Taking the first step towards receiving therapy isn’t always easy. Perhaps you have fears, hesitations, doubts, or other concerns. However, buried within those uncertainties is a desire for personal growth and the potential for growing together with your partner, healing relationship wounds, and fortifying your connection. Thankfully, with the rise of technology and virtual services, no matter how hectic your schedule may become, online marriage counseling is always an option. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of virtual therapy to help you make the best-informed decision for your relationship.
Pros of online marriage counseling
1. It’s convenient
While more research is needed, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly four out of ten Americans have used telehealth services to address their mental health needs. This statistic proves how convenient and accessible online therapy has become. Whether you and your spouse have conflicting schedules or are overwhelmed with your children, you can find a time and day that works. There is no need to commute or sit through traffic.
2. It lessens the pressure
Thankfully, the internet has made online therapy more approachable, accessible, and convenient. And in the case of the historical pressure and mental health stigma, many feel more comfortable receiving services online. It creates a safe space to share their feelings, thoughts, and trauma within the comfort of their home.
3. It happens within your home
Feeling apprehensive about sharing your pain with a stranger is a natural reaction. However, while you’re still engaging with a therapist you may not know personally, online therapy allows the advantage of improving your relationship from the familiarity of your environment. You and your spouse can navigate the difficulties of your marriage side-by-side within a place of security. This comfort can also facilitate a stronger mind-body connection, translating the communication skills and coping strategies in therapy to your home and daily life. It can also make the notion of what to expect from marriage counseling seem less intimidating.
Cons of online marriage counseling
1. Body cues aren’t as strong
Unfortunately, online marriage counseling creates the potential for your therapist to misread non-verbal cues, a significant aspect of developing a therapeutic alliance or relationship, based on several factors. For example, video calls, technical issues, and even the camera position can impact your therapist’s ability to gauge your engagement and receive a more comprehensive understanding of your emotions and needs, thus potentially disrupting your ability to bond.
2. It’s not as intimate
Communicating through a screen may make it challenging for you or your partner to open up and feel vulnerable. Not only can it heighten the fear of speaking with a stranger about your concerns, but fears of being overheard by others in the household can lead to self-censorship and reluctance to share openly.
3. Distractions are harder to avoid
In traditional face-to-face counseling, therapists have more control over the environment and can minimize external disruptions. Yet, online therapy makes your relationship more susceptible to distractions from other family members, children, pets, knocks on the door, and loud neighbors, all of which can disrupt your ability to focus on the present issues and learn effective communications strategies to solve common problems. Even more, therapy can cause heated moments, and you or your partner have the freedom to walk away and leave the session. While you also have this right in an office, you may feel more compelled to ride out the emotional process together.
After learning about the pros and cons of online marriage counseling, you might be wondering what is the best step for your relationship. We recommend speaking with your spouse openly and discussing their fears, concerns, or apprehensions to determine whether receiving couples counseling services is better for your needs online or in person. Yet, remember, receiving therapy, whichever path you choose, will allow you to work towards resolving matters, strengthening your marriage, and moving forward hand-in-hand.
To assist you in finding the best therapist for your relationship, consider our expansive and trusted network of licensed and trained professionals. We offer both virtual and in-person counseling options to support your journey to a healthier and more fulfilling marriage.
