Why Online Therapy?
Why Online Therapy?
Online Therapy in South Carolina might leave you feeling hesitant. I totally get it, I was the exact same way at first. We’re going to dig into what is online therapy, what do you need for online therapy to be successful, and why I love working as an online therapist.
First of all, what is “virtual” or online therapy?
Online therapy combines the the benefit of therapy and the comfort of your own schedule. Often times my clients thought they were way too busy to make time for therapy, but online therapy enabled them to ge the help they needed on their terms.
Online therapy with me happens in our virtual therapy room. My clients get a link sent to their email, and voila - we’ll be able to meet and dig into the next step of their journey together. I work with Simple Practice, and their online platform is totally HIPAA compliant. In laymen’s terms, that means confidentiality is maintained even through the internet.
Is Online Therapy effective?
Studies have shown that virtual therapy is just as effective as in person therapy. The only thing you’re really missing is the commute and a throw blanket handpicked by me. But the great thing is - you can use your own throw blanket. Or be in work out gear. Or squeezing in a therapy session before school pick up.
Must haves for online therapy:
Live in the same state as your therapist. I live in South Carolina, and so I can meet with clients in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston. Charlotte unfortunately is a no-go. Sumter is great! Augusta not so much.
A reliable internet connection. It is the worst when someone is telling me how their ex just texted them and then…the connection cuts out. Now, I have back ups in place so my clients are never left hanging. But even the best of back ups isn’t as good as not being interrupted.
Speaking of interruptions - a private space. I have clients who are stay at home moms, and we meet during nap times…and sometimes their toddler isn’t into naps that day. We definitely make that work (this is the beauty of online therapy - flexibility!). It is best for clients to have a space they feel is private and comfortable so they can really focus in on the amazing work we’re doing together.
Bonuses for online therapy:
These are certainly not must-haves…but if I was to hand craft an offsite therapy space for my clients, it would include
Tissues. You never know when heartbreak will over take you. Or when seasonal allergies hit.
A great cup of whatever you like. Maybe it’s fizzy water. Maybe it’s coffee. Could be a soda or warm cup of tea in your favorite mug.
A snack. Sometimes my clients struggle to find time to eat three meals and three snacks (it’s important people!). Sometimes these same clients feel awkward about eating a sandwich or munching on trail mix during session - I always ALWAYS encourage it! Therapy is about taking care of yourself. Online therapy allows you take care of multiple things at once. So break open that package of popcorn or your open up your tupperware.
Cozy fabric. I leave this vague because it can mean different things for different people. Blankets, socks, pajamas, sweatpants, a fabulous throw pillow. You can curl up and be safe and comfy during therapy. Don’t be ashamed to show up in a messy bun and your favorite sweatshirt from high school!
Why I Like Being An Online Therapist
I commuted for an hour or so to get to work for six years. I was one of those people who said “Oh, I could NEVER do online therapy.” Well, obviously we all had to figure out this online therapy world in March of 2020. Turns out…it’s not so bad! My clients were able to meet more consistently once their commute wasn’t a factor. My clients could give me a tour of their room, introduce me to their pets, or share their screen and show me the guy they’re going on a date with on Saturday.
The other thing I noticed is I was able to show up better without the commute. It feels so freeing to be able to take the thirty second walk to my office. Ditching the commute for online therapy also means that I have more time to see clients. And eat lunch. Shockingly, both things I enjoy tremendously.
Once I was able to make sure that my clients could meet with me in a way that maintained confidentiality on my side, they could then take ownership of their own therapy process. Sometimes an individual counseling session could become a couples session. I could overhear the arguments their roommates were having. I just understood my clients lives in a way my beautiful therapy room couldn’t.
Are there drawbacks? Of course. Every choice has it’s pro and it’s con. Will I always be online-only? Not sure. I do miss being able to toss my anxious clients a fidget or break out my art therapy supplies. I also like making those type of care packages for clients now.
See For Yourself!
If you are interested in having high quality therapy from the comfort of…well, wherever you have a secure internet connection, click here! Find a time for a free 15 minute consultation, and experience online therapy for yourself. There’s nothing to lose.
