Search

Journey to Heal

Which therapy is right for you: Face-to-face, Group or Online Therapy?

In this article, I address the question of which form of therapy is right for you: Face-to-face VS Group VS Online Therapy. The answer is: It depends on what you are looking for and which challenges you can deal with.

5 mins

In this article, I address the question of which form of therapy is right for you: Face-to-face VS Group VS Online Therapy. The answer is: It depends on what you are looking for and which challenges you can deal with.

Good news and bad news…

Everything works, nothing doesn’t

Let me explain:

Everything works. There are pros and cons to any form of therapy. The key here is finding which would be best for you. As far as effectiveness, if you find what works for you, there will be good progress.

BUT

Doing NOTHING will not work. Mental health issues do not go away with time. Unfortunately, for many issues they will progressively get worse if not addressed.

Do not be a part of the silent majority that allow their mental health issues to fester. With different modes of therapy money, time and the severity of your problem is no longer an excuse.

So here is the real question: What are you looking for in therapy and what challenges are you willing to deal with.

I’ve listen all of the pros, cons, need to know information below.

Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash


Face-to-Face VS Group VS Online Therapy

Face-to-Face Therapy

This is the traditional approach to therapy that involves you and your therapist in the same room or you and your therapist online doing a video session. Traditionally therapy happens once per week and can take anywhere from 3 to 50 sessions (depending on the therapeutic approach)

Pros
  • Most direct
  • Face-to-face will address your specific issues straight on
  • The most customizable form of therapy
  • In this form, the therapist can readily adjust the experience, approach, and focus of therapy based on subtle cues offered within the session.
  • Fastest form of therapy
  • Because this form of therapy is most direct and most customizable it can also be the quickest form of therapy, depending on your therapist’s therapeutic framework.
Cons
  • Highest cost
  • Cost can range from $20 copays to $200+ private pay
  • More barriers to start

– waiting lists
– finding the right therapists
– establishing a good connection

  • This may be the most expensive form of therapy but offers the most direct, quick and customizable experience than in other forms of therapy.

** I recommend you pay private fees instead of using your medical insurance for therapy. See this article for an explanation on why.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most
  • People that have a pressing issue that threatens their ability to function in day-to-day routines. Examples: suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, borderline, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • People that need to process traumatic experiences.
  • Individuals that need to process a childhood traumatic experience.
  • Those that have a family or system issue where the entire family of 3 or more people needs to be involved
Stay away if

Well…truth be told, there isn’t much that cannot be addressed in face-to-face therapy.

Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash

Group Therapy

Group therapy is the approach that allows you to process your problems with other people with similar problems that is moderated by a therapist.

Pros
  • Low cost

Cost can range from $20-$80+ group sessions because you share the cost with people in the group.

  • Group learning

Group therapy allows you to take on the role of the learner as well as the teacher. Some find it easier to change when they are a part of supporting others.

  • Group composition

It is also beneficial to have the right group size, varying progress in growth, openness, and boundaries. If there is a good composition then success will be accelerated.  

Cons
  • Group composition

A bad mixture of participants can hold the group back.

The lack of competent group leadership may lead to a lack of progress in the group.

  • Less individual attention

Growth in a group tends to be measured by the growth in the entire group as opposed to growth in individuals.

**This can be a great thing for the introverts that prefer to not be the center of attention but it can also be frustrating when the group is progressing faster than you or if you feel like you are progressing faster than the group.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most

Habit training

This is the best model for individuals that need to develop new habits (addictions, anger management, parenting strategies)

Motivation

This a great approach for people that need motivation. Remember, if you need encouragement, it helps to encourage others.

Stay away if
  • Extremely antisocial
  • Psychotic
  • Need individual attention

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

Online (Talkspace, Better Therapy)

This is a new therapy trend that is being popularized by Talkspace and BetterTherapy. It is primarily a text messaging based approach to therapy where you are connected to a licensed therapist through an app on your phone. It is traditionally a month-to-month subscription and you have access to your therapist 5 days a week through a chat room.

