Online Therapy:


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Asheville, NC

Starting online therapy can be overwhelming and scary.  You might not know what to expect.  So, here are some tips that might help you feel more comfortable with the concept.



 Benefits:

Choice of location: 

You get to tailor your environment to what is most comfortable, freeing, or inspiring to you. Ex: outdoors, indoor, favorite blankets, pets, favorite mug, cozy couch




Time:

You get to skip frustrating traffic and minutes it takes to commute to and from the appointment.  The only thing you might want to reserve extra time for is to make sure you are all set emotionally and physically before the time of the session (see “what to expect” below for more details).


 

Wider selection of therapists:

Since travel is not involved, your options of therapists widens from only therapists within driving distance to therapists within the whole state, allowing many different modalities and personalities to choose from, even for clients who live in remote areas.


Greater confidentiality:

There is also less chance of meeting someone within your small town in the waiting room of your therapist office.  Also, you don’t necessarily have to tell anyone, even within your living quarters or job environment, what you are doing when you take an hour to yourself in the bedroom or in your car.  


 What to Expect and How to Prepare: 

Comfort:

Before the session, make sure you have what you might need for the session including water, tissues, and a comfortable seat.  


Privacy:

Ensure privacy by setting up in an enclosed and or private space and warning others not to enter unless it’s an emergency.


Tech:

Make sure your equipment is charged, shut off all notifications, close all other windows, and test your camera and microphone before the session so technical details are at a minimum.  Restarting your computer is a good idea upon any internet issues.



Adapt:

Sometimes technical issues will happen no matter what, but rest assured there can be a plan B.  I always keep a record of my clients’ phone number on hand during sesion for calling them in the case of an internet freeze.  So, have your phone handy but with notifications silent before the session.


 Bottom Line: 

Online therapy can be just as real, effective, and meaningful as in person therapy. In fact research, says this is the case.  See you on  the screen!!