Through the Lens: Comparing the Immersion of Movies and Virtual Therapy

Early in my career as a therapist, I had a moment with a client that left a lasting impression. He had just enrolled in our in-person therapy program, his voice carrying a sense of newfound hope. With conviction, he declared that this time, therapy was going to work. What made him so certain? He believed that being physically present with his therapist was the missing key—the factor that had been absent in his past virtual therapy experiences, which he felt had failed him. To him, success was tied to physical proximity.

This sentiment is not uncommon. The belief that therapy must be conducted in person to be truly effective is deeply ingrained in the minds of many seeking mental health support. It’s an understandable assumption. After all, much of traditional psychotherapy has historically been conducted face-to-face. But is it the physical presence of a therapist that determines the effectiveness of therapy? Or is there something deeper at play?

To answer this, we need to explore what truly makes therapy work. The foundation of effective therapy is not found in a physical office or a comfortable couch—it is built upon the relationship between the therapist and the client. More than that, it hinges on the skill, competence, and approach of the therapist.

A helpful analogy can be drawn from cinema. A well-crafted movie has the power to transport an audience into its world. A compelling film evokes emotions, sparks introspection, and even shifts perspectives, all without the need for physical interaction between the viewer and the storyteller. We do not need to be on set with the actors or in the same room as the director to experience the full depth of the story’s impact. Instead, it is the quality of the storytelling, the connection we feel to the characters, and the skillful execution of the film that determine its effect on us. The same principle applies to therapy.

The effectiveness of virtual therapy operates on the same premise. A skilled therapist, regardless of whether they are sitting across from you in an office or meeting with you through a screen, can guide you toward transformation. The quality of the therapeutic relationship—how well the therapist understands, supports, and challenges you—matters far more than the medium through which therapy is delivered. A virtual session with a skilled therapist can be just as powerful as an in-person session, if not more so, because it removes barriers such as commute time, geographic limitations, and other logistical challenges that might prevent someone from seeking consistent care.

Conversely, an ineffective therapist, regardless of format, will struggle to create a meaningful impact. A weak therapeutic relationship, whether developed in person or online, is unlikely to lead to breakthroughs or meaningful change. A client who does not feel heard, understood, or properly challenged by their therapist will likely disengage from the process, no matter the setting. Much like a poorly executed movie that fails to engage its audience, ineffective therapy fails not because of the medium but because of the lack of depth, skill, and connection.

Virtual therapy offers unique advantages that go beyond convenience. For many clients, it provides a level of comfort that allows them to open up more freely. Being in a familiar environment can reduce anxiety and create a sense of psychological safety that facilitates deeper exploration. Additionally, virtual therapy expands access to specialized care, allowing clients to work with therapists who align with their needs and therapeutic goals, regardless of location.

There is also the practical reality that virtual therapy removes the barriers that often stand in the way of traditional therapy. For those living in rural areas or smaller communities where access to mental health services is limited, virtual therapy is a lifeline. It allows individuals to connect with therapists who specialize in their particular concerns rather than settling for the nearest available provider. This flexibility ensures that clients receive high-quality care from therapists who are the right fit for them.

Some may argue that virtual therapy lacks a personal touch or that nonverbal cues are harder to pick up through a screen. However, skilled therapists are trained to navigate these differences. They know how to read subtle vocal inflections, shifts in tone, and patterns of speech just as they would interpret body language in an in-person setting. Furthermore, with the advancement of high-quality video platforms, the ability to engage in meaningful, face-to-face conversations is better than ever.

At Bydand Therapy, we have seen firsthand how transformative virtual therapy can be. Our clients often express surprise at how connected they feel in sessions, even when conducted through a screen. What matters most is not the physical space we share but the trust, guidance, and expertise that shape the therapeutic journey.

Therapy is about more than just showing up—it’s about the work done within the space, whether virtual or physical. The willingness to engage, the therapeutic alliance, and the skill of the therapist are what drive real change. The client who believes that physical presence is the determining factor in therapy’s success may unintentionally limit their ability to receive help that is available to them in a more accessible format.

If you’ve been hesitant about virtual therapy, I encourage you to consider what truly matters in your therapeutic experience. Do you need a physical office, or do you need a therapist who genuinely understands your struggles, offers meaningful insights, and helps you navigate your challenges? The true essence of therapy is not bound by walls—it is found in the relationship between therapist and client, in the moments of self-discovery, and in the courage to grow.

If you are in Wyoming or California and seeking high-quality telehealth psychotherapy, Bydand Therapy offers hour-long sessions designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with expert guidance. We also provide international coaching through Bowen Family Systems, an approach that deepens self-awareness, improves relational dynamics, and helps individuals manage anxiety. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, we are here to support you. Reach out to learn more and take the first step toward meaningful change.

~ Colt Gordon