ENG-123 Final Project (1)

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Souther New Hampshire University In-Person Therapy Vs. Virtual Therapy A Side-by-Side Comparison Mackenzie Connell ENG-123: English Composition II

The efficacy of face-to-face therapy compared to online therapy is a subject of debate in the field of Psychology. As a student of Forensic Psychology, therapy is a topic that I will encounter regularly both in my academic and professional life. The issue is complex, and opinions on the matter are divided. Some argue that face-to-face therapy is the only effective means of treatment, particularly for those who require socialization. People with mental health disorders often struggle with forming connections and may find online therapy isolating. However, others argue that online therapy is a more convenient and accessible option, especially for those with severe anxiety, technology struggles, or mobility issues. Although online therapy offers convenience for individuals who prefer not to interact with a therapist in person, face-to- face therapy is more advantageous because therapists can accurately assess patients through body language and people without internet access, including those in lower economic classes or the elderly, can also receive necessary treatment. Despite the convenience and accessibility that online therapy offers, face-to-face therapy is a more helpful form of treatment due to the ability of therapists to accurately assess patients and the inclusion of individuals without internet access, such as those in lower economic classes or the elderly, in necessary treatment. To begin, some may ask what the difference between traditional talk therapy is when compared to virtual therapy. Talk therapy is a type of mental health support where you meet with a licensed therapist in person. This usually consists of one session per week in the office, which lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. When you meet a therapist in person, they can notice nonverbal cues that go along with what you are saying, and this can allow them to understand your needs better. In-person therapy can be a good break away from your normal life as well. A therapist's office can feel like a neutral location that makes you feel increased comfortability and

provides you with a push to share personal information. Virtual therapy is a type of mental health support that you can get from anywhere. There are several types of online therapy such as texting, emailing, phone calls, and video calls. If you use virtual options like texting and emailing, you can speak to your therapist from almost anywhere at any time. Online services make it easy to get therapeutic support quickly and easily. Depending on the individual, one may sound more appealing than the other but what is important is which is more effective. There is evidence to suggest that in-person therapy is more effective than virtual therapy for certain mental health conditions. One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2021found that face-to-face therapy was more effective for depression than therapy done by video call. This study involved over 180 participants who were randomly assigned to either virtual or traditional talk therapy. The researchers found that those who received traditional therapy had greater improvements in depression symptoms than those who received virtual therapy. Jha et al. (2021) conducted another study that found the effectiveness of in-person therapy for social anxiety disorder. The study involved over 70 participants randomly assigned to traditional or virtual therapy. The researchers found that those who received traditional therapy had greater improvements in their social anxiety symptoms than those who received virtual therapy. While these studies suggest that traditional talk therapy may be more effective than virtual therapy for certain mental health disorders, it is important to note that both forms of therapy are helpful options for an individual. Additionally, recent research shows that face-to-face therapy may supply better treatment outcomes than online therapy. Milosevic et al. (2016) conducted a study comparing group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders delivered via videoconference to face-to-face therapy. Results showed that face-to-face therapy was more

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effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety compared to online therapy. Similarly, a review by Barak et al. (2008) analyzed 12 studies comparing the outcomes of online therapy and face-to- face therapy, finding that online therapy had higher dropout rates and lower treatment effectiveness than face-to-face therapy. Rochlen et al. (2004) compared the therapeutic alliance in face-to-face therapy versus online therapy and found that the therapeutic alliance was stronger in face-to-face therapy, which is important for achieving positive treatment outcomes. While online therapy may have some advantages, such as convenience, the evidence suggests that face- to-face therapy is generally more effective in treating mental health disorders. Overall, these findings analyzed a bunch of different studies about online therapy and found that it is a great form of therapy. They also discussed some of the ways to use online therapy effectively and although there were some that couldn’t figure it out, they suggest more research for the future. The debate between face-to-face therapy and online therapy has been growing as teletherapy has become more common. While online therapy offers convenience, face-to-face therapy provides better results, according to research studies. Evidence suggests that face-to-face therapy is more effective in treating mental health disorders compared to online therapy. Studies have shown that the therapeutic alliance is stronger in face-to-face therapy, which is crucial for achieving positive treatment outcomes. Moreover, face-to-face therapy allows therapists to accurately observe patients' body language and provide an accurate diagnosis, something that is not possible in online therapy. While online therapy may have some advantages, the evidence suggests that face-to-face therapy is generally more effective in treating mental health disorders. Firstly, studies have found that face-to-face therapy is more effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to online therapy. Secondly, online therapy has been associated with higher dropout rates and lower treatment effectiveness compared to face-to-face therapy.

Thirdly, the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between therapist and patient, is stronger in face-to-face therapy which is important for achieving positive treatment outcomes. Overall, while online therapy may be a useful option for some individuals, those seeking treatment for mental health disorders may benefit more from face-to-face therapy. It is important to consider individual preferences and circumstances when making decisions about mental health treatment. One opposing viewpoint to the argument that face-to-face therapy is generally more effective than online therapy is that online therapy can be more accessible for individuals who live in remote areas or have physical disabilities. This is a valid point as face-to-face therapy may not be possible for these individuals due to factors such as transportation or mobility limitations. However, it is important to note that online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for those who are not comfortable with technology or have limited access to the internet. Furthermore, while online therapy may be more accessible in some ways, studies have shown that it may not be as effective as face-to-face therapy. While online therapy may have its benefits in terms of accessibility, it may not be the best option for individuals who are looking for the most effective treatment for their mental health concerns. In summary, while it is important to consider the accessibility benefits of online therapy, it is also important to recognize that face-to-face therapy has been shown to be more effective in treating mental health disorders. It is ultimately up to the individual and their therapist to decide which mode of therapy is most suitable for their needs. I wanted to hear what a therapist thought of this debate firsthand, so I reached out to my own personal therapist, Dr. Bensfield, who I see bi-weekly for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Dr. Bensfield is a therapist who specializes in PTSD and trauma-related therapy and has worked in the field for 18 years and has experience with many different individuals.

Although Dr.Bensfield is a big fan of virtual therapy since the start of the pandemic, she agrees that there are many downfalls to this form of therapy in comparison to traditional therapy. The convenience of virtual therapy can be distracting to many, but Dr. Bensfield tries to keep the original forms of therapy as a personal preference because many patients benefit from visiting the office. Speaking to a therapist with this experience has allowed me to build my debate on this topic and allows me to have an appreciation for the therapists who regardless of preferences, are there to help their patients no matter what. In conclusion, while online therapy has its advantages in terms of convenience and accessibility, the evidence suggests that face-to-face therapy is generally more effective in treating mental health disorders. Studies have shown that face-to-face therapy is more effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and building a strong therapeutic alliance between therapist and patient. While there may be some opposing viewpoints, such as the benefits of online therapy for individuals who may have difficulty accessing in-person care, the evidence still supports the superiority of face-to-face therapy in treating mental health disorders. As such, it is important for mental health professionals and policymakers to prioritize increasing access to face-to-face therapy for those who need it. References:

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Milosevic, I., Levy, H. C., Alcolado, G. M., & Radomsky, A. S. (2016). A comparison of videoconference-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder to face- to-face cognitive-behavioral therapy. Journal of anxiety disorders, 44, 96-102. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618516300404 Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira, N. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of technology in human services, 26(2-4), 109-160. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228830802094429 Rochlen, A. B., Zack, J. S., & Speyer, C. (2004). Online therapy: Review of relevant definitions, debates, and current empirical support. Journal of clinical psychology, 60(3), 269-283. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.10261 Gonzalez Salas Duhne, P., Delgadillo, J., & Lutz, W. (2022). Predicting early dropout in online versus face-to-face guided self-help: A machine learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 159. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1016/j.brat.2022.104200 Khan, S., Shapka, J. D., & Domene, J. F. (2022). Counsellors’ Experiences of Online Therapy. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 50(1), 43–65. https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login? url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1325184&site=eds- live&scope=site Jha, M. K., Minhajuddin, A., Fatt, C. C., Shoptaw, S., Kircanski, K., Stringaris, A., Leibenluft, E., & Trivedi, M. (2021). Irritability as an Independent Predictor of Concurrent and Future Suicidal Ideation in Adults with Stimulant Use Disorder: Findings from the STRIDE Study. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.019

ENG-123 Final Project (1)

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