An argument for teletherapy
Hi Friends! It has been a while. I took on a self-inflicted side gig writing for Medium. I love how it allows writers to publish their stories free from influence or pressure from nothing other than the writers themselves.
I guess that worked itself into a nice unplanned segue to what I wanted to write about today.
I recently took up offering therapy via telehealth. I did the teletherapy thing as a therapist about eight years ago, before COVID, when teletherapy became a lifesaver for many.
It was in it’s infancy at the time and a little rough around the edges. The company I worked for was based out of San Francisco, and I worked with men and woman who lived in Colorado, the only state I was licensed in at the time. I didn’t have any trouble getting clients, as the therapy was offered as an employee assistance program, optional and free, for the employees. I was working a full-time job then, so my sessions were either in the evening, or early Saturday morning.
I really liked my clients, but the technology not so much, as the video often didn’t work. After scrambling around far too long to get the video operational, we’d end up talking on the phone for the session. I don’t mind offering support on the phone, but when you are trying to help someone manage real life issues, they need to see your face, and visa versa. The ways our body language and facial expression impart our attention and care for one another, let alone ability to see if someone is in crisis, is too critical to do without.
After too many failed video sessions, I parted ways with teletherapy.
Fast forward to 2020. COVID became a game changer for teletherapy. Not only were people more scared, isolated and desperate than ever, but literally were not allowed to leave their homes for anything other than groceries or urgent medical issues (sorry for the flashback). The demand for therapy was off the chart, and teletherapy was the only option. I applaud every organization that stepped up to make platforms for teletherapy viable, and for the states that relaxed the unrelenting unrelaxed, restrictions on therapists. Together, you saved lives.
So I’m back where I started, the present. Anything ‘tele’ is being put into question these days. Businesses want their employees back in the office, even when it makes no sense to the bottom line. And some employees are MAD! Teletherapy continues, with a 50/50 split on preference for giving or receiving therapy in person versus video. Some therapists offer both.
I have developed a pretty lengthy morning practice of reading, praying, and drinking coffee. The other day I had a very early morning client session, and went directly from my prayer chair, to their chair-where I sit when I am there for my client’s (the rhyming thing is a bit of a habit).
I did not:
Have to figure out what to wear-shoes or otherwise.
2. Have to pack breakfast and lunch.
3. Make sure my cat was fed.
4. Shovel out my car or wait for the windows to defrost.
5. Commute or drive in traffic, or risk my life on the highway at all. No getting stuck behind a school bus.
6. Deal with office politics, distractions or interruptions before my session.
It was a beautiful thing. A session unadulterated by stuff.
I love this—for you as the client, and for me as the therapist.
I put myself at a bit of a disadvantage providing teletherapy only, since many people want in-person sessions. But here’s my argument- If you are struggling to find a therapist who is a good fit, please don’t rule out teletherapy. You might find the ‘distance’ is not as off putting as you think it is. Remember, it also removes your stressors getting to the session as well :)
I am now committed to teletherapy because I had a moment in session last week, when I thought to myself, “This is really good”. I found myself more relaxed, present, and truly enjoying the time with my client. The better I am, the better I can serve :)
If I don’t see you before Thursday, Happy Holiday!
Big Smiles,
Elisha