How can in person counseling sessions benefit you over online?
With the current technological boom, online counselling is also on a rise. However, these benefits still have to take the shine off an otherwise invaluable activity such as counselling. This activity needs human presence for any form of improvement. To determine which one to select between online counselling and in-person counselling, many have been faced with the questions of “What do I opt for?” Well, I did it both. I want to let you know more about my findings. You might find these valuable when deciding the route for mental well-being.
What Is In-Person Counselling?
The old-school approach is face-to-face counseling. It involves meeting with a therapist in a professional office environment set up solely for healing and growth. Rather than clicking into a Zoom session or signing on to a virtual meeting, you are seeing your therapist at their office.
This is best suited for solving a broad spectrum of issues. It can address changing life phases and low self-esteem. It also handles complex concerns such as anxiety or depression. Face-to-face counseling is applicable for marriage counseling or family therapy sessions.
Why Is In-Person Counselling Better Than Online?
Let me take you back to my therapy journey. Online sessions seemed just fine at the very beginning. There was no traveling, free slots, and maybe a space where I’d finally open up more from my safe confines. However, something was not getting through. It could be the missing connection, all non-verbal communication, or maybe the gentle warmth of the therapist’s presence.
When I switched to in-person counselling, everything changed. Here’s why it worked better for me, and why it might for you too:
There is nothing quite like in-person counselling. I had the opportunity to sit in a room with my therapist and know that she had seen me. The eye contact, body language, and tiny non-verbal cues made it so much richer in depth compared to virtual conversations. There is this energy in a room that is hard to produce in virtual conversations. It makes me feel supported and safe.
The professional setting of attending therapy provided me a safe haven from my everyday distractions. Online sessions would sometimes leave me worried about the noise of household activities or other interruptions. In contrast, the therapy room was a sacred space to focus solely on my mental health. Even the change of environment was therapeutic.
If you’re considering family or marriage counselling, in-person sessions offer a distinct advantage. Being physically present allows the therapist to observe interactions, pick up on unspoken dynamics, and provide immediate feedback.
Switching to in-person counselling felt like a much-needed break. It was refreshing to step away from the digital world and engage in meaningful, real-life conversations.
While online counselling has its place and is an excellent option for many, especially those with mobility issues or living in remote areas, it’s not the best fit for everyone. For those who seek a deeper connection, are experiencing complex challenges, or need distraction-free environments, in-person counselling may be their best option.
From my own experience, I find that a change to in-person counseling has been transformative. I was able to unlock a new level of healing and growth that I had not reached with virtual sessions. Your mental health journey is deeply personal, and finding the right fit is essential.
Choosing between in-person and online counseling is overwhelming, but knowing the advantages of face-to-face counselling may make the choice clearer. For me, connection, a focused environment, and increased effectiveness made in-person counselling the better choice.
Don’t forget that reaching out for help is a brave first step, whether it is online or in person. The most important thing is to take that step towards improving your mental health. You deserve to be supported, understood, and empowered on the way towards wellness.
