Is Teletherapy Right for Me?
I’m so honored that you’re visiting my little corner of the internet, and I am really excited about our topic today. I’ve recently had a lot of questions about the potential benefits of teletherapy. So, as a therapist who only provides telehealth services, I wanted to share some thoughts and trends I’ve noticed in my work to help you in your search for services. So, let’s jump in. Here are some common benefits of teletherapy.
Hello Convenience!
For couples and parents, arranging childcare and busy schedules to attend weekly or biweekly therapy sessions can be difficult and costly. I get it. As a busy mom of two school-aged children, finding time for appointments is difficult. Teletherapy cuts out the drive to an office, having to arrange for childcare, and can make it easier to find an appointment time that works for you and your partner. For these reasons, the increased convenience of teletherapy can often mean less rescheduling and canceling sessions. More consistent therapy gives individuals and couples a better chance of positive treatment outcomes.
Home Sweet Home
For some clients, being at home also feels safer and more comfortable and can allow for deeper therapy success and experiences. In the couples work I do, I prioritize strengthening relational security and emotional intimacy, and I have found that there often can be different level of change when couples do the relational work at home. The positive feelings and experiences in therapy can extend to the home differently. The reverse can certainly be true. But when there is a tough session, I find the couple and I are better able to create an after-session plan that is more likely to take place because the couple is already at home and can engage in self-care and coping strategies right after session.
Don’t Sacrifice Quality Treatment
Studies show that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. Many therapy approaches, including EMDR and EFT, can easily be adapted to teletherapy. Before the days of teletherapy, clients were bound to therapists within their geographic location. But with the increase of teletherapy, you can access any therapist licensed in your state who specializes in the type of care you need. This point is extremely important for clients who need specialized care, such as neurodiversity affirmative, trauma-focused, couples, or LGBTIA+ affirmative services.
When is teletherapy not ideal?
There are cases where teletherapy is not appropriate. When would teletherapy not be appropriate? Teletherapy is not appropriate for individual and couples who need a higher level of care—interpersonal violence, safety concerns, and individuals who experience significant dysregulation. Additionally, teletherapy would be more challenging for individuals and couples who don’t have good internet connection or are in a place where privacy and confidentiality are a concern.
Interested in teletherapy?
If reading this article makes you more excited about teletherapy, the next step is to find a therapist who feels like a great fit. What kinds of questions should you ask the potential therapist about teletherapy? For starters, I would ask if they use a HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your confidentiality. All therapists are bound by HIPAA regulations. If the therapist you contact doesn’t use a HIPAA-compliant platform, that is a red flag. Second, knowing the therapist’s level of comfort with teletherapy might be helpful. For example, you might want to know how long the therapist has been providing teletherapy, common teletherapy challenges they experience, and how they help clients through these challenges. Above all, listen to your gut. If it is not a good fit, you’ll know at the consultation call or intake session.