Hesitant To Try Teletherapy?
Many Prefer Online Therapy After Giving It a Try
Many people are hesitant to try online therapy. They worry it might feel impersonal, be less effective, or that technical issues will get in the way. Some only give it a shot because it’s the most convenient or available option. But once they experience it firsthand, many are surprised to find they actually prefer online therapy over in-person sessions.
A major reason for this shift is that some therapists work best via video. While not every therapist is effective in an online format, many have adapted their approach in ways that make virtual therapy feel just as engaging—if not better—than in-person sessions. Some therapists, including those who previously practiced in an office, now work exclusively online because they find they are more attuned, present, and effective in a virtual setting. When working with a therapist who excels at video-based therapy, clients often find the experience more natural, focused, and productive than they expected.
While the benefits of online therapy—like flexibility and accessibility—are well-known, there are deeper reasons why people choose to stick with it long-term. Here’s what makes online therapy a better fit for many clients, even when they didn’t expect it to be.
Many people start online therapy out of necessity—whether due to scheduling conflicts, limited local options, or the convenience of accessing care from home. However, once they experience it firsthand, many find that online therapy actually suits their needs better than traditional in-person sessions. Here’s why:
1. Comfort and Privacy
Online therapy allows clients to participate from the comfort of their own space. For many, this means feeling more at ease, leading to more open and honest conversations. Avoiding a waiting room also eliminates concerns about running into acquaintances, making the experience feel more private and personal.
2. Flexibility and Consistency
Life is unpredictable, and in-person therapy can sometimes be disrupted by last-minute conflicts, weather conditions, or travel issues. Online therapy provides greater flexibility—people can attend sessions even when traveling, at home with a sick child, or fitting in a session between work meetings. This convenience makes it easier to maintain consistent care.
3. Reduced Anxiety Around Therapy Itself
For those who feel anxious about going to therapy, online sessions reduce the stress of physically showing up to an unfamiliar place. The ability to ease into therapy from a familiar setting can help clients feel more in control and engaged in the process.
4. More Options for Therapist Fit
With online therapy, people are not restricted to providers in their immediate area. This expands the pool of available therapists, increasing the likelihood of finding someone with the right specialty, approach, or personality fit—factors that significantly impact therapeutic success.
5. Less Pressure to Perform Socially
Some clients feel pressure to engage in small talk or manage their facial expressions and body language in an office setting. Online therapy can reduce this social performance aspect, allowing clients to focus on what they want to express rather than how they are being perceived.
6. Easier Transition into Therapy
The first few therapy sessions can feel intimidating. Being in a familiar space while talking to a therapist for the first time can make the process feel more natural. For people who have hesitated to start therapy, the lower barrier to entry with online sessions can make taking that first step easier.
7. Increased Accessibility for Neurodivergent Clients
For individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities, traditional therapy settings can be overstimulating or draining. Online therapy allows them to control their environment—adjusting lighting, using fidget tools, or even engaging in movement without worrying about therapist expectations in a physical space.
8. Greater Emotional Processing Time
After an in-person therapy session, clients must immediately transition back into daily life—whether that’s commuting home or going straight to work. Online therapy allows for a softer transition, giving clients more time to process emotions in a comfortable setting rather than stepping into a public space while still feeling vulnerable. Although it is important to plan for the session! Some thoughts: Setting Up for Your Online Therapy Session
Why Try Teletherapy with a PeoplePsych Therapist
While some people initially view online therapy as a backup option, many find that it provides benefits they didn’t expect—and that it can be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions. The combination of accessibility, privacy, flexibility, and comfort makes online therapy a preferred choice for those who try it, especially when working with a therapist who excels in the virtual format.
At PeoplePsych, our therapists choose to practice exclusively online. This means they have intentionally developed their skills to connect with and support clients effectively through teletherapy, making the experience engaging, personal, and impactful.
Chicago-Based Illinois Therapy for Adults and Teens Seeking Real Change
Life is complicated and rarely follows a straight path. PeoplePsych is a Chicago-based psychotherapy group dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate challenges and create meaningful change. Our therapists provide affirming, client-centered care in a safe, nonjudgmental space via online therapy. Serving people throughout Illinois via secure HIPAA compliant teletherapy platforms.
If you’re ready to start therapy, contact our Clinical Coordinator at (312) 252-5252 or intake@peoplepsych.com.
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