapy if they struggle with mental health problems such as:
Mild to moderate depression
Mild to moderate anxiety
Low-level PTSD
Social anxieties
Mild OCD
Sexual issues
Relationship conflicts
Family issues
In other words, remote therapy could help you significantly if your mental health challenges are less severe and able to be processed without the need for in-office tools.
Tech Savvy or Not Remote Therapy Is For Everyone
Some types of therapy utilize tools that can be accessed both in person and remotely such as EMDR therapy. With the traditional approach of in-person EMDR therapy, therapists will often use a light bar to engage with their clients during their therapy sessions. For remote EMDR therapy, therapists often provide online EMDR software to their clients through a computer. Both approaches are effective in meeting the needs of clients regardless of location.
You don’t have to be a computer genius to do remote therapy. You simply need to have a computer, WiFi, electricity, and an email address. When preparing for a remote therapy session it is important to check that you have a strong internet connection, a quiet background, and personal privacy. This will help you remain present during your therapy session so you can get the most out of your experience.
If you are considering trying out remote therapy, it is best to enter your first session with an open mindset. Trusting the process is key to seeing progress while you are on your journey to better your mental health. Communicate your concerns with your therapist and collaborate with them to set goals that will help you improve your health in mind, body, and spirit.
