Online Therapy
Many people prefer face-to-face therapy, but did you know…
…online therapy can be as effective or even better than traditional, in-person therapy?
About 30 years ago, I had a supervisor who was one of the original “big names in family therapy.” We were in the biggest hospital in Brooklyn, NY, Kings County Hospital. He told me how therapy should not be in cold offices, and he preferred to do therapy where people are comfortable. The best place, he said, is at their kitchen table. Little did he know that it would someday be possible.
With online therapy, YOU are in YOUR comfort zone. You do not have to leave your “real” life – the life you want to make better. With good therapy, we will practice coping with real-life, and you still have the choice and the control.
Online therapy has advantages over face-to-face sessions.
Convenience
Your life is busy. Therapy takes time and effort, but it should not be more than necessary. Who needs the hassle of driving to another office, finding parking, dealing with lousy weather?
If you work from home (like so many of us nowadays), therapy can be scheduled at just the right time. For some people, it is when the kids are napping. For others, it is the day that the hubby or wife is in the office. Or maybe just the opposite, when he or she is at home with you. And if you need another cup of coffee, it is right there (and I just might join you).
Openness
Many people find it easier to be open when they’re on their “own turf.”
Plus, the online environment encourages you to “use your words” to express yourself (rather than relying on non-verbal cues shared when we’re in the same room together).
Unstated, nonverbal communication is open to interpretation, and that’s not good. When we’re working together online, I’ll make sure that I understand your ENTIRE message… no subliminal or hinted-at messaging!
Confidentiality
Privacy sometimes seems like some archaic term. Can you ever be confident about confidentiality? I take confidentiality very seriously. HIPAA laws are just the beginning. Firewalls, VPNs, encrypted storage also help.
But I recall when I had an office in NYC and served a particular community. There were no secrets when a client came in early and said hello to the client that was just leaving! That does not happen when the sessions are online.
How can I know that you give me your complete attention…
A colleague told me that she had a really boring client and would play a game on a second computer! She thought that he never knew. I challenged her and told her to get an evaluation of the therapy session from the client. Low and behold, the client told her that he felt like she wasn’t always paying attention!
If I miss something, I will tell you. And if I don’t know if I missed something, I will ask you if there is more that you want me to hear. I am human – my attention lapses at times. But I will make sure that I know exactly what you want to say and you say EVERYTHING you want to say. And you will be given every opportunity to make sure that I understand.
Making the most of your online experience…
You want to maximize your online therapy experience. A bit of preparation goes a long way.
Before logging on, make sure you have completed any paperwork or psychotherapy homework for the session.
You will need a good Internet connection and a comfortable, quiet space where you can expect to be left alone. Turn off any other devices that can capture your attention. Prepare for yourself a cup of tea or water, and maybe some tissues. Try to have your device on a steady surface – a seasick therapist is not a good thing!
The best time for you to make an appointment is yesterday.
The second best time is right now. Give me a call, and let’s move to your new and improved life!
Call me at (973) 944-0274, and together we will determine if this is the best thing you can do for yourself!
I have seen more than 400 clients online since 2016.