Online Psychotherapy

 

Online Therapy in Washington DC

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our therapists were already providing remote psychotherapy services to our internationally located clients and those who frequently traveled for work. When the stay-at-home orders began in March, our clients and therapists smoothly transitioned to 100% online psychotherapy modality. We envision continue working online until we feel safe to return to our brand new suite!

Online Counseling Available to the Broader Washington DC Community

We also think that remote psychotherapy is here to stay! We are embracing it as an alternative and effective way to deliver our services, and are excited to be able to serve to a broader community in the DMV area.

How does online therapy work?

Currently, we are using two platforms for online pscyhotherapy, HIPPA-compliant Google Meet and Therapy Notes teletherapy platform. You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone and access to internet through WIFI or your phone carrier data plan. At the time of your appointment, you will sign-in using a link (Google Meet), or by logging into the Patient Portal. You and your therapist will make sure that you can see and hear each other clearly. Occasional “glitches” will be inevitable, usually, they can be resolved by logging off and back on.  

In order to have a positive experience with online therapy we recommend that you:

  • Make sure to choose a private space to hold your session without interruptions and distractions (online counseling commercials depicting clients in swimming pools having their sessions is a no-no for us).
  • Close windows in your computer so that you don’t get distracted by other content and turn-off notifications.
  • Use headphones to increase privacy, improve audio, and reduce background noise.
  • Dress appropriately, some of our therapists work from body-based modalities and are likely to ask to see your entire body at times (even if we can’t see your entire body, you know what you are wearing!)
  • Allow a few minutes before and after the session for transitioning from and into your home/work life.

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy can be as effective as in-person psychotherapy when both the therapist and client work intentionally. It does require some adjustments, for instance, client and therapists may have to be more explicit about reporting or inquiring about internal reactions (emotions, sensations, movement, etc) to each other as the visual input is more limited.

Remote therapy gives us the opportunity to meet regularly during these unprecedented times, but also, once life goes back to normal, it allows for flexibility and convenience by eliminating the need to commute to the office when work gets busy or for those who travel frequently.