Tele-counseling: Could this be the answer I have been looking for?
We have been at this now for several months. We are beginning to see new norms, habits, and expectations. You might feel that life is more busy than it has been. You might feel stretched in ways that you didn’t even know existed. If you’re involved in any way with a school system, you likely feel more chaos. We have become exhausted, anxious, stressed, and feel like things are out of control. Relationships might be struggling. And, most importantly, you feel like you don’t know where to go next.
Have you thought about reaching out for some extra support, but you just aren’t sure about telehealth? You might be asking some questions like: Is it really effective? How will I connect? Is it going to be weird? How will I find the privacy to do this effectively? These are all valid questions, and, hopefully, questions that I can answer for you.
Tele-counseling is not a new service, but one that we are using more frequently. Like traditional counseling, you can expect a similar experience with an initial intake session, setting goals and a treatment plan, and setting the sessions to meet your needs. You will receive support and encouragement similar to how you would in traditional counseling with some added benefits, such as maintaining physical safety and needing less travel time to and from sessions.
It’s no secret that tele-counseling is not the same as a traditional in person session. Despite that, current research shows that tele-counseling is just as effective as traditional counseling in treating anxiety and depression. This study was completed by Andrews, Basu, Cuijpers, Craske, McEvoy, English, and Newby in 2018, and found traditional Cognitive Behavior Therapy and internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy to be equally as effective.
With that information, you may still have some concerns. Let’s try to answer them here.
How will the experience be personalized if you haven’t met me in person?
Your therapist will work to ensure that she or he is providing an environment that is conducive to the therapeutic process. The therapist will use the same skills and training that are used in typical sessions to understand you and your goals and to help you feel supported. You might notice she or he checking in more to ask if they are on track or if they understand correctly. This will help us gather information that we might have otherwise assessed from body language
How do I know my information is protected?
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness uses a secure, HIPAA-compliant service to provide the video connection for therapy. You will be provided an unique access code that has been shared with you. The therapist will be in an office, the same as if you were in the office.
But how will I find privacy on my end?
For some people, they have private space at home and can easily utilize this. Other people choose to utilize alternative spaces such as their car. This affords you the opportunity to participate in counseling wherever you like as long as you have an internet connection and privacy. You might take a drive to your favorite spot for your session or step away from your work day for your session. Some people choose to use headphones to further protect their information. If at any time you feel that you are not able to maintain a comfortable amount of privacy, you should let the therapist know and adjustments can be made.
What if I don’t have a computer?
With the tele-counseling system that we use, you are able to use a computer, tablet, phone, or other device to participate in your session. Both Android and iOS have apps that are easy to download. If using a computer, you will not need to download anything, just simply click the link. If you have trouble navigating this, we would be happy to help walk you through it
What if it isn’t working for me?
Just like any therapy, we encourage you to share with your therapist any part of the service is not working for you. If you find that you are feeling uncomfortable, bring it up as soon as possible so that the therapist can help you address this. The therapist can help you process this and enable you to make the best decision for yourself about how to move forward.
Why tele-counseling?
While we recognize that there are differences, there are added benefits as well. Here are just a few:
You can attend sessions from anywhere in the state that your therapist is licensed
There is no drive time to and from the session
More flexibility in scheduling
Less risk of exposure to illness
No need to deal with inclement weather
Service is easy to access
There is a limited wait time
You are able to be in the comfort of your own space
Do you still have more questions?
We would be happy to talk with you about what the process would be like and provide a free 15-minute consultation. Tele-counseling just might be the answer you have been looking for!
Resources
Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cuijpers, P., Craske, M., McEvoy, P., English, C., & Newby, J. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.01.001be