Is online therapy just as good as in person therapy?
That is a great question! I will be completely honest, I was team therapy had to be done in a brick and mortar office until Covid-19 happened. I was thrown into a frenzy trying to figure out how to bring quality tele-mental health to my fellow humans who though I loved working with, could not be seen in person, because you know, living in a pandemic.
As we navigate life post-pandemic, I have decided to continue to offer online therapy because found it to be safe, effective, and convenient for therapy clients. And because I am dually licensed therapist, I often see people who have to travel between California and Arizona, meaning no breaks in your therapy.
The pros to online therapy:
You can do therapy anywhere, well as long as you are in California or Arizona, and have a private safe place to participate - but still talk about convenience!
Online therapy is time saving. Perfect for people who are busy, you only need an hour. You don’t have to factor in drive time and plan for child care. Therapy on your lunch break while at the office? Therapy at school in a personal study room at the library? I’ve got you covered!
Comfort. Sometimes the biggest hurdle to getting into therapy is gearing yourself up mentally to go outside and do the act of getting to therapy. I’ve often found people can explore their thoughts and feelings on a deeper level because they are comfortable in their homes.
There is also a pro to working with a private practice therapist who is not big online therapy platforms. Being part of platforms unethical and unstainable online therapy platforms. I am a small business and pride myself in providing care that is not cookie cutter.
Online therapy is safe, effective, and convenient!
I want to make sure that your online therapy experience is just as good as in person therapy. I strive for quality therapy online, by ensuring good audio and lighting and I make sure that the space is perfect for healing. I see online therapy as just as good as in-person therapy, if not better!
Online therapy has been scientifically proven to be as effective as in-person therapy. And it has been around for longer than you think but only recently became more mainstream and accepted by consumers and providers alike because of the pandemic. Most people I have worked with all over California or Arizona, have found online therapy to be great, they love the convenience and the comfort of doing the tough work of therapy from the comfort of their own homes.
Now let's get to the good and the bad because there are are draw backs to online therapy.
The cons to online therapy:
Technology issues. Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. From poor internet connection to trouble with your wireless headphones. But I get it and I want you to know we can work through the frustrations and still have the effective therapy that you deserve!
Privacy might be difficult to ensure because we lack the traditional physical therapy office. I will do my best to show you how to safely engage in private therapy on your end. We will go in-depth during our intake assessment, so don’t worry.
Online therapy is not for everyone.
But hold on, before you consider yourself sold, and you want to sign up to do online therapy. As an online therapist in California and Arizona, I will say this, I am not comfortable treating people virtually when I believe they would be better suited for in-person care.
The reason for referral out is not always because of severe risks or safety issues but sometimes it is because we don’t have a private and quiet enough environment. We can work on finding a quiet place (I have seen people in their car, board rooms, and closets for online therapy). But if we try and cannot find a reliable quiet place for your online therapy in California or Arizona, then I will be honest with you, and I will let you know if I feel like we need to see someone in person. I will provide you with referrals.
Maybe I was a stepping stone in your therapy journey and that is 100% okay. If anything I am greatly honored and will cheer you on nevertheless.
Hey there, I’m Elisa Blair!
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist + Founder of Mindfully Minding Me Therapy
My specialty is couples counseling, especially for those who are BIPOC, in interracial partnerships, 1 and 2 gens wanting to break family cycles to step into a more peaceful way of doing life. I also offer depth work with individuals, helping people rewire their nervous system because traditional talk therapy sometimes is not enough when we are dealing with generational trauma.
I work with people all over San Diego, from Little Italy to Chula Vista, to La Jolla, and really all over California since I practice 100% online therapy. That means I can see people from Los Angeles to Fresno to San Jose, and San Francisco. And all while my clients get the convenience and comfort of having therapy right in their own living room.
I work with people all over Arizona from Flagstaff to Phoenix to Tucson 100% online therapy. Since I am dually licensed, I can see people who reside in both states or find that they travel often. And all while my clients get the convenience and comfort of having therapy right in their own living room.
Check out my about page to see if we are the right fit, explore my specialties page to see if I can help you break generational patterns and step into a more peaceful life. Ready to set up a free consultation?
Contact me.
Give me a call at (805) 255-3305 or click the button below to set up a a free consultation.