By William R. Clough, D.Min.
Training Director
COVID-19 introduced a new wide-spread practice, Virtual Psychotherapy. Like using the phone,
and email, virtual communication has become a skill that many people feel comfortable with. So,
you may wonder, when it comes to psychotherapy, which is better, Virtual or In-Person.
The answer is, it depends. Several studies have shown that both types of therapy are effective.
But what you really want to know is, which type is best for you.
Virtual Therapy is convenient. You can skip the commute and may have more flexible
scheduling. Getting to and from therapy sessions, often during work hours, can prove a
challenge. Saving the commute time and being able to schedule different hours can free up time
for work, social, or family time.
On the other hand, Virtual Therapy may deprive you of a special sort of “me time,” a space away
from everyday life in focused, private environment. Going to an office can reduce the distraction
and pressure that you may feel when surrounded by the reminders of work and family demands.
An office can increase your comfort when sharing private information. And video conferencing
comes with the added concerns from relying on an internet connection sometimes with bad
connectivity and background noise. And you will be warned, for privacy and safety purposes, not
to attempt a Virtual session in a family, work, car, or public environment.
In-Person therapy allows therapists and clients to read nonverbal communication. We are visual,
verbal, and kinesthetic social creatures, and you may respond better through embodied action
than through TV-like watching and listening. Many of us have experienced how on-line
communication loses nuances of tone of voice and body posture leading to misunderstandings.
Still, what is lost in non-verbals may be made up for by context. Virtual therapy is like a home
visit where the therapist can see your “natural habitat,” and you may feel more, literally, at home.
Finally, some mental health needs require In-Person therapeutic support, and some therapeutic
work such as art, music, social skills practice, and play therapy can only be effective in person.
In short, either option can be good; the choice of therapeutic modality is up to you and your
therapist.