Starting therapy is a meaningful step toward better mental health and emotional wellbeing – but with so many options available today, it can be difficult to know where to begin. One of the first decisions you might face is choosing between online therapy and in-person sessions.

Both formats offer unique benefits, and both can be equally effective—what matters most is finding the approach that feels right for you. Factors like your lifestyle, comfort level, accessibility needs, and personal preferences all play a role in this decision.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between online and face-to-face therapy, so you can feel more confident choosing the option that best supports your journey. Whether you’re completely new to therapy or considering a switch in format, this guide is here to help you make an informed, empowered choice.

What is online therapy? 

Online therapy has, in the past few years, become a lot more popular and widespread than it used to be, despite having been used for decades. Because of that, research has focused on demonstrating whether or not a strong enough relationship (that counsellors know is fundamental in therapy) can be effectively created and maintained in a virtual space.

We’ll spoil it for you: it can.

But, what is it? Online therapy, also known as virtual therapy, is an umbrella term for all those therapeutic encounters aimed at mental health support that are delivered through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or even secured chat-based exchanges or messaging. It allows you to connect with a therapist from the comfort of your home, or any other safe and confidential space of your choosing. Indeed, just like traditional in-person therapy, online sessions are confidential and structured and tailored to your needs and goals. However, the flexibility it offers makes it an ideal choice for people with busy schedules, limited access to local services, those who can’t or prefer not to travel, and for those who might simply want a more personal and convenient setting.

What is face-to face therapy? 

Face-to-face therapy, also referred to as in-person counselling or traditional therapy, involves meeting with your therapist at a physical location such as a private practice (like our room in Chorley) or community centre. This format allows for rich interaction that includes both verbal and non-verbal cues – like body language and tone of voice – which some clients find especially grounding. One advantage of in-person sessions is that the therapist and client share the same physical space, allowing for some creativity or spontaneity, if that is what the client needs and wants in their process. You may appreciate the routine and “separation” that comes with visiting a dedicated therapy space, as some people find it can help mentally prepare for and reflect on their sessions.

Key differences and similarities: online vs face-to-face therapy 

Here’s a few ways in which online therapy and face-to-face therapy are different:

• When it comes to accessibility, virtual therapy can be ideal for those in rural areas with limited access to a car or public transport, for people with mobility issues, or individuals with busy schedules.
  
  
• Convenience vs Ritual: in-person therapy offers a structured environment, usually curated to feel comfortable where you can focus on your process; online therapy offers comfort and flexibility to suit your needs.
• Each format may affect connection and communication, which are integral in building the therapeutic relationship. You may feel more grounded in your own personal space, which online therapy offers, or you might need to be in the physical presence of another to feel safe and dedicate that time to yourself. As said before, the ultimate choice is based on what feels right for you.
• Online therapy requires access to an internet connection and devices, in order to be viable. Technical comfort is also a requirement as therapists need clients to know how to operate the digital platform of their choosing enough to attend the sessions.

When it comes to similarities, no matter how therapy is delivered – online vs face-to-face, the core elements remain consistent. Here’s what you can expect from both formats:

• The fact that therapy is always focused on you, the client. Your goals, needs, challenges and preferences will shape the therapeutic process.
  
  
• Privacy and confidentiality remain at the heart of what we do. Both formats follow the same ethical and legal standards to protect your privacy, whether you are online or in-presence.
  
  
• Therapists’ role stays the same: our commitment to your wellbeing and journey is paramount. Creating a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where healing and growth can happen is part of what we do, no matter where we are having the sessions.
  
  
• You’ll work collaboratively with your therapist to set goals, reflect on your growth, and adjust your approach as needed—just the same in online and in-person sessions.

How can Livewell help? 

As mentioned before, both formats can be effective, the choice is about your personal needs and preferences, so it might be helpful to reflect on which of the two suits your lifestyle and yourself better. Here’s a few prompts to guide your choice:

• Do you feel more comfortable in your own space or in a dedicated office?
• Do you have reliable access to private space and technology?
• Is travel to a therapy office manageable or burdensome?

At Livewell we recognise that seeking therapy can be intimidating, and we understand that doing so requires a great deal of courage and determination. Here, we pride ourselves in being client-centred and to support your journey towards a better mental health in any way we can.

We offer both formats to suit your needs, so whether you’re considering online sessions or prefer meeting in-person, we’re here to help you find the right fit.

You can contact us at info@livewellcounselling.co.uk to book a free 20-mins consultation or ask any questions.

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