EMDR & Trauma-Informed therapy: Telehealth vs in-person therapy
After two years plus into the pandemic, we’ve gotten very comfortable with social gatherings taking place virtually rather than IRL. From book clubs, happy hours, work meetings, board game nights, and classes-
We’ve learned how to adapt from in-person meetings to gathering online.
Here in Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re slowly starting to leave the comfort of our homes and venture back to in-person gatherings. For many, this presents new social challenges and can increase feelings of anxiety- which makes sense! We’ve been used to being by ourselves or with smaller, more intimate social groups or gatherings for quite some time now. If you are experiencing anxiety adjusting to meeting in person, you are not alone!
With this shift, many are starting to consider moving back to in-person therapy. Maybe you’ve been seeing your therapist virtually and are wondering if you should make the switch to meet in person. Is it worth the extra travel time? Do I really need to leave my house for this?
Telehealth vs in-person therapy
As a hybrid telehealth provider and in-person therapist in Oakland, CA- Here are a few answers to commonly asked questions about telehealth vs in-person therapy.
What’s the transition like from telehealth therapy to in-person therapy in Oakland, CA?
Many of my clients comment that the transition from telehealth to in-person can be a little awkward at first. Meeting in person for the first time might bring up more anxious thoughts and feelings than meeting online. Being in an unfamiliar environment, even if you already have a good relationship with your therapist, can feel a little more vulnerable than meeting through a screen. However, once through the transition period (roughly 1-3 sessions), most clients reflect actually preferring in-person therapy with the occasional telehealth session to accommodate a tight work schedule.
Can you treat trauma through telehealth therapy?
Yes, you can treat trauma through telehealth therapy. If you have the option to come in person, you may find additional benefits to meeting in person that you do not get from meeting online. Trauma often results from a difficult relationship with a caregiver, friend, or family member. When you are working through a trauma that occurred through a relationship with another person, the in-person component of therapy can be really helpful in working through that trauma. Feeling safe in your body while meeting with your therapist in person can aid in your healing.
In-person therapy can also better hold a “container” for difficult emotions or thoughts. In being in the therapist’s office, there may be fewer distractions such as your cell phone, the doorbell, or kids or partners that may interrupt the session. The therapist can better read your body language and other nuanced communication that’s difficult to see through a screen. This can help the therapist better meet your needs therapeutically.
Is online EMDR therapy just as effective as in-person EMDR therapy?
Virtual EMDR is supported by major global associations including the EMDR International Association and EMDR Europe. Since virtual EMDR is relatively new in the last few years, more research is needed to fully endorse its effectiveness.
Preliminary research suggests that when executed correctly, online EMDR is likely just as effective as EMDR administered in person.
To learn more about EMDR as a treatment for trauma, click here.
Is couples therapy more effective in person or online?
Both in-person and online couples therapy can be effective. What works best for you and your partner depends on your lifestyle and personal preference. If you are meeting virtually, it’s helpful for each participant to be present together in the same location. Your therapist might facilitate exercises to improve your communication that really benefits from being together in the same location.
Many couples prefer in-person therapy as it allows for a neutral space to discuss difficult issues and also allows you to leave tough discussion points at the therapist’s office rather than sorting them out on your own at home. Your therapist can also pick up on more body language and nuances in communication easier in person, which can help aid the therapy. The change in environment can be helpful for some couples, while others benefit more from the convenience of telehealth.
What’s better- In-person therapy or telehealth therapy?
When choosing between in-person vs virtual therapy, committing to showing up consistently for sessions makes the biggest difference in effective outcomes. If you have a demanding work schedule or other life commitments that necessitates virtual therapy over in person, you may want to consider virtual therapy. Through the pandemic, we’ve learned the convenience of telehealth often makes therapy more accessible, and thus more effective for many people.
If you have availability to meet in person, you may find additional benefits to meeting in person. In-person therapy minimizes technology issues and can better create a space just for therapy with minimal distractions. Ultimately, what works best for you depends on your personal preference. Either way, attending therapy virtually or in-person will bring you results in a better ability to manage difficult emotions, improve your relationships, and help you create the life your want.
