Why virtual therapy may be better for some people than in-person therapy

There are many benefits to virtual therapy. For starters, it’s convenient. You don’t have to commute anywhere because you can get therapy from the comfort of your own home! Or from your office if you work in person. If you have a flexible job, virtual therapy can be a major time saver. I personally cannot imagine taking time out of my day and traveling to go see my therapist. I love that all I have to do is log on, and she’s right there. I see my own therapist on Wednesday mornings, and then I move seamlessly into seeing my own clients.

For me, virtual therapy is about convenience. But for some clients - especially those who identify as highly sensitive people - virtual therapy can be comforting. The idea of going to a therapy office, away from the familiarity of home, can be unsettling and can delay opening up. 

Highly sensitive people struggle with overstimulation. Since they feel and process things deeply, their emotional battery often has a shorter shelf life. Highly sensitive people need more rest and wind down time. Actually going to a therapy office, either before or after a long day of work and school, might be too much, whereas home therapy provides a necessary reset. 

I’ve also found that people’s spaces help me know them better. I can see what they have in their environment, which is a window into their world. When I’ve worked with child clients, they’ve been able to show me their toys and other things that are important to them. For kids who sometimes lack emotional language, this can really help us build a strong relationship. And for highly sensitive kids, virtual therapy can be even more beneficial. Having parents or caregivers nearby can help these kids feel more comfortable with the process. 

Can you relate to this? If you’re curious about virtual therapy, feel free to reach out to me. Happy to answer any questions even if you’re not ready to try it just yet!