To me, therapy is a very intimate activity. Now, in the age of unforeseen consequences, I’m wondering how attempts to sterilize the environment will impact the intimacy of the exchange.
There is no doubt that online sessions are less intimate than in-person work, all other things being equal. These days, however, all those other things are not equal. As we focus more on the molecules passing between us, do we become less focused on/aware of the therapeutic exchange taking place?
Is therapeutic intimacy better preserved online or in a hyper-cautious in-person setting? I’m not sure yet, but I think it’s an interesting point to consider as I evaluate how to deliver best care to my clients in this challenging environment.