The thought of counseling can sometimes feel overwhelming or scary due to the unknown. However, my hope is that you feel comfortable making the first step towards your emotional and wellness goals.
What are Sessions Like?
In the first and second sessions we will discuss confidentiality, the process of therapy, including your expectations for counseling. In addition, we will begin to focus on potential areas of strength and improvement.
The following sessions will allow us to outline what things you would like to change. Additionally, they will include how we will measure specific goals for therapy, and what it will look like when you reach them.
Throughout therapy, we will discuss the progress and decide if we need to change goals, add goals, or be done with therapy.
How does therapy work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs
How long will therapy take?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
What is “teletherapy”?
Teletherapy is the online delivery of psychological services via high-resolution, live video conferencing. Teletherapy sessions are very similar to traditional therapy sessions with one major exception. Instead of sitting in the same room, clients and clinicians interact via live video conferencing.
During therapy sessions, the clients and clinicians can see, hear, and interact with one another in real time, using webcams, headsets, and a live, synchronous online learning environment.
If you’ve ever used Skype on your computer or Face Time on your iPhone, you’ve used a similar type of technology.
The actual therapy is the same as the therapist would deliver face-to-face, only teletherapy is done with a computer! Clinicians use traditional therapy techniques and activities and enhance those techniques through innovative software and tools and have the technology literally at their fingertips to plan and deliver high-quality services.
How will “teletherapy” at Relational Family Therapy work?
I will conduct therapy appointments using HIPAA Compliant and protected video conferencing services through Simple Practice.
Receiving therapy through Simple Practice will be very simple:
- Before the session, you will receive an email with an invitation to the session (please specify for us which email to use for this purpose). You may also access your session link through your Simple Practice Portal, which can be accessed from the Client Portal button on the top of my website.
- Please click on the link and you will be able to enter your therapy session, which will proceed normally.
Will “teletherapy” still be effective if my child is receiving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?
The good news is that, yes, we can use this treatment effectively remotely. In fact, there has been research specifically pertaining to providing PCIT via teletherapy with good outcomes.
Materials you will need:
- A place/room without significant distractions and other toys
- 2-3 PCIT-appropriate toys and activities
- A computer/phone/tablet with WI-FI and a good connection
- Earbuds/blue tooth device for your device
Before the session:
- Set out toys in the place/room that you have selected (ideally with a door)
- Turn on computer and find a place where the clinician can see the play set-up
- Make sure that any siblings at home are entertained in another location
Will “teletherapy” still be effective if my child is in play therapy?
The good news is that, yes, we can still do play therapy with your child . There will be a distinct advantage, as I will be able to observe your child in your home environment and help problem-solve any real-life concerns.
Materials you will need:
- A place/room without significant distractions and other toys
- Colored pencils/crayons and paper
- 2-3 play-appropriate toys and activities
- A computer/phone/tablet with WI-FI and a good connection
Before the session:
- Set out toys in the place/room that you have selected (ideally with a door)
- Turn on computer and find a place where the clinician can see the play set-up
- Make sure that any siblings at home are entertained in another location
Relational Family Therapy, PLLC 