How to make online therapy in Utah successful.

You might be like me and you found a therapist that lives 400+ miles away. Or you might have even found one that lives 15 miles away but you still want the convenience of connection at home. No problem. Online therapy is a great option. I know this hasn’t solved all the problems and not everyone has access to WiFi or technology but for many, this has increased access to mental health services and has provided an opportunity to meet with a therapist that’s a good fit.

To make online therapy sessions in Utah just as effective as face-to-face therapy sessions here are some guidelines to follow:

Privacy:

You will need privacy. A private room in your home or a private room at your workplace to conduct your therapy session is ideal. I also know this can be challenging. Other good options include your car or your backyard. I have also had multiple clients meet in the closet or bathroom. Whatever works, right! If all else fails taking ownership of your mental health and asking for an hour to be left alone in a private room can be an essential first step in setting boundaries.

Reliable Connection:

Make sure you have reliable WiFi, data, and/or signal. Without this, the flow of the session will be interrupted. Therapy is all about being seen and heard, so this is a must. It’s not a fun experience to have either of our faces frozen on the screen.

Communication:

As we all know technology can sometimes suck. Dropped calls, frozen screens (see above), and other issues like audio not being synced. With online therapy sessions, it is important for us to communicate if we see any snags and if things are lagging, that way we can adjust quickly. We will also have a backup plan so the counseling session can continue with little interruption.

Preparation:

It will be important to set up a few minutes before the session so we can begin on time. This can help you gather your thoughts and prepare accordingly. You can hang out in the online waiting room, breath, move and settle. We will also be utilizing Brainspotting, EMDR, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as a treatment approach so we will discuss the items needed more in detail to make this successful. But as an example with Brainspotting, it will be important to have a computer and a cellphone or tablet. Essentially two different technology systems and a pair of headphones. Being prepared for your session will help set up the session for success.

My advice is based on personal experience.

 A lot of the success in therapy is based on fit. Meaning you have a good therapeutic relationship and alliance with your therapist. I wanted to work with someone who met my needs and provided the type of therapy that I knew would work best for me. It just so happened that the therapist I landed on was far away. With the option of online therapy, that distance is not even a problem. We meet weekly, I’m working on myself, and I get the support I need from someone who understands even though they are hundreds of miles away from me. I also work with multiple individuals who see me for therapy. It works smoothly and we are making progress.

Ready to take a step into the online therapy world?

As a therapist and counselor in Utah, I am here to help you navigate the online therapy space. Whether you live in Weber County, Davis County, Salt Lake County, Park City, or Utah County I can help. Contact me today, text or call 385-240-0689, or email kristi@illuminetherapy.com, for a free 15-minute consultation to see if I would be a good fit for you and your needs as an online therapist in Utah. Also, check out the Online Therapy Utah page for more information.