Covid and online therapy. AIBU?

[ComfyQuilt]

I am trying to find a cbt therapist and sent a message asking about availability for face to face therapy.

The reply that I go was that they don’t know anyone who is currently offering face to face, as the ‘risk is too great if you are seeing 10-20 clients per week’.

Now, I can see the benefits of online therapy from a logistical point of view and in reducing the therapists’ overheads but as a new client the benefit of not travelling would be outweighed by the many negatives. I realise that this may be subjective, though.

AIBU to think that there response was utterly ridiculous and that many therapists are continuing to act as if it is still lockdown one

I also suspect that they are continuing to use Covid as an excuse when actually it’s more about their own preference for home working?

AIBU to think this? Am I missing something??

Some things are just more effective in person, especially when trust and building a relationship are involved.

Normal services really do need to be resumed ASAP.

I agree @BogRollBOGOF. I can see that remote therapy is a brilliant solution for many eg those who can’t travel/ leave the house but why is this sector clinging onto lockdown?

Yep I found the same thing - it’s ridiculous! Open the windows in the room and properly ventilate!

I think it’s just a lot of therapists have worked out it’s cheaper and easier for them to do online.

It’s okay as a stop gap during lockdown but you really can’t full relate to people on a screen.

Easy way to spot who’d be a crap therapist though!

And I think the reason why the sector is clinging to it is basically because most therapists are pretty fucked up themsleves - I am very cynical
About the industry now.

I’ve no problem with a ‘fcked up therapist’ who currently coping well and has learned to use various ‘tools’ as I really value lived experience but agree with everything else you’ve said @FFSFFSFFS*!

I’m a therapist and am in person with window open. Have been for most of the last two years.

And I’m only slightly fucked up 😳

Some clients like online therapy, as it means they can be on their own turf and not have to factor in travel time in addition to the time taken for therapy. Once people get used to it, there isn't usually a difference in effectiveness.

Some therapists prefer it too, whether for logistical reasons or otherwise.

However, if you feel that for you it will be more effective - or you'd just prefer - to be face to face in person in a room together, then you're perfectly entitled to look for that and current Covid rules do allow therapists to see clients in person.

I'm surprised that all of the therapists in your area are only seeing clients online. Most therapists I know are doing a mixture now. But I guess ultimately it is up to the therapist as to the service they offer and you can either accept their terms or look elsewhere.

So keep looking and find someone who will see you.

I had the same issue through my work provided one, so I can't just go elsewhere unless I can afford to pay. I asked how long it would be to wait for a face to face one as I presumed it would be changing soon with restrictions lifting and was told they didn't think it works be likely to change in the foreseeable future.

Is it really reality true that most therapists are still working online only? I guess like any service, you can choose whichever service provider best meets your needs. It's up to them how they offer their services, but if most clients want face to face, and their competition offers that, they're going to have to revert back to face to face or lose business.