To do E-Therapy or not to do E-Therapy?

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!

Thanks for checking out our blog! Click here to receive a free list of 25 Action Songs to get your kids moving! You'll also be the first to find out when we post a blog, release a mini-book, create a new experience, run a special, or just let you in on some fun! And follow us on all social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) @muziquearts! If you're interested in checking out what Muzique's Experiences for music, art, dance and drama, click here!