what is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is the online delivery of mental health services with live video conferencing. It blends traditional counseling with some unique advantages.
benefits of teletherapy
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Clinically sound: studies show that the therapeutic outcomes of teletherapy are as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy
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Comfort: you can do teletherapy from the comfort and safety of your own home - with your favorite blanket, cup of tea, or anything that brings you ease
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Privacy: no fear of running into someone you know in the waiting room or having to request time off from work or school to go to a session
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Efficiency & flexibility: no need to include travel time or cost in your schedule, you can have a session essentially anywhere especially if you are someone with a very packed, busy schedule
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Safety: you can still have access to therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain the safety of yourself and loved ones
What do you need for teletherapy?
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Reliable data or Wifi
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Private/quiet location - this could be your car, room, closet, bathroom, a park
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A device with a camera and audio - an iPad, laptop, desktop computer, cell phone
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Thats all! I send my clients the link to our teletherapy session a few minutes before our scheduled appointment time
Helpful tips for teletherapy
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Give yourself at least 2-3 minutes prior to each session to get set up and connected and take a few deep breaths to transition from previous task to therapy
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Limit distractions - put phone on "do not disturb", choose a location with limited distractions if possible
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Choose a location that is well lit enough for your counselor to see your face clearly
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Have paper, writing utensils, a fidget if needed to take notes, do therapeutic activities, or have something to hold to help ground yourself to the present moment
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Use headphones to increase confidentiality