The world has changed so much, and we’ve had to adapt.
One of the strangest adaptations for people everywhere is moving therapy from an in-person to a virtual format.
Who would have thought we’d be forced out of those calming, peaceful offices… and instead made to rely on a stable Internet with a good camera?
Systems are in place…
… to ensure your experience, from the initial contact to discharge, is seamless. So, expect a smooth process from start to finish.
My skepticism about online therapy was strong at first. It was something I swore would never happen in my practice, but I was inundated with clients who needed help but couldn’t see me in person.
Something had to change and fast! I switched to online therapy and never looked back. In my experience, the results have been the same as in-person, as unbelievable as that may sound. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when we focus on the work and not the medium.
For example, when learning coping skills for depression or anxiety, my words or suggestions will not change based on where or how we meet. They will be based on your circumstance just as they would in office.
And let’s face it: You can’t beat the convenience!
In the words of a former client, “Therapy makes me feel so good, and then traffic takes me right back to the edge.” Though this was a quote from one specific client, I have heard the same from many. The commute to and from the office for therapy can be a hassle. Dealing with the often erratic nature of other drivers can be dangerous and cause increased stress and frustration. Don’t you already have enough?
In addition to avoiding traffic, online therapy allows you to be more flexible with your meeting times. For example, instead of spending additional time on a commute, you can reallocate time that would normally be spent on the road. Before, you may have driven far and wide to see a therapist in the past. Now therapy begins with the click of a button. That extra time can be spent practicing the skills learned during session. We can now conduct therapy from the comfort of your own home, your couch, on your terms.
For those who live in more rural areas, what a great option! There might be 100 miles between you and the next person, but that doesn’t have to stop your process. There are no longer limits to where therapy can take place, whether you live in a bustling metropolis or scenic countryside.
Technical difficulties are the last thing you want to worry about…
… especially when we’re working on your mental and emotional health. But that’s sometimes a reality with online therapy. Sometimes the stable connection on which we’ve come to depend gets shaky. From time to time, it even collapses. I can tell you these experiences are not the norm. When they do happen, it’s often a simple diagnosis and fixes.
Getting started with online therapy is simple. All you need is a stable Internet connection and a laptop, tablet, or phone. Once you decide to work with me, I will email you access to a portal. On a laptop or most tablets, you will go into the portal and click the start session button. With phones and some tablets, you download a small app. When your session time begins, you’ll go into your SimplePractice app, click start session, and it will automatically take you to the separate app.
In my experience, it helps to have a quiet background away from distractions so that we both may focus on the work. Maintaining your privacy is critically important to me, so you will never see stragglers in the background. It would be best if you can find a private place away from anyone else.
Are you ready to get started?
The work that we’ll do together is of critical importance. That’s why whether in-person or online, our goal is the same: changing your life.
I promise you have my total commitment to you and that goal during our time together. Regardless of the connection or anything else, I will never lose sight of YOU!
So, don’t wait any longer. Call me today for your free consultation. I’m happy to answer your questions and discuss how I can help: (215) 874-7162.