With the pandemic forcing many of us to stay inside as much as possible, most therapists are meeting their clients virtually at present, in order to protect others and remain safe. While there has been an adjustment to navigating virtual therapy, there have been many benefits to being able to transition to more virtual opportunities for therapy.
Convenience: We live in a fast-paced society thus virtual therapy can be quite convenient. Meeting via video cuts out the stress and time commitment of commuting, traffic, and worries around running late. By saving travel time you may also add in time that could be spent beneficially adding in more self-care time.
Safety and comfort: Virtual therapy allows you to create a safe and comfortable space for therapy on your own terms. You can wear pajamas, make yourself a cup of tea, sit in your bed. You might have some essential oils going and if it’s a challenging session, you don’t have to travel after your meeting. Through virtual therapy you are able to decide how to customize your therapy environment and make it conducive to your needs. Virtual therapy also allows you to avoid anxiety or awkwardness in the waiting room as well as when traveling. No rushing to the subway from work to get to your appointment, or getting stuck in traffic. Even potentially running into someone you know. You can appreciate the safety before and after the session as you are home in your own space. This may also allow you to feel more open and ready to share in session. If you haven’t started therapy and are a bit nervous, starting through the comfort of your own home may alleviate some anxiety as well!
Intimacy: Virtual therapy may create a deepened sense of intimacy between you and your therapist. You are sharing your home with your therapist and thus your therapist has the experience to potentially see meaningful things in your home such as artwork and photos. You also have the opportunity to see your therapist’s life if they are home, having a window into their space. Being in this new situation also allows you to process with your therapist what it feels like to be exposed to these shared spaces.
Continuity: Another benefit for virtual therapy is continuity as with the option of video sessions you may be able to meet more frequently whereas in the past you may have had to cancel for reasons that are null and void with virtual therapy. Having a cold, traveling for work, getting caught in traffic are no longer reasons to miss a session. You can even continue treatment when moving depending on your state’s laws, as you adjust and settle in.
More and more of our lives are moving to virtual space, with therapy being one of them. While teletherapy may not be your preference, it is an alternative to receiving support, especially as the pandemic continues. While the pandemic has caused much of our lives to stop in place, teletherapy has allowed many individuals to retain support from their therapists. The stress of the pandemic has been felt by all and having continued access to therapy is an important support during this difficult time.
If you are interested in starting virtual therapy, reach out to us and connect with one of our therapists!