Online Therapy
In addition to in-person services, Open Sky offers online therapy (sometimes called telehealth) through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Like any service, online therapy has benefits and drawbacks. You can learn more about what to expect from an online session with me below.
The Process
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Schedule
When you book an appointment, specify your preference for an online session.
This is especially important if we are meeting in a hybrid format (sometimes online, sometimes in person).
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Check Your Email
At least 24 hours before your session, you will receive an automated email from Simple Practice with a link to access video chat.
If you don’t receive this message, please reach out to me directly.
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Meet (Virtually!)
On the day of your session, use the link to connect to our virtual meeting space.
Your link is unique, so only those who have it can enter the session.
FAQs
What are the benefits of online therapy?
Many people like online therapy because it’s more convenient, affordable (no transportation costs!), and sometimes less intimidating than in-person therapy. If mobility or transportation are issues, online therapy reduces these barriers significantly. Being in the comfort of home can add an important level of safety to sessions.
What are the biggest differences in therapy with you online versus in person?
I tend to use props (scarves, rocks, figurines, etc.) in my in-person sessions that you wouldn’t have access to online. I may ask you to use items from your own space as props instead. Some activities I would do with an in-person client don’t translate very well to an online format. In this case, I may modify the activity for pencil and paper so you can get a comparable experience.
Overall, you can expect the same quality of presence from me online as you would in-person. Even though we are on the computer, my attention is completely on you.
Can I do online therapy at work/on my commute?
I don’t recommend it. Just like in-person therapy, online sessions can be sensitive, vulnerable, and activating. How much will you really get out of therapy if you’re worried about someone walking in on your session during your lunch break? Instead, I strongly encourage you to find a safe, quiet location, preferably at home, where you can have privacy and space.
If we agree to meet online, can I come in person some of the time?
Of course! As long as it works for both our schedules, I welcome people using a hybrid format for sessions. I have even had clients try both on a trial basis to see which format they prefer.
What are the drawbacks of online therapy?
In my experience, the biggest drawback to online therapy is I can only see your head and shoulders. I may ask you to report more about your body language than an in-person client who I could see head to toe. For some, being on a computer all day and then having therapy through a screen can be challenging. For others, the connection received through a screen feels different than in-person.
Can my kids/animals join me for sessions?
If at all possible, I strongly recommend making arrangements for children during your session time, just like you would if you were coming into the office. Distractions really do impact what you get out of therapy, and you deserve a space to speak without censoring or worrying about who may hear.
Animals, as long as they don’t feel distracting to you, can often support the therapy process and offer physical or emotional support at critical moments. I have a cat and dog that occasionally make cameos during online sessions when I am working at home, so you would be in good company.
Will you stop offering online therapy after the pandemic?
At this time, I am planning to offer online therapy indefinitely. If this were to ever change, I would notify you well in advance so we could discuss how you would like to move forward.
