Telehealth: How it Works

Teletherapy is the practice of providing psychotherapy services through online video connection. Ideally, the same treatment that would be offered in person is offered remotely through confidential  HIPAA compliant video service. It works on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, as long as whatever device you are using has internet connection, a camera, a microphone, and functioning speakers. On most devices this is automatic, and you don’t need to do anything, other than maybe click an “allow” button.

This is what clients will see during an EMDR reprocessing session when I turn on the light bar. My image will go away so all you see is the black screen with the light moving across from left to right. You will continue you hear me, and I will continue to hear and see you when the light bar is on. When the light bar is not on, it will return to the view pictured above.

Emotional support through our pets can be extremely healing in the therapeutic process. Research states that having a pet in the home can help lower many symptoms of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and trauma. If you have pets, I like to incorporate your furry family in the therapy process to help bring you comfort after a heavy session, or as a grounding tool. Mindful and somatic regulation techniques using your five senses, as you hold your pet close, help bring you back to the present and has been super supportive tool and resource for many.

Clients wishing to engage in teletherapy can be assured of my continued commitment to privacy and confidentiality. I utilize a private office with a door and sound machine to assure your end of the conversation is only heard by me. No one will be in the room with me during the session without your knowledge, and efforts will be made to prevent sound travel from my end of the conversation.

I will likely ask questions to confirm your location, privacy, and safety at the beginning of session. Crisis resources and safety plans will be filled out prior to session as appropriate, as my ability to address safety concerns is more limited when I am working remotely. It is my commitment to offer the same quality of care remotely as I would offer at an in-person session.