Skype For Therapy

[Trekker]

I live in a very small town with less then 1000 people. This town has no amenities such as physicians, banks, libraries, and pharmacies. I drive 15 miles one way in order to access these resources. I drive 70 miles one way for an appointment with my psychiatrist.

Because of the distances involved my psychiatrist suggested we use skype for our sessions.

My question is, has anyone used skype for counseling, and if so, how does it compare to sessions in person?
Can you make that connection with you counselor and seriously work on you trauma?

I haven't used skype before. I guess I'm still stuck in the era of rotary phones and party lines.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

[catjudo]

I live in a fairly large city with no problems accessing resources. My therapist is local and I go to his office. My psychiatrist, however, is about 100 miles away. I've seen the same psychiatrist for over 12 years. I've moved out of the city that he lives/works in and I've tried to find a new psychiatrist where I currently live, but I've never found one that I like as much. So I drive 2 hours each way for an appointment with my psychiatrist. Sometimes when I'm feeling my worst, it is difficult to make that trip. Sometimes, I just can't arrange my schedule to give up five hours of my day just for an appointment. So, he is very willing to give me Skype appointments if I'd like. I have recently done this a few times for quick, med check type appointments and they were okay. If I feel like I really need a longer, more involved appointment, I do not feel like I can get what I need from a skype appointment...I drive to his office.

 

[Trekker]

It sounds like our situations are similar. I have my second in person session with my psychiatrist next week and then we start to skype. However another concern of mine is that the therapists will not be local, but also in the city where my psychiatrist is so either way I will skype and like you I will travel to see them in person when I feel the need to. I stayed in a motel for the first session, just so I could be rested before I went to my appointment.

Thank your for responding to my post.

 

[Leah123]

I've done therapy in person and therapy online, with phone calls and chat. I've definitely been able to make a deep connection and do trauma work with great results in that format, indeed, doing therapy from home and with a little more privacy has made it even easier in some ways. The key for me is having the right therapist, and given that and a lot of time for sessions I've done well. One thing I do miss is getting a hug in person, but if you're not used to that anyhow, might not even be an issue.

 

[Trekker]

It is encouraging to hear of your success in this medium. I'm glad you mentioned more privacy in which to work, I completely forgot about that. I imagine it does make it easier in a place that is familiar and safe. I think I will miss the personal touch as well. Thank you for reading and responding to my question.

 

[Britt.f7]

I think I would like it because it would involve not leaving my house. Or on the days I am doing poorly, not leaving the house is not an option. So that would work out. Could you maybe give it a try and if it doesn't work out for you go back to in person? Or maybe alternate in person visits with skype? Just a thought.

 

[Trekker]

@Britt.f7 Would your therapist agree to skype if you asked? It would seem like they would, or do they need you there in person? Yes I will try to skype, and I will alternate as well with being there in person. I feel the need for one on one contact at this point because I'm just starting my therapy. I have an appointment tomorrow in person, then we start to skype. It's difficult for me here, I just moved here in a new small town, I don't know anyone and I live alone. My folks live about 2 hours away and my father is one of my abusers so I don't visit. I wish you well Britt and I hope everything goes your way. Take care all, thanks for your help.

 

[Britt.f7]

@Trekker Thanks. I hope it works out for you too.