How is online therapy different from meeting "in real life"?
Meeting with someone via video rather than in the flesh does have a different feel to it. What we can see of each other is limited to the frame of the camera, your cat or dog may be present for the appointment, and I can't smell whether or not you've bathed that day. Some may not particularly like video conferencing while others actually prefer it and find themselves able to open up more when they get to meet from the comfort of their own space. Personally, I was initially hesitant to do video sessions as I really enjoy getting to meet with folks in person. Now that I have participated in services both as a client and a provider via video, I have found that I very much enjoy these sessions and do not find that much is lost in the connection.
The main added variable in online therapy is technological functioning. I will always login from a secure connection in a confidential physical setting and encourage my clients to do so as well in order to protect your privacy. However, I obviously have no control over what happens on your end of the meeting. Our first session, we may end up spending a few minutes addressing technical needs of our meeting format such as camera angles, lighting so we can see each other clearly, your cat's attempts to take over the session, etc. If there is ever a time when we experience technical difficulties (i.e. loss of internet connection), I will contact you by phone to continue the session until the internet is available again.
Meeting with someone via video rather than in the flesh does have a different feel to it. What we can see of each other is limited to the frame of the camera, your cat or dog may be present for the appointment, and I can't smell whether or not you've bathed that day. Some may not particularly like video conferencing while others actually prefer it and find themselves able to open up more when they get to meet from the comfort of their own space. Personally, I was initially hesitant to do video sessions as I really enjoy getting to meet with folks in person. Now that I have participated in services both as a client and a provider via video, I have found that I very much enjoy these sessions and do not find that much is lost in the connection.
The main added variable in online therapy is technological functioning. I will always login from a secure connection in a confidential physical setting and encourage my clients to do so as well in order to protect your privacy. However, I obviously have no control over what happens on your end of the meeting. Our first session, we may end up spending a few minutes addressing technical needs of our meeting format such as camera angles, lighting so we can see each other clearly, your cat's attempts to take over the session, etc. If there is ever a time when we experience technical difficulties (i.e. loss of internet connection), I will contact you by phone to continue the session until the internet is available again.
