It is one of the strange consequences of the global pandemic that therapy shifted, fairly seamlessly, online. It was a case of either stopping providing this service at a time when it was needed more than ever or adapt. As it transpires therapy has thrived online and many clients and therapists have found that they actually prefer the online experience of therapy. Why is that?
Well, for a start therapy relies on the person engaging in it being relaxed and comfortable. Often being in the surrounding of their own home means that they do indeed feel relaxed amidst the familiarity and security of where they actually live. There is the additional fairly obvious point that doing therapy online means that there is no time, effort and energy and expended in travelling to the therapist's room or home. It is so much easier. No rushing to get ready. no additional stress to get out the door. No stuck in traffic or road works. Just a few clicks of the mouse and there you are face to face and ready for the session. For some people this makes online therapy a no brainer. It is simply too easy and too convenient. One the biggest advantages is that geographically it opens the world up for you to find the therapist who is just right for you. I have provided therapy for clients as far afield as Canada.
Of course, it is not as simple as this. Some people actively want the change of scene and want to sit person to person with their therapist. They like the travel and change of environment. It becomes part of the process for them. It is a deeply personal choice when it comes down to it as, resorting to cliches, no two people are exactly alike. Are there downsides to online therapy? Well, it certainly works and that is the most important thing but there can be some negatives. Most obviously the connection has to be good. Screen freezes and sound drop outs can be a barrier to communication. Trance can be disrupted by noise interruption on the connection. That said, this is pretty rare now as fast, reliable broadband has largely eliminated these technical challenges. Sometimes, rarely, online therapy can feel slightly depersonalised but it is surprising how effective it is and how quickly that is broken through as client and therapist engage in meaningful discussion.
Perhaps the real barrier to online therapy is the client's experience of the computer screen. An office worker who has stared at a screen all day and been on online calls may well feel that the last thing they want to do is stare at a screen yet again. A young person whose experience of education during the pandemic was online calls may well not feel predisposed to yet more screen time. You can see how this is a personal choice very much dependant on the client's preference.
I currently offer therapy and hypnotherapy online and in person. My clients choose which works best for them and we go from there. Do get in touch if you would like to discuss how I can help you.
beechwoodtherapies@gmail.com
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