Telehealth comes with several advantages and challenges. One significant pro is increased accessibility, allowing individuals to access services from the comfort of their homes. Being in one’s own home can make them feel more comfortable and might help them to open up. Additionally, it is informative for you, the therapist, to see the physical space they live in.
Furthermore, increased accessibility is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas, people without cars or means of transportation or individuals with limited mobility. This way, if someone is disabled and has difficulty going from place to place, or they lack a car they could still meet with a therapist.
Telehealth is also just convenient, as it reduces the need for travel time and expenses. Some people cannot afford to travel to their appointments on a regular basis. This is how telehealth comes in handy. Also,It can make it easier for individuals to fit therapy sessions into their busy lives. By eliminating these barriers, more people have access to therapy which is always a positive thing.
On the flip side, telehealth has its share of challenges. One con is the potential loss of non-verbal cues in communication. Nonverbal cues play a crucial role in therapy as they provide valuable information about a client's emotions, thoughts, and reactions that may not be expressed verbally.
Therapists use nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, eye contact, and tone of voice to gauge a client's level of comfort, understanding, and engagement. These cues help therapists to empathize with their clients, build rapport, and tailor their approach to better meet the client's needs.
Also, without meeting in person, people struggle with the lack of physical presence, feeling a disconnect in the therapeutic relationship. Being with someone in person and sharing an energy field can help regulate someone. Like the way a mother can regulate a crying baby with a calm presence.
Additionally, there are issues related to technology, such as poor internet connectivity can interfere. Background noise can also be distracting. Further more there's possibility for a lack of privacy, with family members or friends in the background of the video. People often are not as focused on their session. They can be cooking or multitasking.
All of these things can disrupt the therapeutic process. It's essential to recognize that while telehealth offers increased accessibility, it may not fully replace the benefits of traditional in-person counseling for everyone.