In the digital age, it seems everything is accomplished via one screen or another. In the midst of our global health crisis, Screens reigns supreme as a means for the kind of connection and support many of us need.
And, for now, that’s not such a bad thing.
The social distancing that keeps us safe is really just physical distancing. We can and must remain social. This includes caring for our bodies and minds.
Thanks to teletherapy, counseling is just a click or call away. Sessions done via phone or video chat can be as effective and personal as in-person therapy. Teletherapy also provides some benefits unique to the format.
Key Benefits of Teletherapy
Convenience
Think about it: there’s no commute, travel expense, or stress from being at the mercy of traffic or public transportation delays. No heavy coats in the winter or worries about parking. What you may lose from not being face-to-face, you gain in anxiety reduction and reduced time commitment.
Flexibility
A therapy office, like any health-care facility, typically has standard hours. For plenty of people, it’s a chore to squeeze into these parameters. Talk with your therapist to find out how broad your sessions options might be. It might be possible to start your session after you’ve put the kids down for a nap!
Privacy
You may feel self-conscious about your choice to work on your mental health. What if you run into someone you know as you enter the counseling office? What if someone you know is in the next seat in the waiting room? Telehealth removes any such stressors and ensures your privacy.
Accessibility
There are two primary reasons why your in-person therapy options are limited:
- Geographical location
- Disability, injury, or illness
Folks outside of major metropolitan or suburban hubs may have to travel quite a distance to find counseling. Those with physical limitations may find it impossible to get from point A to point B. Teletherapy brings the sessions to you — no matter where you live or what your current abilities may be. This is welcome news during a pandemic or any situation when you might feel safer or more comfortable at home.
3 Tips to Make the Most of Teletherapy
1. Prepare
- Prepare notes to make sure you mention key issues
- Have a pad and pen handy during the session
- Eat and use the bathroom before the session
- Always keep a bottle of water nearby
- Put your other devices on silent mode
These are the basics. What do you need to prepare in advance to make your session as productive as possible?
2. Carefully Choose Your Location, Day, and Time
Treat the session as seriously as you would any in-office appointment. Choose a quiet, private, dedicated space for the phone or video chat. As with working remotely, teletherapy is a repurposing of your living space.
Think carefully about when to do the telehealth sessions, factoring in concerns like noise, distractions, etc.
- Let Your Authentic Self Shine Through
In an office setting, your therapist gets to see the public version of you. When doing video chat counseling, you’re given an excellent opportunity to share your personal side. This will benefit you both and enhance the therapeutic value of your work. This idea connects directly to the previous two tips. The more prepared and comfortable you are, the more your therapist will get an “inside” look at who you are beyond an office venue.
Get Started Today!
You may have been thinking about therapy for a while. Perhaps the quarantine has created a new need. Whatever it is you wish to address, it can be done via telehealth therapy. Reach out for more details today.
