For the last 18 months, I have been seeing 100% of my clients online. This includes clients I saw pre-pandemic along with new clients that started in the last 18 months. I still remember the date. March 16th. It was the first day I ever held a telehealth counseling session. In the span of about 48 hours, over a weekend, my husband and I painted my home office, set up space, and signed up for a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. It felt like a whirlwind while also trying to process all that was going on in our world. I didn’t feel pressured to switch to online counseling, it just felt like the right thing to do given personal and professional reasons.
My biggest concern
One of the biggest questions I had journeying into unknown territory was whether therapeutic gains could be made, whether counseling could be as effective online as it was in person. I was pleasantly surprised from the start how well my current clients transitioned. Now, there were a few clients that chose not to transition online. Some of those eventually came back. Some chose to end counseling (I made sure these clients felt ready to do so). There were a small few that I gave referrals to for people that were still doing in-person as an option. I felt like I did the best I could for each client’s particular situation.
So, was/is telehealth counseling effective?
It was! And it is! I will say, it’s not right for everyone, which I totally understand. That being said online counseling has and continues to be, an avenue for establishing a therapeutic relationship, learning new ways to cope, and a place to offer deep healing.
Love/hate relationship with technology
Of course, there is the possibility of glitches with technology. It happens occasionally, but as long as both parties have a good internet connection it generally goes very well. I am not a techy person, but for this season, I am very thankful for technology. I think it has allowed many to receive care that otherwise wouldn’t have. It has broadened my reach, offered an option for parents who struggle finding sitters, and offers a safe place for anxious clients to begin healing.
When might telehealth counseling not be the best option?
Teleheatlh counseling does not work best for clients with current suicidal ideation or those in crisis. It also may not be a good fit for those looking to process deep trauma that is extremely triggering (although I have still been able to do trauma work with my clients). It may also potentially not be the most effective for couples counseling. Also, if you do not have a good internet connection or a quiet/private space in your home or office, then online counseling may not be for you.
Who is a good candidate for telehealth counseling?
You may benefit from online counseling if you have general mental health struggles. It works really well for clients who feel anxious about counseling and feel starting in the comfort of their home will allow them to get their toes wet. It’s also great for those with very full, busy schedules, or moms, who don’t have time for the commute to get to and from counseling. It can potentially be a great fit for teens or young adults who are quite used to communicating on screens.
Will I go back to in-person counseling?
For now, I am not ready to answer this question. Again, for personal and professional reasons, this is the path I am sticking with for the time being. Because our team has grown, we are able to offer both in-person and online options giving potential clients the ability to choose what works best for their needs.
Do you think online counseling might be right for you? Or do you have further questions? Contact me to learn more.
About the author
Nicole Fryling, MA, LLPC counsels women who feel anxious, overwhelmed and stuck, and want to be empowered to create peace, joy and fulfillment in their lives. She does this by blending together proven psychological tools and techniques with the therapeutic framework Scripture provides. Of all of the hats Nicole wears (wife, mother, counselor, business owner), Nicole’s favorite is her beach hat!
If you’re ready to learn to thrive rather than just survive, contact Nicole today for support at nicole@restorativecc.com
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