Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual sessions have become much more common in the mental health field. And while the option to meet virtually can be convenient, especially for those who don’t have mental health resources available locally, there are a number of benefits to meeting in person that we encourage clients to take advantage of if at all possible. Here are just a few benefits of in-person nutrition counseling:
- Meeting in person can help the client-clinician relationship develop more quickly, especially with younger clients, which can help us start to see progress earlier in the process.
- There is a different energy present when meeting in person. Being in the same room makes it easier for clients and dietitians to benefit from the energy the other person brings into the space.
- In-person sessions open the door to bring creativity into sessions. We can play games while talking or color together, which can lessen the intensity of talking about something as stressful as food.
- Most people find it easier to focus when they’re in the same space as opposed to talking through a screen. For adolescents in particular, the screen or their phone can be a distraction that keeps them from engaging fully in the session. We also don’t have to worry about distractions due to internet problems
- Finally, for clients who don’t like seeing themselves on screen, meeting in person eliminates that challenge.
We will continue to offer virtual sessions because we want as many people as possible to have access to the nutrition support they need. But if meeting in person is an option for you, we’d love to have you come to our office, relax on our comfy couches, and experience the benefits of in-person nutrition counseling. Check out pictures of our space at the bottom of our About Nutrition Counseling page.
