Since COVID-19, many people have become familiar with virtual appointments and find them helpful, secure, and easy to access. Evidence supports teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person meetings for therapeutic outcomes.
Since 2019, I have had hundreds of successful teletherapy sessions meeting with teens and adults for online counseling services.
Benefits of Teletherapy
- More availability- telehealth has opened the door to people having therapy before, during and after their work day.
- No commute, no traffic
- You do not need to live close to my office
- We can meet even if one of us is sick
Considerations For Teletherapy Sessions
- We can be at the mercy of technology: internet and phone connectivity may at times call on us to be flexible and patient.
- I will always provide a quiet confidential space from my side of the camera, but finding space for yourself that is both quiet and private can be difficult. With that said, interruptions can happen (and that’s OK)
- All software that I use is protected and compliant with the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Length: it may be favorable to meet only for half an hour with younger clients.
These features have led to some pretty incredible things over the course of COVID restrictions. Friends got together for virtual happy hours. Religious services, complete with music, continued. Some people connected with relatives in other countries and learned or practiced the native tongue of their parents. I know I greatly enjoyed viral videos of children opening Christmas presents as grand parents watched from several miles away. I think it’s even safe to say some people miss this time. Time spent commuting was time that could be spent on other more meaningful things.
What to Expect in Teletherapy Sessions
Sessions will follow the same format as in person sessions. As we build rapport and work towards common goals for therapy, we will work through a mutually agreed upon plan. From the plan we will gauge progress and enhance the quality of your life. You, or a love one who receives therapy from me, should leave each session feeling listened to, validated, and encouraged.
Some people find it helpful to have their own headset. If your computer audio quality is good and you feel you can meet privately with me, I don’t find this to be necessary.
What You’ll Need – Portfolio Materials
I encourage all people receiving virtual therapy to have the following things: a water bottle, pencil and paper ready to jot down notes, a folder to create a portfolio.
Because major life changes often come about through long successions of small accomplishments, I encourage all people receiving therapy from me to take notes and make graphic organizers to illustrate the basic premises of our sessions. This folder can be a collection used for reference outside of sessions. If a minor is receiving therapy virtually, the self led/self created work can be used to show parents about concepts taught during the educational components of therapy.
What If It’s Not Working For You?
Just like anything else related to our work, let me know about it.