Online Therapy vs In Person Therapy

Recently, you’ve accepted that you or someone you love needs therapy. It can be a scary, vulnerable thing. The thought of opening up to someone you don’t know. Telling someone your life story, your traumas, your secrets. However, you’re prepared to work on these things. 

Determined to get some support, you may ask yourself the difference between online therapy and in person therapy. What are the pros and cons to each? Which form of therapy would be best for me? 

Regardless of the form of therapy, your therapist will be there for you. You are still just as able to form connections with them online as you would in-person. 

man having online therapy for anxiety therapy near Thousand Oaks, ca, 91320

With today’s world going digital, you may find it convenient to hold therapy online. Or, you may be tired of being on an electronic device. It’s all up to your discretion!

There are a few things to consider when it comes to therapy. By laying everything out, you can see which platform would work best for you.

Consider reading about the different types of therapists. We wrote about what it means to be an AMFT as well as child psychologist! 

Searching for a therapist near Thousand Oaks, Ca, can feel difficult – but it doesn’t have to be!

Read about the first steps to take when starting anxiety therapy.

What does your schedule look like?

On a typical day in your life, consider what your schedule looks like. Do you have gaps throughout your day? Maybe you work in the mornings to afternoons and have evenings open. Or, it’s the other way around.

teen for in person therapy for depression anxiety and failing school near Thousand Oaks, ca, 91320

If your schedule is relatively open and flexible, you would have more time to be commuting from wherever you are to your therapist office. It’s important to consider travel times to ensure you are not late or missing an appointment.

If your schedule is more tight, online therapy would be a better option for you. If you are balancing school, work, family, or social life, it can be hard to put therapy in there.

With the therapists you’re interested in, consider the commute, traffic, and how much time that leaves you for other tasks. Maybe therapists over sessions virtually early in the morning or late at night. If you have time during the day, therapists have sessions in-person in the afternoon times.

Do you have an electronic device?

In order to have online therapy, you will (obviously) need an electronic device. Computers or laptops are preferred for this as they provide a larger screen. They may also be easier to navigate if you are on a video platform. 

You can also do online therapy through your cell phone or a tablet. Although it is not recommended, it is possible. It’s best to have a larger screen so you can see the full picture of the therapist. 

As long as you have a stable internet connection, online therapy can be very convenient for you. You can curl up anywhere you desire with your electronic device. 

woman happy to meet with therapist specializing in anxiety over online therapy near Thousand Oaks, ca, 91320

However, if you find yourself to not be that tech savvy, online therapy may be complicated for you as you have to obtain the link to join the video, turn your camera and microphone on, and understand how to operate the call. 

Nevertheless, your therapist would be more than happy to run through a tutorial with you and help you gain a better understanding! However, if it’s too time consuming or overwhelming, it’s best to stick to in person sessions.

Did you know that regardless of therapy being online or in person, you can still make solid connections with your therapist?

How do you see yourself in therapy?

Therapy can leave us feeling really good about ourselves, or leaving the session processing pain. How do you see yourself in therapy?

Some people find it nice to have a structured routine towards getting ready and driving over for their session. They like being presentable, taking the time to look nice, and treating therapy as a special occasion. It makes them feel good to prepare themselves and schedule their day around therapy.

male therapist holding in person sessions for depression and anxiety near Thousand Oaks, ca, 91320

On the other hand, some people find it comforting to have convenience in online therapy. They find comfort in being able to hold therapy in their personal, safe space. Having a session in comfortable clothing or pajamas is relaxing to them and they feel more like themselves. They like that they can hop off the computer and immediately start practicing self care after the session. 

Depending on how you see yourself in therapy, you can get a sense of what you would prefer more. At the end of the day, no platform is truly better than the other; it’s just up to your personal preference. 

In online anxiety therapy near Thousand Oaks, Ca, therapists can provide you the support you need from wherever you are.

It can feel difficult or overwhelming to make a decision on therapy. Due to the current climate of the pandemic, most therapists are not seeing clients in-person at this time. 

Going out of your comfort zone can feel stressful. If you are really wanting in-person sessions, but only online therapy sessions are available, that can be frustrating. It’s not exactly what you wanted. You know you are wanting therapy, but have come across this roadblock.

The same could go for you if you are looking for online therapy only, and the therapist is only taking patients in-person. This can be challenging, and require you to weigh the pros and cons.

At the end of the day, the therapist’s main goal is to support you. Encourage you to be your best self. Whatever platform you choose, your therapist will do their absolute best to make it a worthwhile experience. 

female therapist holding in person sessions for anxiety and depression near Thousand Oaks, ca, 91320

Learn more about Simi Psychological Group today!

Now Offering Online Therapy in Los Angeles and Online Counseling Ventura County 
At our therapy practice in Simi Valley, Ca we offer Child therapy and family counseling, Teen therapy, Anxiety Treatment, Depression Therapy, Marriage Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing.

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