Due to the current Oregon COVID-19 pandemic masking restrictions in healthcare settings, all sessions are being offered via telehealth at this time.
I am using Google Meet for HIPAA-secure videoconferencing at this time. All you need is a computer, tablet, or cell phone, a quiet and private space for yourself, and a decent internet connection. While the idea of remote counseling may seem strange at first, there are many reasons people prefer teletherapy:
Access therapy all over Oregon - Gone are the days you have to find someone within a short commute of your home or work. I’m glad that all Oregon residents can access somatic therapy with me!
Fit therapy into your workday - It can be difficult to focus on therapy after a long workday and a commute to a therapy office. Many work schedules can be flexible enough to allow for an hour break for teletherapy.
Less need for special childcare arrangements - Parents love teletherapy because it means they can be home with their children and still access high-quality therapy.
Accessibility for disability, illness, or chronic pain - As a person with endometriosis, I have often had to call out of work, cancel plans, or just have to suffer through a day without the things I needed to feel more comfortable. With teletherapy, you don’t need to worry about the accessibility of the therapy office, spreading or contracting illness, or doing without the items you need for pain management while still accessing therapy.
Accommodating travel - As long as you have a decent internet connection and a private space, you can access therapy even when you are traveling. While I am based in Oregon and my clients need to live in Oregon to access therapy with me, I can be flexible with occasional sessions if you are out of the area.
It’s just nicer at home - There’s a lot to be said for being able to hang out in your own space during therapy. You can wear PJs, you can have your pets and plants with you, you can snug under all your own blankets, and you can exist in whatever temperature works for you. What’s not to love?