What is online therapy? 

Online therapy is using the internet to meet with your therapist or counselor using your laptop, tablet or phone.

Can other people know that I am doing online therapy?

It is private and confidential when using approved telehealth platforms like Doxy.me. The platform being used needs to be fully encrypted and HIPPA compliant.

Does insurance cover online therapy?

You need to check with your insurance company, but many do cover online sessions or are waiving any restrictions for doing sessions online while we are experiencing the pandemic.

Is it as effective as meeting in person?

There is research that shows it is as effective for many mental health issues. It is best to meet in person if there is a major crisis or suicidal concerns are going on.

What are the advantages?

The major advantage is that it is a safe way to meet with your therapist without possibly exposing yourself to the covid-19 virus.

In addition, it adds more flexibility to scheduling appointments and saves commute time, gas and parking expenses.

Clients often say it feels more comfortable as they become familiar with meeting this way.

What are the disadvantages?

There can be problems with internet connections that create frozen images, echoing or long pauses in hearing or seeing each other.  Also, some states require that the provider and client need to be in the same state.  And you will need to verify that the platform you are using is fully encrypted and HIPPA compliant.

I am used to meeting with my therapist in person. It feels awkward and disconnected to use the internet.

It is hard to make changes especially at difficult times like these. It is understandable if you have never done online therapy that it would bring some anxiety. It will initially feel awkward to not meet in the comfort and familiarity of your therapist’s office.                                                                       

Like anything new it is hardest at first and begins to feel normal as new rhythms get established. Be flexible and give yourself grace to make the adjustments needed and see how you feel a few sessions in.

Talk to your therapist about how it feels to be meeting online as you move into remote sessions. They can help you navigate through this new experience. Over time the medium becomes secondary and the work you are doing becomes central to your experience.                                                                       

The times we are living in require us to deal with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Having access to your therapist is one of the ways for you to cope and deal with what is going on. You can do hard things and that has been proven by your active participation in your therapy work. Give yourself a metaphoric pat on the back for taking the steps to continue with your mental health professional and keep your personal growth moving forward.

You may be concerned with getting help this way as opposed to the familiarity of being in your therapist’s office face to face.

What if this doesn’t feel right to me and I don’t feel the same connection?

It will be something to get used to. I am guessing that after a few sessions the fact that you are not face to face will recede and you will be in the moment talking and getting helped by your therapist.

I have so many other changes to content with working from home, my kids being here and needing help with homework, etc. It seems like I will be making things harder for myself. Right?

Because there is so much more on your plate you really need your own special place to unburden and process all the things that have changed, so quickly, in your life. There is underlying grief work about all that has been lost in the way of normalcy. In order to be effective in your work and to care for your family you will need all the support you can get. It is here. It is just in a different form.

Because of the flexibility afforded by online therapy you can work with your provider to find convenient times of day to meet and take care of your work and home obligations. 

Why reach out to me to do your online therapy?

I have nearly thirty years’ experience helping men and women make their lives feel better and more productive. I help them find their passion and make their relationships stronger and more intimate.

Contact me for more information and to set up your free online twenty-five-minute consultation. I look forward to hearing from you and starting our work together.