In Person vs. Tele-therapy
Now that we are stepping further away from the pandemic, many people are slowly returning to in person therapy sessions. With that comes the question, which service is right for my needs? Many of us have grown accustomed to a more virtual lifestyle post-pandemic. Working from home, going to school online, and only going out for very specific outings has become a societal shift since the pandemic. So now that more people are returning to in person work, which service is right for you?
Pros & Cons of Tele-therapy:
Pros:
Quick access to services
No commute
Ability to schedule around children’s nap times or nanny schedules
Lots of varying ability in terms of time of day and proximity to your own work schedule
Have service within the comfort and safety of your own home
If you have pets- instant pet therapy is included
Access to more therapists outside your specific town or area leading to more personalized care
Cons:
Requirement of access to power and wifi
Diminished time for decompression before and after your therapy appointments
If you are in your home you may be distracted or concerned others can hear your conversations
Not a recommended service type for those experiencing IPV or emotional abuse in your own home
Can potentially attribute to Zoom fatigue, especially for those working from home
Pro’s & Cons of In Person:
Pros
You have a designated space for therapy
Commuting to and from a therapy office give you time for reflection on what you want to talk about & what you ended up processing in session.
Less distractions from life- work updates, kids, pets, dogs barking, abrupt visitors, etc.
At my office there is a snack trolly… just sayin.
No disconnections from issues with wifi or power
Option for walk talk therapy to get outdoors
You are in an environment outside of your home
If there are people within your home you are navigating relationships with there is more space to discuss things openly without the worry of people overhearing you. (Boundaries can be set around this if tele-therapy is ideal.)
Cons
Commuting to another location
Logistical things to consider such as traffic, parking, road work, car accessibility, etc
Timing wise this can be more restrictive if you keep a regimented schedule
Unlike tele-therapy you do need to cancel your session if you are feeling sick which can lead to late cancel fees
Time restrictions on availability
In person only means your therapist needs to be in a certain proximity to your own home, depending on how far you are willing to commute
Pick What Works Well for Your Lifestyle
The great part about private therapy is that you get to decide what works for your life. There are so many options for services. It might take longer to find the right fit but it is worth the energy in regards to your long term wellness journey.
Consider these pros and cons if you are trying to identify which service works best for you. Additionally, many therapists now offer hybrid options. So if you prefer a both/and system of sometimes in person and sometimes teletherapy try to find a provider within your preferred commute time.
