Pros and Cons of Online Sex Therapy

Pros and Cons of Online Sex Therapy

Online sex therapy has its pros and cons. Before the pandemic, I was not a consumer of online therapy. I enjoyed the routine of driving to my therapist’s office each week and pouring a cup of hot tea when I sat down on her couch, ready to talk about whatever I felt like that day. I liked trying to make sense of the abstract art work that hung above her head and connecting with her IRL Since the pandemic, not only have I seen my therapist online, but I have become an online sex therapist in Colorado! Supporting people with online sex therapy in Colorado has been amazing. I’m a convert and now I love providing online sex therapy to baby queers, LGBTQ+ people, and anyone having problems with sex. So what are the pros and cons of online sex therapy? Let’s get into it.

Pros of Online Sex Therapy

It’s a time saver- While I liked seeing my therapist in real life, her office was not near my work or home. The commute to therapy felt like an added thing to my plate. Checking traffic and planning logistics to make sure you get there on time can be yet another stressor. With online therapy there is no commute.  You can join a session with your therapist at the end of your work day, when you have just jumped off a meeting, as you wrap up eating lunch or dinner, or after you’ve just woken up from a much needed nap.  There is no need to plan for traffic or commute to a part of town that is out of the way. With Denver traffic, doing counseling online can be a BIG time saver. 

It’s Convenient- Online therapy is convenient because you can meet with your therapist from anywhere! Want to join from your couch? Cool. Want to join from your car? Cool. With online therapy you can join sessions in any place that is convenient for you.  I recommend finding a comfortable place, free of distractions where nobody else can hear you. 

It’s Pet Friendly- Who doesn’t love having a furry friend nearby? With online therapy you can bring your pet(s) to session! I love seeing client’s sassy cats and doting dogs during sessions.  Guest appearances by pets during online counseling brings a smile to my face. More importantly, they can be a source of comfort and joy for you when things get tough. 

It’s Safe- We are still navigating a global pandemic. While many people are increasingly comfortable participating in in-person activities, it can still feel scary to be out in the world. Your health and safety are important. Online therapy decreases in person contact.  If you are struggling to re-engage in in-person activities or are considered high risk for contracting COVID-19, online therapy may be a great option for you.

It’s Comforting- It can feel easier to open up about your struggles when you’re in a space where you feel at ease. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, or other issues, I am here to support you. Meeting someone for the first time can also be anxiety producing. Meeting a therapist online may still bring about some anxiety, but being in your own space can provide comfort.

Cons of Online Sex Therapy

Privacy concerns- If you have a partner, children, or roommates privacy can be a concern. Try to schedule online therapy sessions during a time when others are out of the house.  Find a place in your home where you can close the door and be alone. If you have a private office at work, that can be another great place to have your online therapy session.  If others are home, try buying an inexpensive sound machine to place outside a closed door. The white noise is typically enough to ensure that nobody can hear what’s taking place in session. Using headphones is another great way to ensure that only you can hear what your therapist is saying. 

Technology Concerns- “You’re muted,” has become a common phrase for all of us. While we are several years into a pandemic, some of us are still more technologically challenged than others.  Therapists use a variety of platforms to hold online counseling sessions. Most online therapy platforms allow for use of an app via mobile phone or use of a desktop browser to connect online. Before you start online therapy, ask your therapist what platform they use so you can become familiar with it. Another factor that can be a con of online therapy is internet connection. An unreliable wifi connection can interrupt the flow and delivery of therapy. If you will be doing therapy online, a reliable internet connection or strong cell phone service is important. Your therapist wants to hear everything you are saying!

Confidentiality Concerns- Confidentiality in therapy is essential. It is required legally and ethically for all therapists to maintain confidentiality and to protect your privacy.  Because teletherapy sessions take place outside of the typical office session, there is a possibility that others can overhear sessions if those sessions do not take place in a secure environment. As a therapist, I take reasonable steps to ensure the privacy and security of client information. If you are participating in online therapy, make sure other people are not present and cannot overhear the conversation.

Location Concerns- There are rules and regulations about where online therapy can take place. For example, as a Colorado sex therapist, I can only provide online sex counseling to people who are living in Colorado. While some sex therapists have licenses in multiple states, most people seeking online therapy will need to make sure the professional is licensed in their state.  The con here is that you cannot seek out any sex therapist for online services. I suggest searching within your city or town for the kind of support you need. 

Relational Concerns- It’s true. Meeting for therapy online is not the same as meeting for therapy in person. There may be circumstances where online counseling is not a good fit for your specific needs. For example, people experiencing a crisis or another urgent mental health issue may benefit from in person therapy. For some people, it all comes down to preference and they just prefer to meet their counselor in an office setting. Be sure to talk to your therapist or counselor to see if they offer in-person sessions or are 100% remote.

Is online sex therapy right for me?

It is important to me that my clients feel confident embarking on their sex therapy journey. If you have specific questions about seeing a sex therapist online, I would love to connect.