I much prefer the old days when I would go to a therapist's office and have a face to face session. Obviously I understand why that had to change during COVID.

But "virtual" therapy really seems to be here for the long haul, even though in person medical appointments - and many other things - have reverted back to being the norm. I definitely much prefer in person therapy. There's so much that you miss when you have therapy virtually.

I'm currently in a situation where I need to change therapists because my health care provider only offers shorter term blocks of therapy and I need something more long term. So I've been given an outside referral and it's with some new therapy app. I have to pick my own therapist from a list of pretty much hundreds of candidates. I am really not enjoying the process at all. It almost reminds me of a dating app. All the therapists have shiny, happy, coiffed/professional photos. I swear a couple of them have even used Instagram filters. I just find it super off putting.

Also, I can see from the times that are offered that some of these people are doing this on the side and they obviously have full time jobs elsewhere. At least, I assume that's the case since they offer 6 am appointments, or 9 pm appointments, and that's it.

I don't know. I just feel uncomfortable with this whole idea. Maybe it's because I'm old. But I am an avid user of the internet and social media, so it's not like I don't use technology. I just don't want to use technology for my therapy.

I get it that there are advantages: it makes therapy more accessible, and more convenient for some people. But I see more negatives than positives. I actually like having a reason to leave the house (eg, to go to my appointment). I spend so much time staring at a screen already (because I'm pretty addicted to the internet). And I really appreciate the "real" interaction I have with a therapist when it's a face to face session. But that seems to be a thing of the past now.

Can anyone else relate?