What is Right For Me? In-Person vs Virtual Therapy

Starting therapy, especially for the first time, can feel like a daunting experience. There are a few different decisions that need to be made. Who is the right therapist for me? What approaches am I looking for? And would I prefer to see someone in-person or online? There are benefits to both in-person and virtual therapy. In this post I will outline a few considerations of each, as well as what online art therapy might look like. Sometimes there is a little bit of trial and error when looking for a right practitioner for you. We don't always know right away what is going to work best for us and that is okay to let your therapist know if something isn't working.

In-Person Therapy In-person therapy is exactly as it sounds, you and your therapist are physically in the same space together to do your work. Working in person with a therapist has many benefits. Some of which are:

• The therapist gets to see more body language from you

• It is a dedicated space that you come to do your work and then get to leave it there.

• It may allow for a more private space for you if that isn't available at home.

• These spaces are generally set up as a relaxing, cozy environment.

• An art therapist, music therapist or other type of practitioner generally supplies the materials that are needed.

• This may be the better option if this is a higher crisis situation.
  

Considerations

• Depending on where you live, there might not be as many options for therapist and approaches, so it may feel limited.

• If you live in a smaller town, it may be more likely you have similar circles or run into your therapist more. Some people really prefer to keep this relationship as separate as possible.

• For some, it may not be as accessible to get to a physical space. Maybe there are some physical limitations or no access to a vehicle.

Virtual Therapy Virtual therapy is when sessions are conducted online through a virtual software. The software used may be different therapist to therapist, but it is compliant with privacy protection laws. Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Virtual therapy has some benefits such as:

• You get to be in the comfort of your own space.

• It may be more accessible if getting to an in-person appointment is difficult.

• You have lots of options of therapists and more options for approaches.

• You don’t have to worry about running into people you know.

• You get more selection of different types of providers that may not be in your community.

Considerations

• Technology can be unpredictable.

• Your therapist can see less of your body language.

• Therapist must still be licensed to practice in your province. For example, if you find a therapist in BC that you like, but you live in Ontario, your therapist must be able to practice in that province. Check with your therapist first.
  

Online Art Therapy

So how does online art therapy work? Especially since art therapy involves art materials!Online art therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. There are a few differences though. Generally in-person an art therapist supplies the materials for the client. In the case of virtual sessions, the client would be responsible for supplying the materials.

Here is the thing, if all you have is a piece of paper and a pencil, you can still participate in art therapy.

I always tell my virtual clients that they don’t need to go out and buy expensive materials. You are always welcome to purchase what interests you, but it’s not necessary to get the full benefit from art therapy. A dollar store is also a great place to get materials. If you are wanting to purchase some materials. Some basic ones I suggest are:

• Paper

• Glue

• Drawing material of choice (markers, crayons, etc.)

• Paint & Brushes (you can get paint at the dollar store!)

• Clay or plasticine

• Collage images (thrift store magazines are pretty cheap!)

What does a session look like?

Your art therapist starts the session off by checking-in and making a plan with you for the session on what to focus on. You will have art-making time, and your art therapist is skilled at adapting the prompt based off what materials you have available to you. So, if you don't have something available, don't worry, it can still work! When you're done with your art, you still explore it with your therapist, you will just have to hold up your art to the screen. It's also important to remember that in an online space, your therapist will ask that you find a space in your home where you can still be in a private, undisturbed environment so that you can focus as best you can on your session.

There is No Wrong Answer When it comes to making a decision, there is no wrong answer. Virtual or in-person, whatever works the best for YOU is what is important. They both have their benefits and they both have some considerations. You can always ask questions and bring your concerns to your therapist about what is going into your decision making process.

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If you're interested in working together please feel free to reach out. I work virtually across Canada with my home base in Nelson, BC (In-Person sessions may be available in this area, please reach out for more info)

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