Pros
  • Low Cost

1 month of Therapy through an online platform usually cost the same as one session of a face-to-face therapy approach.
Cost can range from $49-150/week

  • Getting started is easy

Online therapy can start with a simple click of a button.

It is convenient

It’s like having a therapist in your pocket

You can log information as it happens

You do not have to wait a week to let your therapist know what is happening in your life.

Scheduling and travel are not an issues.

Cons
  • Impersonal at times

Not being able to read body language can limit communication.

Lack of verbal communication can make you feel lost or unheard

It is said, “The written word tends to be less emotional than the spoken word.”

  • Progress moves slower

The therapist will need to ask more questions to clearly understand what is being communicated.

  • Need some level of technical competence

It helps to be technologically competent. Troubleshooting or being able to follow prompts on an app can be confusing if you do not have a good grasp on navigating an internet browser.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most
  • People with scheduling difficulties
  • People who have limited funds
  • Depression and anxiety issues
  • People looking for a low anxiety way to start talking about hard issues
  • People with social anxiety

Stay away if
  • You need experiential therapy like EMDR, art therapy, etc
  • If you are suicidal

What works for you?

So, in conclusion, what is the best form of therapy for you? In this article, I looked at the difference between Face-to-face, Group and  Online Therapy. There are pros and cons to each approach.

Here is some great news, I offer therapeutic support in each of these forms of therapy. If you are interested in find more information in working with me. Click below to get started with a free 30 minute consultation.

Journey to Heal

Which therapy is right for you: Face-to-face, Group or Online Therapy?

In this article, I address the question of which form of therapy is right for you: Face-to-face VS Group VS Online Therapy. The answer is: It depends on what you are looking for and which challenges you can deal with.

5 mins

In this article, I address the question of which form of therapy is right for you: Face-to-face VS Group VS Online Therapy. The answer is: It depends on what you are looking for and which challenges you can deal with.

Good news and bad news…

Everything works, nothing doesn’t

Let me explain:

Everything works. There are pros and cons to any form of therapy. The key here is finding which would be best for you. As far as effectiveness, if you find what works for you, there will be good progress.

BUT

Doing NOTHING will not work. Mental health issues do not go away with time. Unfortunately, for many issues they will progressively get worse if not addressed.

Do not be a part of the silent majority that allow their mental health issues to fester. With different modes of therapy money, time and the severity of your problem is no longer an excuse.

So here is the real question: What are you looking for in therapy and what challenges are you willing to deal with.

I’ve listen all of the pros, cons, need to know information below.

Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash


Face-to-Face VS Group VS Online Therapy

Face-to-Face Therapy

This is the traditional approach to therapy that involves you and your therapist in the same room or you and your therapist online doing a video session. Traditionally therapy happens once per week and can take anywhere from 3 to 50 sessions (depending on the therapeutic approach)

Pros
  • Most direct
  • Face-to-face will address your specific issues straight on
  • The most customizable form of therapy
  • In this form, the therapist can readily adjust the experience, approach, and focus of therapy based on subtle cues offered within the session.
  • Fastest form of therapy
  • Because this form of therapy is most direct and most customizable it can also be the quickest form of therapy, depending on your therapist’s therapeutic framework.
Cons
  • Highest cost
  • Cost can range from $20 copays to $200+ private pay
  • More barriers to start

– waiting lists
– finding the right therapists
– establishing a good connection

  • This may be the most expensive form of therapy but offers the most direct, quick and customizable experience than in other forms of therapy.

** I recommend you pay private fees instead of using your medical insurance for therapy. See this article for an explanation on why.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most
  • People that have a pressing issue that threatens their ability to function in day-to-day routines. Examples: suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, borderline, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • People that need to process traumatic experiences.
  • Individuals that need to process a childhood traumatic experience.
  • Those that have a family or system issue where the entire family of 3 or more people needs to be involved
Stay away if

Well…truth be told, there isn’t much that cannot be addressed in face-to-face therapy.

Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash

Group Therapy

Group therapy is the approach that allows you to process your problems with other people with similar problems that is moderated by a therapist.

Pros
  • Low cost

Cost can range from $20-$80+ group sessions because you share the cost with people in the group.

