Alternatives to the mental health platforms
In recent years, online therapy has become increasingly popular, with platforms like BetterHelp, Regain, Brightside, Talkspace, and Cerebral offering affordable and convenient mental health support from the comfort of your own home. While online therapy can be a great option for some people, it’s important to remember that face-to-face therapy still has many advantages that online therapy cannot replicate. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why you might want to consider seeing a face-to-face therapist before turning to online therapy, including some of the criticisms of other online therapy platforms.
- Personal Connection
One of the biggest advantages of seeing a therapist in person is the personal connection that can develop between you and your therapist. This connection is important because it helps build trust and makes it easier for you to open up about your thoughts and feelings. Face-to-face therapy sessions provide a safe and secure environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. This personal connection is harder to establish online, where you’re communicating through a screen rather than face-to-face.
- Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication
During face-to-face therapy sessions, your therapist can observe your body language and non-verbal cues. These cues can be important in helping your therapist understand your emotions and thought processes, which can be harder to interpret during online sessions. This is especially true for people who struggle with communicating their feelings verbally.
- Flexibility
While online therapy is often touted as being more flexible than traditional therapy, it’s important to remember that face-to-face therapy can also be flexible. Many therapists offer evening and weekend appointments, which can be helpful for people with busy schedules. Additionally, some therapists offer teletherapy options, where you can meet with your therapist over the phone or through video chat. This can provide some of the convenience of online therapy while still maintaining the benefits of face-to-face therapy.
- Professional Standards
Finally, it’s important to consider the professional standards of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. While online therapy can be a convenient and affordable option, it’s important to remember that these platforms vary widely in terms of their quality control and regulatory oversight. For example, Regain has faced criticism for employing unqualified therapists and for having a lack of transparency around therapist qualifications. Brightside has faced criticism for aggressive and misleading advertising practices. Talkspace has faced criticism for not adequately vetting their therapists and for their pricing model, which some people claim can be more expensive than traditional therapy. Cerebral has faced criticism for employing non-licensed therapists and for promoting medication over therapy.
The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.
Carl Rogers
In contrast, face-to-face therapy is typically governed by more stringent professional standards and regulations, ensuring that you receive high-quality care from a qualified and licensed professional.
Conclusion
While online therapy platforms can be a convenient and affordable option, it’s essential to consider the benefits of face-to-face therapy before making a decision. By meeting with a therapist in person, you can establish a personal connection, benefit from body language and non-verbal communication, and take advantage of flexible scheduling options. Additionally, face-to-face therapy is typically governed by more stringent professional standards, ensuring that you receive high-quality care from a qualified and licensed professional.
All this is not to say online therapy doesn’t have its place in the modern work and home environment, it clearly does and I offer the service myself. But, nothing beats meeting your personal therapist in person, over a cup of tea and I’m not sure it ever will in my humble opinion.
Caroline
Caroline Holbrook: Psychotherapist | Life Coach | Counsellor
If you are looking for professional and qualified advice in and around Sitges (Spain), then please call me directly at +34 603 63 29 24. If you are based remotely, then you can also email me at caroline@heretohelp.co Either way, more information about the services I offer can be found here at the Here to Help website.
