I started doing online therapy long before it became the norm.
I live in the Los Angeles area, and anyone who’s ever been here knows how large it is and how horrible the traffic can be. I gave speeches and trainings, and it was a nightmare getting to and from their location and my office!
So, back in 2018, I completed a 36-hour course on telehealth. If I was going to offer online therapy, I wanted to make sure I was doing right for my clients.
Now, having worked with clients online for years, let me share with you what it’s all about…
Research shows that it’s just as effective as in-person therapy.
The first research for online therapy started with veterans living in rural areas living too far away from mental health clinics but still needing treatment for their PTSD. The next research was done with senior citizens that were homebound dealing with physical and mental issues. All these studies clearly showed evidence that this new-fangled treatment method was equally effective as in-person therapy.
As far as treatment goes, there really is not a lot of difference. You are still face to face – just through a screen. You still get the same content and information, and you still experience me, and I experience you and any emotions you are having during a session. The difference is I cannot hand you Kleenex, and there is no occasional hug at the end of a session if so desired. Nowadays, the technical stuff is pretty easy to maneuver as well.
Long before there was such a thing as online therapy, psychology research had determined that no specific type of therapy (like psychoanalysis or cognitive-behavioral) worked better than the other but that the relationship between the therapist and the client mattered most.
And that is what you will get working with me: A caring relationship and effective treatment from the convenience of your home (or wherever you are).
Speaking of convenience…
Working with clients online since 2018, I have worked with clients sitting in their kitchen, on their front room couch, on their bed, in their home office, and even in their beautiful backyard. At other times clients have been in their cars (with the A/C on here in CA) and their work office or private conference room. Wherever they are located, finding a private space works.
My early morning clients show up in their PJs with their cup of coffee sitting on their bed (pretty convenient). A few times, an attentive dog or curious cat has crossed in front of the computer, allowing my client to pick them up and cuddle or pet them while in session for extra comfort.
Because we are online, we have easily brought their spouse into the room as needed. And when two people are in two different locations (such as a military wife and her deployed husband), we could still have sessions.
For the most part, it can all work.
You get all the therapy benefits with all the convenience of doing it from your preferred location.
Here’s all you need…
You really only need two things: a Wi-Fi connection and a device (laptop, smartphone, iPad with a camera). It’s also best to find a private space so you can be undisturbed and not worry others may overhear. That’s it!
What’s not to love?? Now, take that next step…
Just think… you can do therapy from anywhere: your home, office… even the backyard if you like! I’ve even used online therapy with members of our military who were deployed… and held reunification cases where the parents and children are in two different locations.
You get all the benefits with none of the hassles. Really, the only thing I can’t do is hand you a box of Kleenex (so have some next to you)! 🙂
If you have questions or still aren’t sure, just reach out to me, and let’s talk during your free consultation: (626) 314-7094.