Is Online or Phone Therapy Right for Me?
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Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash
When most people think about therapy, they think about a face-to-face encounter in a professional setting. As much of what I do in therapy involves observing non-verbal behaviours and communications, I myself was quite reluctant to branch out into online and phone-based therapy. I wondered if it could really be as effective as sitting in the same room with someone. It wasn’t until one of my clients who was working out of town for extended periods of time and was no longer able to come into in-person sessions that I tried this new method and began to see the benefit of technology in therapy.
In Alberta, Canada, where a large percentage of our population works in the oil industry, leaving town for up to 30 days at a time is not uncommon. Online therapy provides a way for clients to maintain their treatment sessions without significant interruptions which could ultimately halt or hinder treatment progress. In fact, a lack of continuous work-life balance can have a significant negative impact on a person’s mental health.
So, after weighing the pros and cons with my client, we agreed to give it a try. I quickly realized that the mode of therapy is far less important than the relationship between client and therapist and the client’s willingness and motivation to effectively use the time between sessions to experiment with and practice new skills, behaviours and take action toward their goals.
Anecdotally, I have seen no difference in the effectiveness of in-person therapy versus online and phone therapy. However, it is important to recognize that just like any therapeutic intervention, it may not be the right fit for every person and all interventions have their own benefits and limitations. I encourage all my clients to trust themselves and go with what feels like the best fit for them.
Some of the benefits of online and phone therapy include:
Flexibility & Accessibility
Appointments can be scheduled during break times at work or at any convenient time that fits your schedule and, because there is no travel involved, require a smaller time commitment. You are also less likely to miss appointments or have other treatment interruptions due to holidays, being out of town for work or vacation, or simply a busy schedule. And, you can control your environment, creating a comfortable space to relax and dive into your self-exploration.
Space & the Blank Canvas
Space is a major factor in the therapy process. Have you ever noticed that a therapist never sits with a table between you? Or, how different it feels to be sitting almost knees to knees with someone versus having several feet of space between you. Interestingly, physical barriers and space can create or prevent emotional connection, facilitate rapport and trust, or maintain psychological distance.
In some cases, the use of technology may create both literal and figurative distance between you and your therapist. However, this space may just as likely create a level of safety and comfort that allows for greater openness and vulnerability, two key factors in the success of treatment. Without having to look directly into the face of your therapist sitting across from you, it is possible that you may be able to express yourself more fully. Think of it as an opportunity to project your inner experience onto a blank canvas.
Current Research
These examples are, of course, based solely on my own experience and philosophy as a therapist. For those that are more interested in the evidence to support the effectiveness of online and phone-based therapy, here are some of the recent studies on this topic.
http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327(13)00512-0/pdf
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228830802094429#.VI8vaCvF_hs
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/online-therapy.aspx
As always, it is important to trust and know yourself. What works for one person may not work for every person. Regardless of the mode of therapy, the relationship and connection you have with your therapist is the number one factor that predicts positive treatment outcomes.
If you are considering online or phone therapy but have questions, or you aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you, please feel free to reach out to me to get answers to your questions or to schedule an initial consult to give it a try.