About 5 months ago now, I wrote a blog exploring the new rise in virtual therapy, not realizing how long this pandemic would force us to continue to see client’s virtually. Now, 5 months in… I am getting to live in a new reality in which, virtual therapy is here to stay and has quite a few benefits I was not prepared. Whether you’re contemplating starting therapy, going back to therapy, or are currently in virtual therapy wondering what it’s like as opposed to in person; I have created a list below of the many benefits I have found, from a therapist’s perspective in these past few months.
- It is convenient. Alright, we may all have noticed that working from home is pretty convenient by now, but as a therapist I am able to see client’s who aren’t rushing through traffic to make it to my office on their lunch break or after work. The convenience gives a new sense of ease that can often breed a more grounded baseline for clients to transition to being more present in our session. Instead of needing to spend the first 10 minutes of our sessions decompressing, client’s are often already centered.
- Many client’s are more at home in their own space. There is something a little less vulnerable (whether that is always a good thing, is for another blog) about doing therapy from the safety of your own home. It takes quite a bit of courage to show up mentally, emotionally, and physically to the therapy space. Taking that last factor out of the equation for many clients has allowed them to feel a little more comfortable and created safety to dig a little deeper in our work together, therefore I have seen a lot of client’s make marked progress towards their goals during this strange season.
- Meeting virtually removes some road blocks to therapy. It is not uncommon for some client’s have a certain sense of “dread” when it comes to showing up for a session. Often, when we are in that headspace, our minds do a good job at coming up with the many convenient reasons as to why we shouldn’t show up. Whether its work, traffic, etc., I have noticed a many client’s holding themselves a little more accountable to making sure they make their virtual appointments.
- Lastly, I think a little enhancement of the therapeutic connection is being able to see client’s in their own space. There is something connecting about being able to “meet” a client’s pet or see their home.
All this to say, I have been pleasantly surprised by how teletherapy has affected many of my clients and hope this offers a little insight (and a dose of courage) for anyone contemplating trying it themselves.