Online Therapy Recovery Time
One the most common questions that we receive from prospective clients is “how soon can I return to my normal routine after starting online therapy?”
We understand that therapy adjustment time is an important question for all clients and, historically, there has been a false perception that one will require 2-3 weeks of significant lifestyle changes before feeling comfortable with the therapy process. Though completely false, that lingering unfounded perception has been a barrier for many prospective clients.
In actuality, one could continue their normal daily activities immediately after beginning online therapy, assuming (of course) that a therapy client is able to schedule sessions at convenient times and implement self-care practices with minimal disruption to their routine.
In all cases of adjusting to therapy and incorporating it into your schedule, please consult with your therapist to determine the right plan for you.
Relatedly, we have seen countless examples of individuals smartly scheduling therapy sessions during lunch breaks or after work hours, and therefore not losing any productivity at all, other than the session time itself.
If you have a flexible schedule, an extremely quick integration of therapy into your life is possible because the adjustment process to online therapy is actually quite simple. Yes – you may experience some emotional responses after sessions that most clients describe as manageable or (at worst) temporarily challenging. However, this is mitigated with the coping techniques which are taught by your therapist during sessions.
Interestingly, for many clients the initial emotional processing such as heightened awareness, temporary vulnerability, or brief periods of reflection, are the actually most noticeable aspects of beginning therapy, although the intensity of those responses typically stabilizes within 2-3 sessions. If you do intend to schedule therapy during work hours, we also recommend avoiding high-stress meetings immediately following your session for that same reason.
For individuals who cannot access therapy during flexible hours, the answer is more complex. In these cases, we typically recommend scheduling sessions at consistent times when you can ensure privacy and adequate time for processing, although please consult with your therapist. That gives your mind enough time to transition between therapy work and other responsibilities.
One additional consideration is whether you prefer video sessions or text-based therapy. The more interactive video sessions provide immediate feedback and connection, with clients often reporting deeper insights during the conversation. However, text-based therapy offers greater flexibility and allows you to engage at your own pace throughout the week. Video sessions require dedicated time slots, while text-based communication can be integrated throughout your day as time permits.
To summarize, if you have a flexible schedule, you can continue normal activities immediately after therapy sessions begin. If you have limited scheduling options, we recommend finding consistent time slots that minimize disruption to your routine, although you should consult with your therapist to formulate the best possible plan for you!
