The pandemic has caused most people to rethink about how they interact in the world. Whether it is a newly discovered convenience of virtual appointments or a need to take extra precautions due to health and safety, virtual and online meeting have become a part of most peoples lives.
Some people wonder if this can extend to the use of online therapy and whether couples therapy online could be beneficial.
What is Online Couple’s Therapy?
Online couples therapy offers the same benefits as face-to-face therapy, with the added convenience and privacy of getting the help and support you need at home. Usually, sessions are held via video chat and with the couple in the same location. However, online couples therapy can also be conducted when couples are in different locations whether the is due to work schedules, travel or illness.
Why try online therapy as opposed to face-to-face therapy?
- It’s easier for those couples with busy schedules
- Convenient for those couples living in geographically isolated areas (rural as opposed to big cities)
- Being in your own home environment
- When one or both partners has a disability or illness that makes attending in-person therapy more challenging
Online therapy follows a similar model to traditional therapy and in most cases, therapists do everything online that they do in person. The only real difference is that it may take a little bit longer to get comfortable with each other, as human beings tend to connect more when they are in each other’s physical space. But once the connection has been made and everyone feels comfortable, there is no real difference in how sessions are conducted.
When Online Couples Therapy is Not a Good Idea
While online couples therapy can be very effective and beneficial to a majority of couples, there are those situations when it would not be suitable. For instance, in the case of domestic violence. Some other instances where online therapy may not be suitable:
- If the couple has outdated technology and/or can’t access the internet
- One or both partners distrusts technology or feels anxious about sharing over the internet
Again, for a majority of couples, online therapy can be very beneficial and even preferred. If you’d like to explore treatment options and do so online, please reach out to us. Deborah would be happy to have a free 15 minute consolation call with you to discuss how she may be able to help.
SOURCES: