There are plenty of counselors and therapists who treat clients over the internet. Reasons include one or the other moves far away and they want to keep the connection and rep they had, specific issues that only certain therapists address, etc. More recently this has become a common way to treat. But how does this big shift in treatment apply to creative arts therapists? Does it even apply at all?
This is a topic that I have heard circulating for a while. Many therapists offer online consultations and even appointments. There are obviously pros and cons to this in any field. Here are just a few:
PROS
Continuation of treatment
Provides more options for clients
Beneficial for remote areas
More affordable
Convenient
More accessible to those with physical disabilities or limitations
CONS
May not be covered by insurance
Possible breach of info online
Not great in crisis situations
Hard to connect without being in person
Although in most other fields of therapy, there are more pros than cons, in music therapy or other creative arts therapies, the list is a little different.
PROS
Continuation of treatment
Provides more options for clients
Beneficial for remote areas
More affordable
Convenient
More accessible to those with physical disabilities or limitations
CONS
May not be covered by insurance
Possible breach of info online
Not great in crisis situations
Hard to connect without being in person
LAG ON VIDEO/AUDIO WHEN MUSICKING TOGETHER
CLIENT MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR OWN INSTRUMENTS
NOT ABLE TO FEEL THE BEAT OR INSTRUMENT OF THERAPIST
DISTRACTION FROM SURROUNDINGS
CANNOT CONTROL THE SETTING OF THE CLIENTS HOME/NOISES
The list of both pros and cons could go on and on, adding to both sides and getting creative or thinking outside of the box. It is obvious, especially with the creative arts, that much of the experience within the session is based on the sounds and art that is created, not so much the conversation that is had. Therefore, the main factor of the session is greatly impacted and changed if both therapist and client are not hands-on in the process.
I'm sure there are many other creative arts therapists that think differently, and we would love to hear your opinions! Let us know in the comments below if you think there are more pros or cons to e-therapy in the creative arts!
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