Technology offers us several alternative methods to the traditional, hour-long, face-to-face session in an office. Today, many practitioners offer digital services like text therapy and sessions by phone and video call.
Is Text Therapy Effective?
Here’s the key question many ask: can you really do therapy by texting or online, without being in the same place at the same time? Don’t you need to see facial expressions and body language, and hear the tone in the other person's voice? Without a doubt, a professional working connection to a therapy or mental health professional will help you feel better and make changes and improvements in your life. But let's be clear: online methods are not the same as in person. As such, texting and virtual therapy won't be the right approach for those who require the contact and interaction of therapy conducted in person. And there will always be something powerful about a conversation held in person where you hear the tone, experience the delivery, and get a sense of the emotions behind the words. Stepping out of your life and into your appointment really helps a person focus on themselves.
The Advantage of Text Therapy and Online Therapy
At the same time, these tech methods of delivering therapy approximate the experience and have their own advantages. First of all, these are alternative methods of delivering psychotherapy. Same degree, techniques, approaches, relationship, and trust building. One can do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in-person, by phone, on Skype, and through texting. Second, phone and video call sessions are also distinct appointments in which a person is helped to focus on themselves and their issues.
Moreover, there is a live experience of vocal tone, and with video therapy sessions there are facial and body expressions.
The Truth About Text Therapy and Online Therapy
Here’s another key point: this is, actually, less of comparison between in-person and online, and more of a comparison between online and nothing. Many clients choose online therapy because it’s more accessible or helps them avoid travel and parking times. For others, there are no local therapists, or they want a therapist with a unique combination of factors, which they only found in a person a few states over. How about the cost? Online therapy and text therapy are often lower priced, but not because clients get less treatment. As more and more people become comfortable obtaining all kinds of typically face-to-face services in an online format, the prices will likely even out. Many already charge the same online as in-person. For me, I charge less than in-person because I believe in making therapy accessible to the largest number of people possible.
The Advantages of Text Therapy and Online Therapy
So, lack of travel time and affordability are among the advantages of therapy delivered online. Here are some more advantages to consider.
Video sessions often provide a unique snapshot into a client's home or work life, in that the session occurs in that environment. Text therapy, where clients write as much as they want and whenever they want, and typically receive a daily response 5 days per week, offers relief to those who struggle to pack all they want to say into 60 minutes.
In addition, text therapy enables a client to reflect and share at the moment, as they experience an issue, struggle, or event in their lives. And then there’s that freedom to share fully, openly, and honestly via written/typed word, that’s harder to do with live, spoken communication.
Summary
Online therapy and text therapy, means different methods of delivering the same therapy provided in face-to-face work. It does lack the full impact of sitting together, yet approximates it in many ways, and also offers several advantages. Still, it’s not for everyone.
Are you uncomfortable with in-person sessions or don't have the time to get to appointments? You're not alone. Many people face the same issues. Text Therapy is the answer for you. Try a FREE one-week trial. Set up a consultation, ask any questions you have, and let's get you started.
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