Since moving from Sudbury a few months ago, I have noticed that the requests for an online approach have increased. While I am more than excited to utilize the rather new technology for health care settings, I often ask the people coming to see me to weigh their options out before committing to a handful of sessions with me over the internet. Telehealth care is becoming increasingly popular, allowing doctors and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat both physical and mental health issues in a more effective manner. While some still prefer a more traditional approach, there is an overwhelming request for an accommodation to be made so that people may receive quality health care where previously some barriers made it difficult to receive. Here is a short list of some pros and cons to an online approach that I believe we should consider before meeting with a regulated health professional over the internet…
Pros:
You can meet with your therapist from anywhere.
You can juggle a busy schedule and cut down on travel time.
Some people prefer an online approach as issues like anxiety, depression or traumatic triggers can it difficult to keep a regular, in person appointment.
It can be less nerve wracking to meet a new person in a familiar setting, such as your home or office.
For those living in rural or isolated communities, it opens up your options of who you can reach out to.
Issues where online therapy can be helpful includes but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, trauma/abuse, fears and phobias, addiction, coping with a mental health disorder, grief/loss, interpersonal coaching and personal growth.
Cons:
It can be difficult to open up to someone you’ve never met in person.
Technical difficulties will happen and you may have to resort to using the telephone.
Some models of therapy (like couples therapy) can be conducted, although can be more difficult through a computer.
Some models of therapy (like EMDR) can not be conducted due to the equipment needed to conduct the therapy.
Some non-verbal communication can be missed during the process.
Issues where online therapy can be difficult includes but it not limited to: family/couples therapy, any approach that takes triadic form (therapist plus two other people), art therapy and any sort of mediation.
For those of you who are considering online therapy, I encourage you to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks of an online approach. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and if you do feel that an online model is a good fit for you, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Until Next Time,