Teletherapy

Having trouble prioritizing self-care?

Trying to balance all your commitments and responsibilities while somehow finding time to also take care of yourself?

You know it’s important.

You know you need support.

Yet finding a way to fit a weekly therapy session into your already hectic and demanding schedule seems next to impossible.

Struggling to get just a second for yourself?

You eat lunch while you’re working.

You struggle to keep up with household tasks.

You can’t even finish a cup of coffee or tea before it gets cold.

Life keeps getting in your way.

You’re super busy with work, or maybe you have a new baby at home.

You’re coming down with something, or the school just called to tell you your child has a fever.

You’re struggling to complete an assignment or finish studying for an exam.

Or maybe you’re just having one of those REALLY BAD days… and the idea of taking a shower or, at the very least, putting on some semi-clean clothes and getting yourself out the door seem like insurmountable obstacles.

Your therapist’s office might as well be at the summit of Mount Everest – because that’s how likely it is that you’re actually going to make it there.

Teletherapy could be the solution.

Whether you’re looking for teletherapy sessions only or wanting the option of having a teletherapy session in situations when you can’t meet in person – either option is totally doable.

To protect your privacy and protected health information, I use a secure, confidential, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for all teletherapy sessions.

I approach all teletherapy sessions the same way I approach in-person sessions. I am present and focused during the session – and you must be as well.

Stepping into our “office”

Of course, things happen. You might get interrupted, especially if you’re at home with other family members who, try as they might, have difficulty giving you your privacy.

Given that babies make it a point to not cooperate with our adult plans, they can be present during the session if necessary.

Just do your best to find a quiet place, where you can speak freely without worrying about being overheard.

If we happen to get interrupted, we can certainly pause while you remind whoever is doing the interrupting that you need privacy for your therapy session and kindly tell them that this is YOUR time and that you’ll speak with them later.

Debunking the myths

Myth 1: Teletherapy makes it more difficult for clients and therapists to build rapport and form a strong connection.

Many people, clients and therapists alike, share the concern that it’s more difficult to develop rapport and form connections via telehealth sessions.

Before March of 2020, I would have shared the same opinion. I offered teletherapy sessions at that time, but only on an as-needed basis to already established clients.

I’ve since changed my tune (which was largely based on assumptions that I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to test). I now have experience working with clients via teletherapy only, including multiple new clients – with whom every one of our sessions has been via secure video conference.

I can now say with confidence that, while nothing will fully replace in-person interactions, you can absolutely build strong rapport and connection via teletherapy.

Myth 2: Teletherapy is less effective than in-person therapy.

Multiple research studies show that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.

Ultimately, the factors that determine whether or not therapy will be effective or helpful (a strong relationship between the client and their therapist, mutually agreed on therapy goals, creating a safe and supportive space to share, etc.) can all be achieved in a teletherapy setting.

Myth 3: Teletherapy sessions are less secure and confidential.

Teletherapy is every bit as secure and confidential as in-person therapy.

Therapists are required to provide a secure and private way for clients to participate in teletherapy sessions. Many secure platforms will provide security and privacy.

And, one added layer of confidentiality is that you’ll never have to worry about running into anyone you know in your therapist’s waiting room!

Enjoying the advantages

Advantage 1. Teletherapy is more accessible. No more budgeting travel time. No more figuring out transportation to and from an office.

Advantage 2. Teletherapy makes working easier. No more asking the boss to take several hours off work or leave early/arrive late every Tuesday.

Advantage 3. Teletherapy is more comfortable. You can have your session from the comfort of your own home, in your comfy clothes, while sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea from your favorite mug.

Advantage 4. Teletherapy for parents of young children is no longer a logistical nightmare. You don’t have to figure out childcare or, if you have a baby, worry about naps, feedings, or diaper changes.

Advantage 5. Teletherapy is immune to illness. You don’t have to skip your therapy session if you’re feeling sick. And, in this day and age and these uncertain times, you don’t have to skip your therapy session if the world is feeling sick.

Just the click of a mouse away.

Don’t let anything get in the way of getting the care you need. Reach out to me today (734) 263-6644.

Having to meet in-person is no longer a barrier to getting good care, so let’s get to it!