Online therapy is not a “watered-down version” of face-to-face therapy. For most difficulties, research points to similar effectiveness — and the choice is mainly a matter of fit.
What’s the same in both
Session length, the fixed framework, the duty of confidentiality and the way of working are exactly the same. The fee is the same too. The difference lies not in the essence of the therapy but in how it takes place.
The advantages of online therapy
- Saving travel time and parking
- Being able to fit a session into a busy working day
- Continuity during illness, reserve duty, travel or moving house
- Accessibility for those who live far from the clinic
- An option for those who find it hard to leave home
- Sometimes a greater sense of safety from the home environment
The advantages of a session at the clinic
- A space separate from home and routine, which helps you focus on yourself
- Full perception of body language and nuance
- No dependence on the quality of the internet connection
- Better suited to work with young children and play therapy
- Guaranteed privacy, even when other people are at home
- The journey itself marks a transition between everyday life and therapy time
When to prefer meeting in person
In situations of risk or acute crisis, in work with young children, and in assessment processes — physical presence is important and sometimes essential. At the start of a process, some people also prefer to meet face to face at least once, to establish the relationship.
You can also combine them
Combining the two is the most common solution in practice: some sessions at the clinic and some remotely, depending on what works at the time. Continuity of care is maintained, and there’s no need to choose once and for all.
Online sessions take place on a secure platform and are not recorded.