Teletherapy: A Quick Guide
COULD TELETHERAPY BE THE RIGHT OPTION FOR ME?
Whether you’re new to therapy altogether, or wondering what it would be like to see your current therapist virtually, you might wonder if this is the option for you.
Has commuting to an office been a barrier for seeking psychotherapy?
Are there limited options for psychotherapy therapy where you live?
Do you live with health considerations that make going out difficult or dangerous?
Do you travel frequently for work, making it difficult to maintain continuity of in-person sessions?
Would virtual contact be enough for you to feel adequately supported by your therapist?
Do you have a reliable confidential space you could use for an hour a week to meet with your therapist via video?
Do you have reliable access to high speed internet?
Do you think you could resist multitasking during your session?
If you’ve answered yes to any, many, or all of the questions above, teltherapy could be an appropriate and effective option for you.
BENEFITS OF TELETHERAPY
If you've never had an online session with your therapist (or any therapist) before, it's normal to feel a bit apprehensive. Most of my clients find that it's not nearly as weird as they thought it would be. While in-person therapy has been the norm until recently, telethearpy is a viable option, and has some truly unique benefits:
Convenience: No commute makes scheduling easier, and transitioning into and out of session more gentle.
Integration: You can prepare for session, and integrate after session in your own space, without having to navigate transit.
Depth: Having the added distance might actually allow you to deepen into your emotions more than meeting in person.
Self-soothe: Regulating (rather than spiraling) in your space can be a corrective experience, and help you create a new relationship with your personal space.
Intimacy: Your can choose to show your therapist parts of your life they may not be able to see otherwise, giving them deeper insight into your world.
Comfort: Comfy clothes -need I say more?
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ONLINE SESSION
Making a safe space allows you to get the most out of your sessions. Here are a few tips for getting into a therapeutic space:
Create some transition for yourself. Give yourself a few minutes of in-between time before session begins.
Remove any distractions. Turn off notifications on your computer and set your phone aside.
Grab a glass of water or make yourself a cup of tea, like you would in a therapist’s office.
Sit somewhere comfortable. Grab a blanket or a pillow.
Use headphones, set a sound machine, or play soft music in the common area for added confidentiality.
Dim any harsh lights (including your screen) so your eyes can rest.
Have a pen and paper nearby if you like to write things down during session, or journal afterwards.
Tired of the screen? Request a phone session and take a walk to move your body while you process, or lie down with your eyes closed.
