In-Person vs. Virtual Therapy: The Unexpected Advantage of Going Online

In-Person vs. Virtual Therapy: The Unexpected Advantage of Going Online

The Obvious Benefits of Virtual Therapy

Most people already know the standard perks of virtual therapy or online counselling: no commute, no parking stress, no awkward waiting rooms. You can meet from your couch, your car, or your lunch break. It saves time and often makes therapy more accessible and consistent, especially for busy professionals, parents, or those living outside major cities.

The Value of In-Person Therapy

In-person therapy sessions have their own strengths. Some people feel a deeper sense of connection when sitting in the same room. They value eye contact, the atmosphere, and being physically present with another human being. There’s something grounding about that, and for some clients, it makes all the difference.

The Surprising Benefit of Virtual Sessions

One of my clients recently shared something that really stood out: “It’s actually easier to open up online.” At first, that might sound counterintuitive. We tend to assume that closeness and connection require physical presence. But for some people, a bit of distance creates safety. The screen provides just enough separation to make vulnerability easier. You can share openly without feeling quite as exposed.

Another subtle benefit is the sense of physical freedom. In virtual counselling, you can fidget, stretch, hold a comfort item, or shift positions without feeling self-conscious. Only your upper body is visible, so you can move more naturally. Something that can make it easier to stay relaxed while talking about difficult topics.

In that way, virtual therapy can reduce emotional and physical barriers, helping some people open up more quickly and comfortably than they might in person.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you’re new to therapy, why not try both virtual counselling and in-person therapy and see what fits better for your style?