Why Online Therapy Doesn’t Work: Thoughts From a Florida Therapist
If you tried online therapy and it felt flat, or you are wondering whether talking to a screen can possibly help, you are asking a fair question. As a licensed mental health counselor at Therapy with Enid who offers online therapy in Florida, I went looking for what people want to know, and the most common searches ask why it does not work, so this post covers 6 honest reasons it might not be the right fit and what you can do about each.
6 Reasons Online Therapy Might Not Work for You
I love the connection I have with clients over video, and you still deserve an honest look at the limits. Here are the reasons I see most often.
1. You Do Not Believe Therapy Can Work
Skepticism is fair, since it is reasonable to wonder how someone who has never met you in person can help. There is no magic in an office. Therapy rests on a working relationship and a therapist’s training in understanding what is happening beneath the surface, and both can happen on video. Research comparing video therapy with in-person therapy generally finds similar outcomes for common concerns such as depression and anxiety, though the evidence is thinner for severe conditions and for some groups. Some clients tell me that being at home helps them open up, and for others the screen gets in the way, and both experiences are valid.
2. You Will Not Give Yourself Dedicated Time and Space
When you are a busy, high-achieving woman who runs from one thing to the next, it is tempting to squeeze therapy in between meetings and errands. Therapy asks for your attention, so treat it as the important appointment it is and build a buffer before and after so you do not arrive rushed. My post on how to get the most from your online therapy sessions walks through the setup.
3. It Is Not Safe or Sufficient for Your Situation
Online therapy with a private practice has limits. If you need intensive addiction treatment or care for a more severe mental health condition, in-person care or a higher level of care may serve you better. If you are in a home where violence is present, or if you are thinking about ending your life, please put your safety first and reach out right now:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 at any hour.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
4. You Expect a Quick Fix
Therapy is a process and a relationship, and it takes patience. You may feel better after a few sessions, and lasting change takes time and practice, much like building any other healthy habit. How long it takes depends on what you are working on, and it helps to think of therapy as a commitment you give a fair chance.
5. The People Around You Are Not Supportive
If your partner, family, or friends make you feel ashamed for going, it is harder to stay present and keep showing up. You do not have to announce therapy to everyone, and you should not have to hide it either. It can help to share why it matters to you with one trusted person, or to suggest they read about what online therapy is like. If someone close to you cannot support this step, that is worth noticing.
6. You Are Counting on Free Counseling Alone
Many people search for “free online therapy,” and there is nothing wrong with that. Free and low-cost options can be helpful, and they can also come with limits on the number of sessions, the length of sessions, or your choice of therapist. If cost is a concern, ask about sliding scale fees, community clinics, and what your insurance covers, and consider speaking with a couple of therapists before you commit. The goal is care you can sustain.
If Any of These Sound Like You
Online therapy might not be the right fit right now, and you can still explore it. Talk with a therapist or two, bring the questions from my post on what to ask before starting online therapy, and weigh what you hear against this list. When you feel ready to commit, take time to prepare, because the work is worth it.
Online Therapy in Florida for Women
If you are a woman in Florida who sees herself in this post, I would love to support you. I am a licensed therapist, and I offer online therapy in Florida for women who want to feel calmer, more confident, and less alone with it all. Contact me to tell me a little about what you are looking for, and we can talk about whether working together feels like a good fit.
Enid DeJesus is a licensed mental health counselor who provides online therapy in Florida for high-achieving, highly sensitive women. She offers honest guidance about when online therapy is a good fit and when another level of care would serve a woman better, and she helps clients make the most of sessions from the comfort of home. Her approach is warm and solution-focused, and her work centers on helping women feel safe and supported. If you are weighing whether online therapy is right for you, she would love to hear from you.
