Should I See a Therapist Online or In-Office? Understanding What’s Right for You
- Your Story Counselling
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Abstract
Not sure whether to book an in-person or online therapy session? You're not alone. The choice between virtual and in-office therapy depends on your comfort, access, and clinical needs. This article breaks down the benefits of each approach—and explains why choosing a local clinic like Your Story Counselling means you don’t have to choose just one.
Is Online Therapy Right for Me?
Online therapy has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years—and for good reason. Whether you're juggling a busy schedule, have mobility or transportation concerns, or simply feel safer in your own space, virtual therapy can offer a level of ease and comfort that’s hard to match.
Benefits of online therapy:
Attend sessions from anywhere in Ontario
Save time on commuting
More flexibility with scheduling
Reduced social anxiety around arriving at a clinic
Ideal for parents, caregivers, and people with limited mobility
For many people, online therapy also removes geographic barriers. You can access specialized services and therapists that reflect your identity—especially helpful if you live in a smaller community with limited options.
Why In-Person Therapy Still Matters
While virtual care offers convenience, in-office therapy holds unique value—especially for those who feel more present, grounded, or connected when sitting with someone face to face.
Benefits of in-office therapy:
Stronger relational connection through non-verbal cues
Fewer distractions than a home or work environment
Easier access to certain trauma modalities or body-based therapies
Some clients feel safer leaving home for emotionally intense sessions
A dedicated, private space for processing
In-office sessions can be especially helpful when doing work that involves deep emotional processing, art therapy, or family/couples therapy where body language plays an important role.
Why Not Both? The Hybrid Model at Your Story Counselling
At Your Story Counselling, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. That’s why we offer hybrid care, where you can access both virtual and in-person sessions depending on what you need—without losing therapeutic consistency.
Whether you're working through burnout, trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, or identity exploration, we want therapy to be accessible and adaptable to your life.
Advantages of working with a local hybrid clinic like ours:
Continuity of care: Start online and move in-person, or vice versa
Local referrals: Our clinicians know York Region and can help you navigate community-specific supports
Familiar team: Even if you switch formats, you stay with the same therapist
Emergency protocols: In a crisis, in-person care is available
Community connection: You’re not just another screen—we’re part of your local care ecosystem
📍We have office locations in Markham and Vaughan, and provide virtual therapy across Ontario.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Do I have a private and safe space at home for online therapy?
Would I benefit from the structure of physically going to a session?
Do I need body-based trauma support or couples therapy that may benefit from in-person work?
Do I value flexibility or do I prefer a more structured, in-clinic environment?
There’s no wrong answer—just what works best for you at this stage of your journey.
Work with a Team That Supports Both
Whether you need the accessibility of virtual care or the relational depth of in-person sessions, Your Story Counselling is here to support your healing process—your way.
💬 Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through your needs with us 📍 Learn more about our Markham and Vaughan locations
Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.
Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,
Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.
Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.
Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.
If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.
Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.
Terms and Conditions of Use:
The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com
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Meta Description
Wondering if therapy should be in-person or online? Learn the benefits of each, and why choosing a local hybrid clinic like Your Story Counselling gives you the best of both worlds.
