The benefits of virtual therapy for trauma survivors
For survivors of childhood and developmental trauma, seeking therapy can be both a vital step in healing and a challenging process. Virtual therapy has become an increasingly popular option, offering unique benefits that are particularly advantageous for trauma survivors. Some have questioned whether or not therapy for trauma can be effective if it's done virtually, but there are many benefits to online therapy, specifically for those with histories of trauma.
Understanding Developmental Trauma - and the benefits of treating with virtual therapy
Developmental trauma stems from adverse childhood experiences, such as emotional neglect, physical abuse, or exposure to chronic stress. These experiences can disrupt a child’s emotional, cognitive, and relational development, leading to long-term difficulties like emotional dysregulation, trust issues, and a hyperactive stress response.
For many survivors, accessing traditional in-person therapy can feel overwhelming due to barriers such as anxiety, logistical challenges, or feelings of vulnerability. Virtual therapy addresses many of these barriers, creating a safe and accessible environment for healing.
Safety and Comfort of Home
For trauma survivors in particular, feeling safe is a critical foundation for effective therapy. Virtual therapy allows clients to engage in sessions from the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. This can:
Reduce feelings of vulnerability associated with visiting an unfamiliar office.
Help clients feel more grounded and less triggered during sessions.
Allow the inclusion of comforting elements, like a favorite blanket or pet, during therapy.
Accessibility for All
Logistical challenges, such as distance, transportation, or physical limitations, can deter individuals from seeking therapy. Virtual therapy removes these barriers by making support accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This is especially beneficial for:
Individuals in rural or remote areas with limited access to specialized trauma therapists.
Clients with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses that make travel difficult.
Busy parents or caregivers who need flexible scheduling options.
Increased Sense of Control
Trauma survivors often struggle with feelings of helplessness or loss of control. Virtual therapy empowers clients to take charge of their healing process in several ways:
Clients can choose their therapy environment, whether it’s a cozy corner of their home or a quiet outdoor space.
The ability to end a session and immediately transition into a safe space reduces lingering stress after difficult discussions.
Reduced Social Anxiety
For individuals who experience social anxiety or hypervigilance—common among trauma survivors—attending therapy in a physical office can be daunting. Virtual therapy offers a layer of distance that can:
Ease anxiety related to being in public or interacting with strangers.
Allow clients to focus more fully on the therapeutic process rather than external distractions.
Consistency and Continuity
Life’s unpredictability can interrupt therapy for many individuals, particularly those balancing multiple responsibilities or navigating crises. Virtual therapy supports consistency by:
Allowing sessions to continue during travel, illness, or relocation.
Making it easier to reschedule or adjust appointments without the added stress of commuting.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Privacy is a crucial concern for many trauma survivors. Virtual therapy provides:
A discreet option for individuals who may feel self-conscious about visiting a therapist’s office.
Secure, encrypted platforms that protect client confidentiality.
Tailored Approaches for Trauma
Virtual therapy lends itself to various trauma-focused modalities that can be effectively adapted for online settings, including:
Brainspotting: Using the client’s visual field to access and process trauma can be done effectively through video sessions. There has been some research conducted on the effectiveness of Brainspotting virtually vs. in person since COVID shifted so many things. What's been found? The efficacy is exactly the same. A solid Brainspotting therapist is able to attune to their clients in person and virtually, and at Woven Wholeness, Emily has trained extensively both in person and virtually to best support clients and their preferences.
Somatic Techniques: Grounding exercises and body-awareness practices are easily guided online.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Structured approaches like CBT translate well to virtual formats.
Expanded Choice of Therapists
Virtual therapy opens up access to a broader range of trauma-responsive therapists. Clients are no longer limited by geographical constraints and can seek out specialists who align with their needs.
When There are Challenges...
Inevitably, sometimes technology doesn't function the way that we want it to. While virtual therapy offers significant benefits, there will be some road bumps from time to time. Woven Wholeness discusses the potential obstacles with clients and always has a plan B...and C...and D...and sometimes E....
Technology Issues: Poor internet connections or unfamiliarity with virtual platforms can be frustrating. Woven Wholeness uses a simple and user friendly therapy platform called Therapy Portal. Our sessions generally take place here, and you simply sign in with your email and password to join. We also have the option of using Zoom as an alternative or backup.
Lack of Privacy at Home: Clients without a private space may struggle to speak openly. We often work with clients to find creative solutions for finding privacy, whether that means using noise canceling headphones, getting comfy in your car, or flexibly scheduling during hours when you know you'll be alone, we can come up with a solution that gets you the privacy that you need to feel safe.
Screen Fatigue: Spending extended time on screens can be draining. Therapists can incorporate breaks or suggest phone sessions as an alternative. Since Woven Wholeness uses a variety of somatic techniques, movement becomes a big part of the work, therefore being able to escape some of the screen fatigue.
Is Virtual Therapy Right for You?
Virtual therapy offers unique advantages for survivors of childhood and developmental trauma, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Factors to consider include:
Your comfort level with technology.
Access to a private, distraction-free space.
The therapeutic modality that best suits your needs.
Many clients find that the benefits of virtual therapy far outweigh the challenges, making it an invaluable tool in their healing journey. Schedule a discovery call today to learn more about if virtual, trauma-specific therapy might be for you.
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