Online therapy vs in-person therapy: how to choose what feels right
Online therapy vs in-person therapy: how to choose what’s right for you
Choosing between online and in-person therapy can feel like another big decision at a time when you already feel overwhelmed.
Perhaps you’re drawn to online therapy because it’s more flexible and accessible. Maybe you’d prefer in-person therapy because being in the same room feels important.
If you’re unsure which to choose, the best format is the one that will fit most readily into your weekly routine and help you feel safe enough to explore the issues you’re facing.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy takes place by video call, usually from your home or another private space.
It can offer flexibility, comfort and access to a wider choice of therapists. It may suit people who find travel difficult, need therapy around work or caring responsibilities, live outside the local area, or feel more comfortable talking from familiar surroundings.
Some therapists may also offer telephone sessions, which can suit people who prefer not to be on camera.
What is in-person therapy?
In-person therapy takes place face-to-face in a shared physical space.
Some people prefer in-person therapy because it offers a clearer separation from home, feels more grounding, or makes it easier to connect with the therapist.
At The Clearing, therapy is primarily available online. In-person sessions are offered by some of our therapists from locations across the North East, depending availability.
Not sure which format feels right?
We're her to help. You can learn more about online therapy, view in-person options, or get in touch if you would like to ask a question first.
When might online therapy work best?
Online therapy may feel suitable if:
- you want therapy from home
- you need flexibility
- travelling feels difficult or stressful
- you live outside the local area
- you want access to a wider choice of therapists
- familiar surroundings help you feel safer
- you need to fit sessions around work, parenting, study or caring responsibilities
The main thing to ensure is that you’ll have enough privacy and feel able to speak freely.
When might in-person therapy work best?
In-person therapy may feel suitable if:
- you prefer being physically present with your therapist
- you do not have a private space at home
- home feels distracting or emotionally complicated
- travelling to therapy helps you prepare and decompress
- you want clearer separation between therapy and everyday life
- you feel more grounded face-to-face
View our locations to see if in person therapy with one of our therapists at The Clearing might work for you.
Is one better than the other?
Not necessarily.
Both online and in-person therapy, offer you a confidential space to talk, reflect and build a strong relationship with a therapist. It’s the quality of the therapeutic relationship that will determine the usefulness of therapy not the session format.
For some people, online therapy feels surprisingly personal and accessible. For others, the in-person connection feels really important.
It is also okay if your preference changes over time.
What about telephone therapy?
Telephone therapy can be another helpful option.
Some people prefer speaking without being seen. Others find telephone sessions more accessible, especially if video feels tiring, intense or impractical.
Telephone therapy still offers a regular space to talk, reflect and be supported. The right format depends on what helps you feel able to engage.
Finding the right therapist matters too
Format is important, but so is finding someone you feel comfortable speaking to. You can browse therapists by approach, areas of support and session format.
How do I choose what feels right?
It may help to ask yourself:
- Do I have a private space for online therapy?
- Would I feel more comfortable speaking from home?
- Would travelling to therapy feel helpful or stressful?
- Do I need flexibility around work, parenting or caring responsibilities?
- Would being in the same room feel important to me?
- Would online therapy give me access to a therapist who feels like a better fit?
- Which format feels most realistic to keep attending?
You do not need to have a perfect answer. You can start with what feels most possible.
Taking the first step
If you are unsure whether online or in-person therapy is right for you, we’re here to help.
You can start by reading more about us, browsing our therapist profiles, or ask us a question before booking. A first session will help you get a feel for what works for you.
Whether online, in-person or telephone therapy feels most manageable, we can help you take the next step.
