In Person or online, or both?

When it comes to counselling, in person or online, there are pros and cons to both.

Online is convenient and accessible. But others say it misses the personal touch of face-to-face sessions. In-person therapy offers immediate feedback and a stronger connection, but it may not be as convenient.

Here are some general pros of online working to help you think this through.  There will be others and each of us will have a view on what is right.

1. Accessibility: Those of us who may have limited access to mental health services (rural/remote areas or limited mobility) can get the care we need.
2. Intensity: Online offers a different kind of listening.  Our reduced senses become sharpened and more acute. You will feel more listened to and will listen more closely .
3. Convenience: You join from the comfort of your home, no travel time, no travel stress and no costs of commuting. 
4. Flexibility: Makes it easier for those of us with busy schedules to get the help we need. Many professionals may be more willing to meet at different times week on week, when online. It works better with different shift patterns and travel. Counsellors are less restricted by room availability.
5. Anonymity: Online therapy can feel more anonymous, so reducing any stigma we may feel about requesting help for our mental health. It can actually encourage more people to seek help. We are less likely to bump into someone we know in the waiting room. Or on the way in or out of the therapy practice. Also if our therapist is not local, it is unlikely that we would bump into them outside of the sessions. It is a safe space. 
6. Comfort: The idea of working with a counsellor might feel scary. You might find it easier to open up about personal issues in the familiar and safe environment of your own home. You also have the option of turning off the camera if that feels better.
7. Availability of Therapists: You can get greater access to counsellors and therapists working in specialist areas or offering specialist services not available locally.
8. Lower Costs: We pay less than in-person therapy as we have no travel costs and no travel time.
9. Consistency: With the flexibility of online therapy, we may be less likely to miss sessions. This leads to better, consistent, effective work.
10. Ease for Technologically Savvy Clients: Nowadays many of us are more comfortable with digital communication. Online therapy can feel more natural and engaging to us.

Despite its advantages, online therapy is not without its disadvantages. It is important to also consider the pros of face to face therapy when deciding on the right approach for you.

1. Human Connection: Being with someone face to face, can help us build stronger relationships with our counsellors. We may feel a deeper level of connection and understanding. You may also find that the physical presence of the therapist brings a greater sense of comfort, security and holding. 
2. Body Language: Both counsellor and client can pick up on non-verbal cues such as body language, tone and facial expressions. These can offer important insights into a persons feelings and behaviours which might be missed during online sessions.
3. More focussed: In a counselling room there are fewer distractions compared to your home. This is helpful when we are trying to concentrate. It might also be difficult to find a private space at home where someone might listen or interrupt us. Home may not always feel like a safe space. 
4. Technology: No technical issues can interrupt a face to face meeting.
5. Safety: We may be dealing with severe mental health issues or be in crisis. If so, in-person therapy can offer immediate, hands-on care and support.
6. Confidentiality: No online or social media confidentiality issues if we are meeting face to face.
7. Comfort: For people who are uncomfortable with technology, this removes the stress and difficulty of navigating online platforms, finding Zoom links, updating software etc. 
8. Therapeutic Journey: Travelling can also become part of the therapy itself and allow time to think about what you want to bring to the session.
9. Being with someone. We notice non verbal communication more. We feel the temperature in the room, notice smells and outside noises, experience the silent language of entrances and exits.
10. Specialised Therapy: You may find it difficult to get certain types of therapy online.

The depth and quality of the relationship between you and the counsellor is often seen as key to the success of the work you do. It depends less on how you meet, but more on the commitment of both of you to meet. Online or face to face. It is a very personal decision of the client and their counsellor, depending on individual preferences and needs. You may consider location, availability, comfort with technology, and severity of mental health concerns.  Both options are considered effective in treating various mental health conditions.

You may even take a hybrid approach. Meeting mainly online, but agreeing a regular face to face meeting every now and again. It would help you both get behind the screen if you like, to complement the work you do together.  

In any case, before you start, what you will need for online counselling is

• A private space where you will not be disturbed during the session
• Access to a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone
• A good stable internet connection
• Access to a video camera with sound (usually integrated in your device)