  • Group learning

Group therapy allows you to take on the role of the learner as well as the teacher. Some find it easier to change when they are a part of supporting others.

  • Group composition

It is also beneficial to have the right group size, varying progress in growth, openness, and boundaries. If there is a good composition then success will be accelerated.  

Cons
  • Group composition

A bad mixture of participants can hold the group back.

The lack of competent group leadership may lead to a lack of progress in the group.

  • Less individual attention

Growth in a group tends to be measured by the growth in the entire group as opposed to growth in individuals.

**This can be a great thing for the introverts that prefer to not be the center of attention but it can also be frustrating when the group is progressing faster than you or if you feel like you are progressing faster than the group.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most

Habit training

This is the best model for individuals that need to develop new habits (addictions, anger management, parenting strategies)

Motivation

This a great approach for people that need motivation. Remember, if you need encouragement, it helps to encourage others.

Stay away if
  • Extremely antisocial
  • Psychotic
  • Need individual attention

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

Online (Talkspace, Better Therapy)

This is a new therapy trend that is being popularized by Talkspace and BetterTherapy. It is primarily a text messaging based approach to therapy where you are connected to a licensed therapist through an app on your phone. It is traditionally a month-to-month subscription and you have access to your therapist 5 days a week through a chat room.

Pros
  • Low Cost

1 month of Therapy through an online platform usually cost the same as one session of a face-to-face therapy approach.
Cost can range from $49-150/week

  • Getting started is easy

Online therapy can start with a simple click of a button.

It is convenient

It’s like having a therapist in your pocket

You can log information as it happens

You do not have to wait a week to let your therapist know what is happening in your life.

Scheduling and travel are not an issues.

Cons
  • Impersonal at times

Not being able to read body language can limit communication.

Lack of verbal communication can make you feel lost or unheard

It is said, “The written word tends to be less emotional than the spoken word.”

  • Progress moves slower

The therapist will need to ask more questions to clearly understand what is being communicated.

  • Need some level of technical competence

It helps to be technologically competent. Troubleshooting or being able to follow prompts on an app can be confusing if you do not have a good grasp on navigating an internet browser.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most
  • People with scheduling difficulties
  • People who have limited funds
  • Depression and anxiety issues
  • People looking for a low anxiety way to start talking about hard issues
  • People with social anxiety

Stay away if
  • You need experiential therapy like EMDR, art therapy, etc
  • If you are suicidal

What works for you?

So, in conclusion, what is the best form of therapy for you? In this article, I looked at the difference between Face-to-face, Group and  Online Therapy. There are pros and cons to each approach.

Here is some great news, I offer therapeutic support in each of these forms of therapy. If you are interested in find more information in working with me. Click below to get started with a free 30 minute consultation.

Journey to Heal

Which therapy is right for you: Face-to-face, Group or Online Therapy?

In this article, I address the question of which form of therapy is right for you: Face-to-face VS Group VS Online Therapy. The answer is: It depends on what you are looking for and which challenges you can deal with.

5 mins

In this article, I address the question of which form of therapy is right for you: Face-to-face VS Group VS Online Therapy. The answer is: It depends on what you are looking for and which challenges you can deal with.

Good news and bad news…

Everything works, nothing doesn’t

Let me explain:

Everything works. There are pros and cons to any form of therapy. The key here is finding which would be best for you. As far as effectiveness, if you find what works for you, there will be good progress.

BUT

Doing NOTHING will not work. Mental health issues do not go away with time. Unfortunately, for many issues they will progressively get worse if not addressed.

Do not be a part of the silent majority that allow their mental health issues to fester. With different modes of therapy money, time and the severity of your problem is no longer an excuse.

So here is the real question: What are you looking for in therapy and what challenges are you willing to deal with.

I’ve listen all of the pros, cons, need to know information below.

Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash


Face-to-Face VS Group VS Online Therapy

Face-to-Face Therapy

This is the traditional approach to therapy that involves you and your therapist in the same room or you and your therapist online doing a video session. Traditionally therapy happens once per week and can take anywhere from 3 to 50 sessions (depending on the therapeutic approach)

Pros
  • Most direct
  • Face-to-face will address your specific issues straight on
  • The most customizable form of therapy
  • In this form, the therapist can readily adjust the experience, approach, and focus of therapy based on subtle cues offered within the session.
  • Fastest form of therapy
  • Because this form of therapy is most direct and most customizable it can also be the quickest form of therapy, depending on your therapist’s therapeutic framework.
Cons
  • Highest cost
  • Cost can range from $20 copays to $200+ private pay
  • More barriers to start

– waiting lists
– finding the right therapists
– establishing a good connection

  • This may be the most expensive form of therapy but offers the most direct, quick and customizable experience than in other forms of therapy.

** I recommend you pay private fees instead of using your medical insurance for therapy. See this article for an explanation on why.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most
  • People that have a pressing issue that threatens their ability to function in day-to-day routines. Examples: suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, borderline, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • People that need to process traumatic experiences.
  • Individuals that need to process a childhood traumatic experience.
  • Those that have a family or system issue where the entire family of 3 or more people needs to be involved
Stay away if

Well…truth be told, there isn’t much that cannot be addressed in face-to-face therapy.

Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash

Group Therapy

Group therapy is the approach that allows you to process your problems with other people with similar problems that is moderated by a therapist.

Pros
  • Low cost

Cost can range from $20-$80+ group sessions because you share the cost with people in the group.

  • Group learning

Group therapy allows you to take on the role of the learner as well as the teacher. Some find it easier to change when they are a part of supporting others.

  • Group composition

It is also beneficial to have the right group size, varying progress in growth, openness, and boundaries. If there is a good composition then success will be accelerated.  

Cons
  • Group composition

A bad mixture of participants can hold the group back.

The lack of competent group leadership may lead to a lack of progress in the group.

  • Less individual attention

Growth in a group tends to be measured by the growth in the entire group as opposed to growth in individuals.

**This can be a great thing for the introverts that prefer to not be the center of attention but it can also be frustrating when the group is progressing faster than you or if you feel like you are progressing faster than the group.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most

Habit training

This is the best model for individuals that need to develop new habits (addictions, anger management, parenting strategies)

Motivation

This a great approach for people that need motivation. Remember, if you need encouragement, it helps to encourage others.

Stay away if
  • Extremely antisocial
  • Psychotic
  • Need individual attention

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

Online (Talkspace, Better Therapy)

This is a new therapy trend that is being popularized by Talkspace and BetterTherapy. It is primarily a text messaging based approach to therapy where you are connected to a licensed therapist through an app on your phone. It is traditionally a month-to-month subscription and you have access to your therapist 5 days a week through a chat room.

Pros
  • Low Cost

1 month of Therapy through an online platform usually cost the same as one session of a face-to-face therapy approach.
Cost can range from $49-150/week

  • Getting started is easy

Online therapy can start with a simple click of a button.

It is convenient

It’s like having a therapist in your pocket

You can log information as it happens

You do not have to wait a week to let your therapist know what is happening in your life.

Scheduling and travel are not an issues.

Cons
  • Impersonal at times

Not being able to read body language can limit communication.

Lack of verbal communication can make you feel lost or unheard

It is said, “The written word tends to be less emotional than the spoken word.”

  • Progress moves slower

The therapist will need to ask more questions to clearly understand what is being communicated.

  • Need some level of technical competence

It helps to be technologically competent. Troubleshooting or being able to follow prompts on an app can be confusing if you do not have a good grasp on navigating an internet browser.

What kind of person would enjoy this the most
  • People with scheduling difficulties
  • People who have limited funds
  • Depression and anxiety issues
  • People looking for a low anxiety way to start talking about hard issues
  • People with social anxiety

Stay away if
  • You need experiential therapy like EMDR, art therapy, etc
  • If you are suicidal

What works for you?

So, in conclusion, what is the best form of therapy for you? In this article, I looked at the difference between Face-to-face, Group and  Online Therapy. There are pros and cons to each approach.

Here is some great news, I offer therapeutic support in each of these forms of therapy. If you are interested in find more information in working with me. Click below to get started with a free 30 minute consultation.