When COVID-19 hit, I switched to videoconferencing from in-person therapy, which is what I’d always done before. Like many other therapists, I was afraid that much of the closeness of the co-created therapeutic space would be lost. I wondered how my patients would be able to tell if I’m a warm, safe presence if they’re not literally in my presence. 

My experience surprised me. In some ways, a greater level of intimacy was possible, since people could choose to engage in therapy from a space that was familiar and intimate to them. Part of the therapy room has always been kind of artificial: “Come sit in my fake living room and open up all your most vulnerable places to me.”  This has always been a steep barrier to overcome! Telehealth freed folk to engage from wherever they already feel comfortable, rather than having to physically leave a comfort zone and develop feelings of safety about a completely new space.

My patients said things like “I thought I would hate this, but it’s so much more convenient!” Many of my patients are busy professionals. Without having to worry about drive times, gas prices, traffic, etc., they were able to fit therapy into parts of their day that worked better for them. They needed less time off work and appreciated the ease of clicking a link to start therapy rather than driving across town or to another city entirely. 

When I attempted to return to the office during lulls in the pandemic, patients who were originally resistant to going online asked if we could continue meeting via telehealth. It’s just so much easier for lots of folk. A few have said they have some nostalgia for my office environment, but they also have admitted that they love the convenience and maskless freedom of videoconferencing.

Throughout 2022, I’ve maintained hope that it would be safe to return to in-office therapy, potentially without masks. However, as people in my locality have chosen to go back to fully pre-pandemic ways of life and outbreaks either originating in therapy offices or affecting therapists have continued, I’ve accepted that for the time being and the foreseeable future, online therapy is the only way to keep my vulnerable family member safe.

Telehealth frees you to engage in therapy from wherever you feel most comfortable. It also eradicates concerns about coming to an office when you might be contagious or you might just have allergies, but who knows which? Now you can log on and get the help you need from wherever you need to be!

Nervous or unsure about telehealth? I get it. I was there, too. Call or send me an email to my secure encrypted address, and we’ll set up a video consult! If after trying it you still feel it’s not for you, I’ll help you find other options, but you may be surprised at how natural it feels!