Which Mode of Counselling Is Best For You? In-person or Online
by Joanna McCormick, Counsellor at Tranquillo Place
The landscape of counselling and psychotherapy has evolved over the last few years. Similarly to many other businesses and professions, you’re now being offered options of in-person or online therapy. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences, needs, and circumstances, as both have their pros and cons.
Here I discuss advantages and benefits of in-person and online counselling so you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of In-Person Counselling
- Personal interaction
In-person therapy allows for face-to-face interaction with your counsellor, which can help establish a stronger connection and build trust. This is known as therapeutic alliance and is proven to strengthen the effectiveness of therapy.
- Nonverbal cues
Meeting in person enables good therapists to pick up on nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, which can provide valuable insights into your feelings and thoughts. The counsellor may be able to help you decode your own emotions based on how your body reacts to topics you discuss.
- Immersive experience
In-person therapy can offer a more immersive experience, as you are physically present in the counselling room. Lessons learned in the therapy room are more readily transferred to real life, such as interpersonal interactions with others in your family/community.
Benefits of Online Therapy
- Convenience
Online therapy allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home, increases your options with scheduling, and often saves time and possibly even money too.
Some clients use the privacy of their parked car to give them a space away from home and office to conveniently increase privacy.
- Accessibility
Online counselling can be more accessible and convenient helping those with mobility issues or disabilities, as clients can attend sessions without the need to travel.
Online therapy may also be great for those with severe anxiety or social phobia. With time they may even become ready and willing to see their counsellor in-person.
- Privacy
Online counselling can provide a greater sense of privacy and anonymity, which may be more important for some clients. If you are concerned about the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, online can offer more privacy.
Online therapy is also useful when you are living in a smaller community – allows for increased privacy and also you have access to a wider choice of counsellors.
Your Choice
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to therapy. Take some time to consider your priorities, needs, and lifestyle to determine which option works best for you.
Sometimes you may be more focussed on choosing the right therapist for your needs and therefore the mode is less important.
What we do know is that more and more people are accessing counselling online as the benefits can outway the disadvantages.
You’re also welcome to change your preferences and swap from in-person to online and vice versa, at any time.
At Tranquillo Place, we offer both modes of counselling so please feel free to discuss your concerns and preferences with us, as we can help guide you in making the right choice.
Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash
