Virtual Therapy

When the world changed in 2019, everyone had adjustments to make. Millions of people began to work remotely from their homes. Now in 2022, many countries are slowly returning to the norms we became used to pre-COVID. People are returning to the office. Mandates are being lifted. There are many questions, though, about how the changes many of us made will be integrated long-term.

Virtual therapy, like other virtual services, became much more widespread during the pandemic. Here in Ontario, we have a great telehealth network that therapists were able to join. Therapy became available literally at your fingertips - on your smartphones, tablets, and computers. But now, like other fields, therapy offices are once again starting to open their doors.

So, what does this mean for you?

Many therapists have made virtual therapy an ongoing option moving forwards. Many clients have grown to prefer virtual sessions, and there are other benefits, too. Accessibility is a major reason for virtual therapy. While being able to meet with your therapist in person has definite benefits, there are some barriers to this for many. These are some of the most common benefits that my clients have shared with me about virtual therapy, otherwise known as telehealth or teletherapy.

Time: If you work during business hours, for example, it can be difficult to leave your work, drive to your therapist, have your session, and then drive back. Virtual sessions reduce how much time you need to allot for your session.

Portability: virtual sessions give you the freedom to have your therapy wherever you feel most comfortable! Many people report feeling more comfortable in their own homes, which creates a supportive environment for the therapeutic process.

Inclusion: many communities have been advocating for virtual options for years. Rural or remote communities often face a lack of resources in their area, so having digital access to services bridges major gaps in ours system. It can also make it easier to get the needed support if your physical health makes it difficult to leave your house or travel for appointments.

Confidentiality: while this is not the case for everyone (such as if you live with other people in a small space), virtual sessions can provide greater security and confidentiality for clients. There is no risk of being recognized in the parking lot or waiting room. You get to choose the location of your sessions, and sometimes simply not having to travel anywhere can help eliminate questions you do not feel comfortable answering.

Cost-Effectiveness: you are saving travel-related costs and, possibly, lost wages due to needing less time away from your job. Many therapists who primarily provide virtual services are also able to charge less, because they have less overhead without building-related costs. And, let’s face it, these days any money saved is a plus!

Comfort: sometimes, there’s just no place like home. With virtual therapy, you get to choose the location of your therapy sessions! Whether it’s from the comfort of your own bedroom or in your car away from the chaos at home, you get to choose the most comfortable, supportive environment to tackle the hard topics.