Have folks had much luck with tele-therapy?

[Dragon by the Sea]

I am trying it for the first time.

 

[whiteraven]

That's all my therapist has done for the last 3 years. There are pros and cons, I think. I never liked driving to my T's office--took 45 minutes or more--and I like that I can just sign on and then sign off and go about my business. I also would not be able to go at all at this point, because I work 8-5, but with therapy online, I can arrange to do it at lunch.

As for the actual "therapy," there are times it works and times it doesn't. I suspect it all depends on the therapist and how comfortable you are with working over the internet.

Welcome, btw!

 

[somerandomguy]

I've done it exclusively since March 2020, and the only issue I have with it is trying to find a place private enough that people can't hear me in my house which is basically built out of cardboard.

 

[Wendell_R]

Yes, it has worked for me. Although I miss meeting in person and think therapy would have gone a bit faster in person, I've found that teletherapy does work. My therapist can see me well enough to read my non-verbal communication. I have felt safe enough that I have been able to be vulnerable.

 

[Movingforward10]

Same here: my T has been online since March 2020.

Pros:
Easier to fit into the day.
No traveling there and back, so saving on that cost and time.
Leaving therapy: I'm just in my room and don't have to get on public transport and compose myself enough for it after a heavy session.
I still feel connection and can communicate.

Cons:
When internet is down and there are connection difficulties. Big big big con.
Not being in the same room as her. I do miss that.
Feeling shy about how I look on screen.

 

[Friday]

Years ago I used phones to hit up therapists I liked for a session or three… whilst I was on another continent… and that’s something I would be perfectly comfortable with, if it wasn’t that -modernly- the entire conversation would be recorded.

Video has the same non-starter recording issue, but also with the downside that I can’t hang upside down smoking a cigarette, or have my feet sticking out of the sunroof, or any of the other moving about I do on phone calls to stay centered/focused/engaged on the call.

So for me, it’s face to face, or nada.

 

[Freddyt]

Besides my T recommending face to face, I have an irrational fear of telephones and tele-presence (zoom etc) tech.

Don't know why but my anxiety goes through the roof when not face to face. Makes looking fora new T take time as I need an appointment for a meet and greet....

 

[Wendell_R]

I have an irrational fear of telephones and tele-presence (zoom etc) tech.

Maybe it's a rational fear? It's harder to read people over the phone/computer.

 

[Freddyt]

Maybe it's a rational fear? It's harder to read people over the phone/computer.

That has something to do with it. It has been way way worse since trauma 2 though, and it doesn't matter who is on the other end......

 

[GiantSquid]

I've done exclusively online therapy for little over two years. I used to work in the mental health so I wanted someone I would not know from work and found a therapist from other side of the country. It has been very useful for me because I have difficulties leaving the house.