There are times when seeing your therapist from the coziness of your home might be ideal.
- If you have a chronic illness and it is hard to move around
- If you are on bed rest due to a complicated pregnancy or illness
- When being at home is a necessity, such as during the pandemic
- For people who travel a lot and have a hard time being consistent with therapy appointments.
- To reduce the stress of traffic and parking.
It also helps people who lack transportation or live far away from the cities where therapists are located, or if they live far away from the therapist they would like to work with.
Things to consider
Some of your concerns about teletherapy might be related to the length of the sessions. Although some therapists at times use shorter sessions, I like to have the same amount of time as if we were meeting regularly in person so that I am able to provide the same quality of treatment as we would have if we were meeting face to face.
In my experience, most clients have not seen a noticeable difference in the quality of care received as a patient of my practice when meeting online. The only major difference is that instead of having to sit on the couch of my office you get to be in the comfort of your own home away from the anxiety of a foreign environment. That sounds like a win to me!
However, while conducting telehealth therapy we must be careful in maintaining both your confidentiality and privacy.
We do this by working together to foster this in our sessions. The first step taken is using a secure HIPPA compliant online therapy service that comes at no extra cost to you so that we can maintain the utmost confidentiality in our sessions.
We also must have our sessions in quiet, distraction-free environments.
It is necessary that you secure a place and a time where you won’t be interrupted nor distracted.
Using earphones also adds a layer of protection, as people may accidentally walk into your session and they will not be able to listen to both sides of the conversation.
I recommend you be alone and avoid having pets around you at the time of your session. Pets, although being great companions, may distract you during therapy.
I recommend that while in session you turn off your cell phone and any other electronics. When at home, people seem to lose the boundaries that are present in a traditional therapy setting.
When you are in an office session, naturally you wouldn’t answer text messages or you wouldn’t play a game as you talk. I understand that at times a person is seeking comfort by playing a game as they talk about challenging subjects. However, it defocuses the client and at times might numb their feelings.
The benefit of therapy is getting in contact with your feelings and thoughts which are preventing you from getting all you want in life and to find the tools to face these challenges. If you numb them, you are shooting yourself in the foot.
Initially, it is common that people feel weird talking to a therapist as it is a new experience. Some people feel discomfort when they consider meeting someone online.
“Initially, it is common that people feel weird talking to a therapist as it is a new experience. Some people feel discomfort when they consider meeting someone online.
But the reality is that a skilled therapist will make you feel comfortable and connected. It may take a few sessions until you feel really comfortable, but it is no different when people meet in person.”
– Mayra Bagnoli –
But the reality is that a skilled therapist will make you feel comfortable and connected. It may take a few sessions until you feel really comfortable, but it is no different when people meet in person.
Some people even prefer teletherapy because they feel more comfortable with technology as it is a big part of their social lives, or because it is convenient for their schedules or lifestyles.
Even people who do not have familiarity or experience with technology will find out that, as soon as you learn it, it is just as easy as making a phone call.
My Recommendation
If you feel you need help, teletherapy can definitely be the solution you’re looking for. If you still have any concerns about it, please give me a call. I would love to help you to better understand and evaluate how this approach could be helpful to you.
By opening your mind to explore new ways of communicating you will open a world of possibilities for your life without even leaving your home.
Call me now! I am eager to help!
(561) 635-2431