Telephone Therapy, Virtual Therapy, and On-line Therapy – these are real and effective methods that are revolutionizing the world of psychotherapy (paperwork needed) . No longer do you have to go to a therapist’s office and talk. Through the use of technology, you can sit on your own chair in the privacy of your own space and receive individual psychological counseling, couples counseling, family therapy or relationship guidance.
Now you can have a highly trained therapist come to you instead of driving long distances to reach an expert with advanced training. Internet and telephone security is stronger than ever before. Broadband technology now makes it possible to easily and affordably access real time video conferencing. This is particularly helpful if you have limited time on your schedule or are unable to travel to meet your therapist.
Specialized therapy, particularly in the areas of sexuality, compulsion, learning disorders, and personality disorders, such as narcissism, can often only be found in major metropolitan areas. If you live in the regional surroundings, a rural area or a foreign country you can now access experts through these methods. Clients who value their privacy who do not want to access local services out of this concern may also benefit from these therapeutic modalities.
REASONS TO USE TELEPHONE THERAPY, VIRTUAL THERAPY OR ON-LINE THERAPY
Expert Therapists are difficult to locate in most parts of the United States and the world. Most therapists are trained to help people struggling with general issues such as anxiety, depression, anger problems and bipolar disorder. For many people struggling with these problems a neighborhood therapist is adequate. For those with unique or specific problems, technology can connect them to a therapist with the best skills to help them.
Very few therapists have experience or training in specific areas such as the psychological effects of learning disorders, the treatment or veterans (and their families) overcoming PTSD, compulsion or attachment issues for children and their adoptive families. Sex Therapy is an area in which it may be particularly difficult to find an experienced therapist in your local area. Specialized training is required to help people overcome difficulties with issues like painful intercourse, erectile problems or sex compulsion.
Finding the time is a common dilemma for busy people who need or desire time with a therapist. No longer do you have to commute to your therapist, fight for a parking space, or navigate snowy or rainy streets. Just turn on your computer or pick up the phone at your arranged appointment time and your therapist will be there. This is an ideal choice for people who need to be more efficient with their time or parents who do not have the luxury of childcare.
People with disabilities both physical and mental can benefit from telephone or on-line therapy. People who struggle with agoraphobia or social anxiety may feel more secure initiating therapy remotely. Physical disabilities that are either permanent or temporary pose unique obstacles to accessing the right therapist. People with hearing or visual impairments or those with conditions which limit mobility can benefit from access to a wider array of therapeutic services.
Comfort of the therapy space is determined by the individual seeking therapy. For some this means sitting in a favorite chair, wearing an old T shirt with mismatched socks, snuggling with a pet or favorite blanket. Others might be at their office with the door closed taking time for themselves. The lighting, temperature and scent of the environment are determined by teach individual. Unfamiliar noises or distracting elements can be limited as well. Therapy sessions can be wherever feels comfortable. Each week could be in a different space depending upon individual needs. However, from our experience, creating a ritualistic “thinking space” is helpful.
Confidentiality is another benefit of telephone or on-line therapy. Many people prefer working with a virtual therapist because they feel it is more confidential. No one will see them entering or exiting a therapy office, or see them out of their usual context and ask about what they are doing. Also, choosing a therapist outside of the local area ensures that the client is less likely to run into their therapist in person. This can sometime be an awkward encounter particularly for those living in a small town.
Detachment can be liberating for some people. For many, the actual physical distance from their therapist allows clients to be more “raw” or “naked” in the therapeutic process. A different side of the client can sometimes be revealed. By sitting in a room alone and/or by being behind a telephone line with no face to the voice, some people find it easier to communicate. In this way they could potentially reveal more about themselves. People tend to have fewer boundaries in the virtual world. To test this theory, reflect on the last few months of emails, phone calls or text s you had with your boss, parents, friends, lover, or date. How might your communication have looked different had you been sitting in the same room face - to - face with that person? Many times communicating virtually will subtly shift each person’s experience.
Take it to the next level with a new therapist. Individuals who seem to be stuck in repeating patterns with their old therapist may benefit from a fresh start with a new therapist. It’s easy to arrange for a meeting with a new therapist. Perhaps a telephone session might be useful to gain a second opinion or a new perspective. Sometimes it’s necessary to meet with a more experienced therapist in order to move to the next level of care.
Virtual Therapy Can Be What You Need It To Be:
The success of telephone therapy relies in part on your willingness to grow your verbal skills. Therapy over the phone does not allow for individuals to see nonverbal cues. Virtual communication is much more dependent upon your word choice and tone than the visual cues. A good therapist can help you learn to strengthen these critical skills. On-line therapy using streaming video approximates the feel of in person therapy and may be more appropriate for some.
Virtual therapy can be what you need it to be. You are more in control of the session’s ambiance. Convenience is on your side in regard to logistics of the sessions. You have more freedom to disclose intimate details about yourself. Virtual therapy enables you to work with experts in the field, receive the counseling you want from any location, at the hour that is most convenient for you. To help you find the right therapist, we strongly encourage you to look at their Curriculum Vitae/resume, read their online articles. Virtual therapy increases overall accessibility of critical resources. You do not have to be living in the same city or state to receive the therapy you want from someone you trust. On-line, telephone or virtual therapy can work for you.
To schedule an appointment, call 267-324-9564. Prior to your first appointment, you will need to complete the following paperwork.