Is online therapy as good as in-person?

​I have been working online (via Zoom or Teams) since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in early 2020. I continue to offer online therapy because I have seen it work.

Many clients who I have never met physically in a room have had extremely positive outcomes from our sessions together. Below are some of the benefits and things that need consideration before starting. 

Benefits 

Flexibility: Not only does it save you travel time to and from my therapy room, I am also able to offer more flexible session times. This means that it is easier to fit therapy in around your lifestyle, working hours and other commitments. 

Comfort: Many people like to - or indeed need to - be able to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes or other private space. 
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Opening up: Some people feel more able to talk about things they are finding difficult when they are online or on the telephone. There can be a sense of safety and security which enables some people to open up more easily than when sitting in the same room together. I will always take care to ensure that you are feeling safe and contained in our sessions together.

Things to consider

​Privacy: It is important that you are able join your online therapy sessions from somewhere quiet and private, where you can speak freely without interruption. 

Technology: A reliable, good quality wifi connection is important to ensure that our work together is not interrupted by technical difficulties. Your device (phone / laptop / tablet), will need to be on a stable, flat surface so that you can sit comfortably without needing to hold it. If you are unfamiliar with using Zoom or Teams I am happy to run through the technology together before our sessions start. 

Alternative tech / phone: Despite all best efforts, sometimes technology can let us down. We will agree in advance what to do should this happen. I will always offer to continue the session on another device or by phone if possible.