Telehealth
We all have a new opportunity!
Meeting online is now a mainstay of how we interact with each other. It used to be that we could only dream of receiving high-quality professional services from the comfort of our own homes.
But here we are… and telehealth is becoming a viable option (and preference!) for more and more people.
As long as you’re geographically in Texas, New Mexico, or Montana, we can work together remotely – either over the phone or through a secure video platform.
There are so many advantages to telehealth…
Telehealth allows you more freedom of choice. No longer do you have to be in the same neighborhood, city, or even state as your therapist. You can stay connected and access support even while at home with your kids, are out of town, or have other challenges getting in the way of making it to an office appointment.
There’s also much more flexibility with location and timing. No more having to brave the traffic to get to a therapy office… or scheduling two hours out of your day to accommodate a one-hour session. You get to be in the comfort of your own home, can come as you are, and receive support in the context right where your everyday experience is lived.
Concerned that it might be less personal or less effective?
I get those questions a lot. And I totally get the concern there. In fact, before going all-virtual, I felt the same way.
But the reality is that the quality of service you receive is in no way diminished. In fact, sometimes, it’s even better because of the reduced stress and fewer time constraints telehealth provides.
One of the most important aspects of therapy is having the container of listening, holding space for your experience, and supporting you in getting in touch with what that is. Whether in-person or online, this process is the same.
One primary difference, though, can be the feeling of personal connection. It is a bit easier to feel this connection when in the physical presence with someone and can happen more naturally that way. There is a little more of a distance created, and feeling the connection can take a little longer or feel more challenging being online. However, what matters at the end of the day is whether we are a good fit, whether you feel heard, understood, and safe to feel what you’re feeling, and okay being open to sharing it. What’s most important is not about connecting with me, so much as it is about being able to connect with yourself.
I can assure you that I offer you the same attention, presence, and understanding when we meet online. I’ll support you in connecting with yourself to deepen into a more self-aware and present relationship with the fullness of who you are and know yourself to be.
Therapy can sometimes feel very vulnerable…
…and facing personal challenges and difficulties in the presence of another requires a person to feel safe. Sometimes being in person in an office can help facilitate that trust, but, in the end, safety comes from having your needs acknowledged, boundaries respected, and space to be in the loving, nonjudgmental presence of another.
I will meet you where you are, without agenda, and offer a container of support that is in touch with what is most present for you in the here and now. We will contact your thoughts, feelings, and body sensation to facilitate a deeper connection with your lived experience. You will have a place to talk, feel, express, share, and look within, and I will be right here with you in that.
One client told me, “I really want to work with you, but I’m just not sure about doing it over video. I’d prefer seeing someone in person.” But he was willing to give it a try, and he has since shared with me the surprising sense of connection and personal benefit he’s had from virtual therapy.
Making the most out of your virtual therapy experience…
There are some important requirements to consider to get the most out of working together online. We will be meeting via an online video platform or over the phone. If you prefer a phone call, that is a little simpler, as you’ll just need a good phone connection.
Meeting online via video, which is usually preferable, requires a smartphone with video capability or a laptop or desktop computer with a camera so that I will be able to see you. You’ll also need a high-speed Internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps to upload speed. Most internet providers offer at least that, but this will be something to consider if you’re in a rural setting with slower internet.
Some other important recommendations to consider and to get the most out of your sessions:
- A private and quiet space: This can sometimes be challenging if there’s a lot of activity in your home, but if needed can be your car, garage, bathroom, or wherever you can feel private and comfortable.
- Make sure that you have a Wi-Fi connection
- Let others know you’re in a private call or therapy: Therapy is time for YOU! Setting some boundaries might be important if necessary
- Headphones and/or white noise: Headphones can also help the call feel more private. And white noise can help reduce the chance of being overheard if this is a concern.
- Using a phone stand: If you’re using your phone for sessions, it will be important to keep it stabilized. This helps both so that you don’t have to hold your phone or look down the entire session. And, it helps me too so that there’s not a lot of distracting or movement (Zooming with my nephews taught me the value of this one!).
Let’s take the next step together.
A necessary part of growth is experimentation – trying on new ways of being, taking small reasonable risks, and pushing just past what’s comfortable to experience what’s on the other side.
If you’re on the fence or are ready to move forward, I invite you to reach out and schedule a free 20-minute consultation call: (406) 381-4548.
We’ll talk through your concerns, questions, challenges, hopes for therapy, and see if working together will be a good fit.
I look forward to hearing from you and being part of your growth and healing.