What are the benefits of virtual therapy? There are many benefits: a considerable amount of research has shown that online therapy is effective at supporting people who are seeking therapy for a wide variety of concerns.
There are several advantages that virtual therapy sessions can offer that can make it a good choice when looking for support.
The team at Rebound Total Health offers online therapy in Ontario, so we have firsthand knowledge of how effective virtual therapy can be. In this post, we’ll explore this topic in greater detail, giving you insights that may have you booking your first virtual therapy session.
Why Consider Online Therapy in Ontario?
Connecting with a therapist online and from the comfort of home opens up a whole range of possibilities that might otherwise not be available. Some of these benefits include:
1 Convenience of Virtual Therapy
Virtual therapy is often more convenient. Meeting with a therapist in a virtual space means not having to travel! This could mean saving money, because there’s no travel cost. Sometimes travel can involve traffic issues, bus schedules or parking hassles: these factors are avoided with online therapy. Not having to travel to a therapist’s office also means saving time, which can be a significant factor for some individuals.
2 Improved Accessibility with Online Therapy
Online therapy offers greater accessibility – Virtual therapy makes therapy more accessible for several reasons. Travelling to appointments can be a barrier to access for those who are experiencing fatigue, chronic illness or reduced mobility. Being able to meet with a therapist online may be helpful for those who live in remote areas or who may have childcare or other caregiving responsibilities.
Online therapy can also reduce missed appointments due to things like inclement weather, feeling unwell or other unforeseen circumstances.
3 More Therapist Choices Across Ontario
Virtual therapy means having more choice – When considering working with a therapist, considering an online format opens up a wide range of possible options for you to choose from. This can allow you to connect with a therapist who is located far away, or who specializes in working with particular issues, populations or particular approaches.
For example, some therapists may have considerable experience supporting people with ADHD, or have specialized training in couples therapy. With so many therapists offering online therapy you can find a fit that works best for you.
4 Flexible Scheduling Options
Meeting online for therapy can offer flexible scheduling options. Connecting with a therapist online may also mean having more options for when to meet. It can be difficult to schedule therapy appointments around busy schedules! Some therapists offer extended hours during evenings and weekends, and virtual therapy allows for greater opportunity to find options that work for scheduling challenges.
5 Comfort of Your Own Space
Online therapy can be more comfortable. Meeting in the comfort of your own space can be very beneficial, offering you privacy and different options for making yourself comfortable. Talking to someone about difficult topics can be challenging. Things like cuddling up with a pet, making a cup of tea, or getting cozy on the couch can help to put you at greater ease during therapy, which can help with feeling more open to the process as well. This can be particularly helpful if feeling anxious or uncertain is a factor for you when considering going to therapy.
6 Better Consistency in Therapy Sessions
Virtual therapy can help support greater consistency. Based on all of the benefits listed above, online therapy can make therapy easier to go to. When something feels more comfortable, is more flexible, convenient and accessible, there is a higher chance of us engaging with it more consistently. This is important for therapy, as consistency can help to support meeting goals and maintaining progress.
Potential Drawbacks of Virtual Therapy
While virtual therapy offers several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Issues with connectivity and technology can interrupt sessions. There may be a lack of privacy or potential for interruptions when meeting from home, and virtual therapy may feel less personal than meeting face-to-face.
Making the Right Choice for Your Mental Health
Overall, virtual therapy has both benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to carefully weigh which factors are most important for you when choosing your path forward with therapy.
At Rebound Total Health, we are committed to helping you achieve a balanced and healthy life. Book a consultation and start your journey to with virtual therapy sessions.
For news and educational information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
References
Fernandez, E., Woldgabreal, Y., Day, A., Pham, T., Gleich, B., & Aboujaoude, E. (2021). Live psychotherapy by video versus in‐person: A meta‐analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(6), 1535–1549.