What to Expect in an Online Teletherapy Session
By: Bethany Sluiter, MA, LPC
Wow! It’s been quite a week, hasn’t it? It seems like life is changing daily--sometimes hourly--which is making it hard to find consistency and balance. You may be wondering how your therapy is going to make the leap from the couch to the computer, or you may be thinking about seeking therapy services for the first time.
What is Teletherapy or Video Counseling?
Wherever you are in your therapy journey, video teletherapy is a creative and effective option for making meaning and finding healing in a time of uncertainty.
How do I set up teletherapy or a video therapy session?
Pursuing video teletherapy starts when you reach out. Whether you call or email, our scheduling coordinator will listen to your needs, get some basic information from you, and set you up with a therapist that she believes will be a good fit. Once your appointment is scheduled, you’ll just need to fill out intake paperwork and a telehealth consent form.
How does teletherapy work?
At the time of your appointment, your therapist will text or email a link to you to the confidential, HIPAA-compliant video meeting via Google Meet. Click the link to go to the confidential meeting. Allow Google Meet to access your microphone and camera, and then click the Join button to start your session.
Is online video therapy awkward?
Online therapy sessions can, admittedly, feel a little awkward at first. There is certainly a learning curve to sitting in front of a screen instead of across from another person. However, there are also benefits to meeting virtually. You may find yourself more open to talking about vulnerable topics or uncomfortable emotions when you’re in the safety of your own home. Navigating difficult situations in new and healthy ways builds resiliency, no matter where you are, and this can be achieved through the security of a consistent therapeutic relationship.
What do I need to do online counseling & teletherapy?
Several factors go into a successful teletherapy session:
A strong internet connection. Make sure you are within range of your WiFi or that you have enough data for a 45-50 minute session.
A quiet space. Background noise and other distractions can pull your attention away from your mind and body, therefore impacting your ability to do the “deeper work.”
Commitment. Like face-to-face therapy, the depth and breadth of the work relies on the client’s engagement in the session, openness to change, commitment to the process, and emotional presence during the session.
Time. Everything has a learning curve. Expect it to take a little time to get used to this change.
Get Started Today
Mindful Counseling GR is committed to supporting you in this time, and together you can navigate the emotions and stressors that accompany times of great change.
For more information or to get started, visit mindfulcounselinggr.com.
You can also email contact@mindfulcounselinggr.com or call 616-425-2412