by Sarah Jayne Oltz, MS, NCC, CTP
Trauma therapy is a deeply personal healing process that requires careful consideration of how therapy is delivered. Today, there are two main formats for therapy: in-person and virtual. Both have distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, particularly for trauma therapy. Below is an exploration of the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which format may work best for you or your clients.
Offering Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | [email protected]
In-Person Trauma Therapy
Pros
- Deeper Human Connection
In-person sessions foster a stronger sense of connection and presence. Non-verbal cues like body language, eye contact, and even physical proximity can enhance the therapeutic bond and process, which is essential for healing trauma. The sense of safety and trust can be more immediate and tangible in a physical space with a therapist. - Safe Space
In-person therapy provides a controlled, safe environment where clients can express and process intense emotions without distractions from the outside world. Being in a designated therapeutic space can also help clients create a mental separation between therapy and their daily life. - Fewer Technological Barriers
There’s no need to worry about Wi-Fi interruptions, audio lag, or technical difficulties that could disrupt the flow of an important session. This can be crucial when dealing with sensitive or traumatic material, where breaks in connection could impact the therapeutic process. - More Grounding and Experiential Support
Many trauma therapists incorporate grounding techniques and sensory experiences into their practice. In-person sessions allow therapists to use physical objects and other tools that can help clients regulate their emotions and process more effectively.
Cons
- Limited Accessibility
In-person therapy can be less accessible for clients who have physical disabilities, live in remote areas, or have busy schedules. - Cost and Travel Time
In-person therapy often requires additional expenses, such as transportation and time off work, which can add stress to an already emotionally taxing process. Commute times can also make regular attendance challenging. - Unfamiliar Space
For some trauma survivors, being in a new or unfamiliar physical space can trigger anxiety or a sense of overwhelm. Some individuals may feel more safe in their own space, especially in the early stages of therapy when trust is still being built.
Virtual Trauma Therapy
Pros
- Convenience and Accessibility
Virtual therapy can be especially helpful for individuals with physical limitations, those who live in areas with limited mental health resources, or those juggling work and family commitments. - Scheduling Flexibility
Virtual therapy often offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling since the client does not need to account for travel time. This can lead to more consistent attendance, which is crucial for trauma recovery. - Comfort in a Familiar Space
For some clients, particularly trauma survivors, being in a familiar environment can feel safer. Virtual therapy allows clients to engage in therapeutic work while remaining in the comfort of their own space, which may help reduce anxiety and facilitate openness. - Sense of Anonymity
Some clients may feel more comfortable with virtual therapy because it offers a sense of anonymity. They may find it easier to disclose sensitive or painful experiences without the added pressure of being physically present in a therapist’s office.
Cons
- Technology Issues
While virtual therapy is convenient, it also relies heavily on technology. Poor internet connections, software glitches, or interruptions can disrupt the flow of a session. This can be particularly problematic in trauma therapy, where the therapeutic alliance and sense of safety are critical. - Limited Non-Verbal Communication
Much of the subtle communication that happens in therapy comes from body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues. Virtual therapy may limit the therapist’s ability to pick up on these cues, which could affect the depth of the therapeutic relationship. - Difficulty in Creating a Therapeutic Environment
Not everyone has a private, quiet space to engage in therapy at home. Distractions like family members, noise, or pets can make it harder to focus, reducing the effectiveness of the session. Some clients may also struggle with boundaries, finding it difficult to fully “enter” therapy mode when they are in a home setting. - Licensing Restrictions on Virtual Therapy
Most state licensing boards only permit therapists to engage in telehealth sessions with a client who is physically located in the state the therapist is licensed in at the time of the session. This can be very limiting for clients who are traveling out of state. - Therapists’ Lack of Training Providing Therapy Online
Most therapists have no training on providing therapy remotely, especially if they completed their schooling or training before the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. - Therapists’ Limited Familiarity with Local Services
One of the risks of engaging in telehealth is that your therapist may not be familiar with mental health service providers in your area, especially if your therapist’s office is far away from your home. In the case of an emergency or the need for a referral to a more intensive level of care, your therapist may not have direct experience or knowledge of programs in your town.
Which is Right for You?
The choice between in-person and virtual trauma therapy ultimately depends on your personal preferences, circumstances, and therapeutic needs. Both formats can be effective, but it’s essential to consider what environment will make you feel most comfortable, supported, and safe.
If you value the immediate connection and presence of face-to-face interactions and have access to a therapist nearby, in-person therapy may be the best fit. On the other hand, if you need more flexibility and comfort or live in an area with limited mental health resources, virtual therapy might provide the support you need with fewer barriers. Sometimes, a hybrid model—where sessions alternate between in-person and virtual—can offer the best of both worlds. Many times, we have found success in starting sessions in-person to build a strong connection between therapist and client, and switching sessions to online after a strong bond has been established. We often will recommend meeting in-person if there are particular sessions when we plan to engage in trauma processing of core memories (sometimes these are scheduled for longer than an hour). Being in person with your therapist allows your therapist to better assess where you are in the process (especially through non-verbal cues such as complexion changes, voice tone, body language, posture, etc.), which will better allow your therapist to provide safe and effective trauma processing.
Trauma therapy is rooted in safety and autonomy, and the setting that fosters your personal growth and comfort will always be the right choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with both formats to find what works best for you. Contact the Phoenix Center today to get started with one of our trauma therapists in-person or virtually.
Offering Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | [email protected]
