In-Person vs. Online Therapy: What’s Best for You?
Choosing Between Online and In-Person Therapy
The way we access therapy has expanded in the past few years. Many people now have a choice between in-person counselling in a local office and online therapy from the comfort of home. But with so many options available, how do you know which format is right for you?
At Tidal Trauma Centre, we offer both in-person and online therapy to clients across British Columbia, including in-person sessions at our Cloverdale office in Surrey. Here’s a breakdown of what each approach offers, and how to decide which is the best fit for your needs.
Benefits of In-Person Therapy
In-person counselling offers a depth of relational and somatic attunement that some clients find easier to access in a shared physical space. You might prefer face-to-face therapy if:
You feel more connected in the room than through a screen
You’re navigating nervous system dysregulation or dissociation and want in-person grounding tools
You don’t have a quiet, private space at home for virtual sessions
You’re processing attachment trauma and benefit from the subtleties of co-regulation and eye contact
You’re easily distracted online and find it hard to stay present on video calls
Some clients also feel more emotionally contained when sessions start and end with a commute. It can help them prepare and decompress before re-entering daily life.
At our Cloverdale office, we provide a calming, comfortable space for individual and couples therapy, with sensory-sensitive lighting and a trauma-informed setup.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Online counselling has become more than just a convenience. It’s a powerful option for many clients. You might choose online therapy if:
You live in a remote or rural area and want access to specialized therapists
You have chronic illness, fatigue, or limited mobility
You’re managing a busy schedule or childcare needs
You feel more comfortable opening up from home
You travel often and want consistent care no matter where you are
All of our therapists offer secure video sessions to clients anywhere in British Columbia. For many people, this flexibility is essential to keeping therapy consistent.
What’s the Clinical Difference?
From a therapeutic perspective, both in-person and online therapy can be equally effective. EMDR, IFS, somatic therapy, AEDP and EFT, and attachment-based work all translate well to virtual formats, especially when your therapist is skilled in trauma-informed online delivery.
That said, certain techniques (like EMDR with tactile tappers or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy that includes hands-on props) may feel more natural in person. Some clients also find it easier to stay emotionally regulated when they’re not trying to manage their tech or self-consciousness on video.
Still unsure? Many of our clients begin online and move to in-person or vice versa, depending on what feels right for their body, nervous system, and season of life.
How We Support Both Options at Tidal Trauma Centre
We offer:
In-person sessions at our Cloverdale offices, accessible from Surrey, Clayton Heights, and Langley
Online therapy throughout BC via secure video
Flexible scheduling to help you access therapy in the format that works best for you
Integrated approaches including EMDR, IFS, somatic therapy, AEDP, and EFT
Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or long-standing patterns, we can help you find the right format and the right fit.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
It’s okay to be uncertain. Sometimes, the best next step is simply to speak with a therapist about your goals, preferences, and concerns.
Fill out a New Client Form to get matched with one or more counsellors. If you’re ready, book a free consult or appointment.
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Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our Cloverdale office, located in Surrey and easily accessible from Langley, Clayton Heights, and surrounding areas.
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Absolutely. Many clients start with one format and switch depending on their needs, schedule, or preference. We can support you either way.
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Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person for most concerns. What matters most is the relationship you build with your therapist.
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Our Cloverdale office is quiet, welcoming, and designed with trauma-informed care in mind. We’ve created a sensory-friendly environment to support regulation and safety.
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Start by filling out our New Client Form. We’ll recommend one or more clinicians who are a good match for your needs, goals, and preferences.
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Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental health advice. It is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.