What to Expect During Your First Virtual Session?

Online therapy or online counseling is psychotherapy that happens via the web or sometimes over the phone (in rare instances when internet is not temporary available). Also called distance counseling and telemental health counseling, online therapy is very similar to traditional, in-person, and in-office therapy, except it is much more awesome as you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

What are the Benefits of Online Therapy?

Online therapy North Carolina is as effective as traditional in-office couples counseling. Many of my clients find online couples therapy even better than conventional therapy because online counseling is convenient and flexible.

So, in online marriage counseling, you don’t have to be stuck in traffic to worry about finding childcare for your children, and you don’t have to be driving in the snow. 

Many people prefer not to be seen at the shrink’s office or have mobility issues that make it difficult to get to the therapist’s office.

Also, if you travel a lot, either for work or for pleasure, online counseling can be a great option as it provides scheduling flexibility. For example, there is no fear that you will miss your marriage therapy session for reasons that are beyond your control, such as highway gridlock. Online counseling sessions can be easily managed from your own home and outside traditional 9 to 5 hours.

In addition, online therapy can save you money on commuting, childcare, and other in-office therapy-related costs.

What is fantastic about distance marriage therapy in Raleigh is that it doesn’t restrict you to your geographical area. You can simply access an online database and search licensed couples therapists in your whole state. This allows you to find a therapist who fits your needs.

Online therapy is an excellent option for people who live in remote areas and have difficulties obtaining mental health care through the office-based model.

You may worry whether you will be able to connect with a therapist online the same way you would in traditional, in-office sessions. The truth is that many of my clients find it easier to build a relationship with their marriage therapist online as they feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

How Does Online Therapy North Carolina Work?

To be able to participate in online therapy with or without your partner, you need to download secure software. I ask my clients to download VSee, a very safe, HIPPA compliant software that I use in my Wake Forest couples counseling.

So, as soon as you download it, we are good to go. We can see each other, and we can talk to each other. All you need is a strong internet and a quiet place where you can speak and freely share what you need to share. So, it cant be at Starbucks or a library where other people are around. The meaning of this is to protect your confidentiality.

We would schedule the time to meet and roll with it in VSee. I ask all of my clients to wear earphones (I wear them myself) for better sound.

Also, I always like to have a plan B in online marriage counseling in Raleigh. So, we will come up with plan B if we run into problems. As you know, technology is a blessing and a curse, and sometimes technological issues are beyond our powers, so we just make sure that we have plan B how we can connect to each other.

I will probably be taking notes. I always take notes whether I am in my office or an online therapy session, as they help me refresh my memory very fast.

When is Online Therapy NOT an Option?

Online couples counseling is not a good option for you if you are an immediate threat to yourself or others. This means that if you want to hurt yourself or others, then online therapy will not work for you. And probably a traditional in-office therapy will also not work as you might need high-level care and then weekly in-office sessions.

You also need to be 18 years or older or have parental consent in order to do online sessions.

Summary

If you are wondering whether online therapy can be something that might be good for your needs, give me a call. Whether we decide to work together or not, I would love to be of service and help answer your dilemmas.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment in my Wake Forest or virtual office, do not hesitate to call me at (703)-347-3200 for your free of charge 15-min phone consultation. You can also book your free 15 min phone consultation online by clicking here.