By Kelly Tuller Psy.D.
Our current climate necessitates medical and mental health care providers and patients to flex to alternative treatment modalities for standard wellness care. For many patients and therapists, engaging in tele-therapy for weekly sessions is new territory. Fortunately, Cognitive Behavioral therapists are well suited to transition into this medium.
The American Psychological Association (APA) lists Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) via tele-therapy as an empirically supported treatment for many different mental health concerns. Research suggests that the core components of CBT are as effectively implemented via tele-therapy as they are in in person. This is because CBT is a type of treatment that is goal driven, patient focused, collaborative, and well established.
In my own experience as a Cognitive Behavioral therapist, I had a fortunate opportunity for advanced training in tele-therapy long before it became a popular modality. I provided weekly tele therapy to veterans who were unable to attend in person visits due to a variety of different reasons (distance, medical diagnosis, lack of childcare, etc.). During that time, I developed a list of suggestions for patients to help them make the most of their tele-therapy visits.
Set the Scene
Find quiet and private place to talk. Ideally, away from distractions and noise. It is useful to close down distraction applications like emails and messages. Make sure that you can be there for the duration of your therapy appointment. If you are assisting your child in setting up for their appointment, help them identify a comfortable space. Children have unique needs when it comes to tele-therapy. They may need to utilize space to stand up, move around and play on the floor while the therapist is engaging them and teaching them therapy tools. Just as with in person therapy and depending on developmental age, it may be important to allow your child and the therapist to have a confidential session. Be sure to discuss with your child’s provider to determine if you should be present at the start or end of the session to provide any significant details or to assist with between session practice.
Check Your Technology
One of the primary factors that can contribute to a frustrating tele-therapy experience is glitches in technology. Prior to your first tele-therapy appointment, check to make sure your computer or electronic device has a camera and voice option. Plug in your lap top or secure your computer power source. Have a back up telephone option in the event that you and your therapist become disconnected. Choose a space that has strong connectivity to the internet to minimize problems with speed and loading. Talk to your therapist about which platform they are utilizing and how your privacy will be ensured.
Business as Usual
Your therapist will likely structure the tele-therapy visit just as he or she would an in-person visit. Cognitive Behavioral therapists typically begin sessions by setting an agenda, or a road map for the visit. You will have an opportunity to review the time that has passed between the sessions and discuss any relevant events. Your therapist will also likely add items to the therapy agenda and they may include the continuation or introduction of a new tool or skill that applies to the goals you are working on. Take a few minutes before and after your tele-therapy visit to take any notes you want to be sure to cover in the session or remember for the week ahead.
Voice Your Concerns
Many tele-therapy patients have described to me that after a few sessions, it often feels like we are sitting in the same room together. However, if the idea of tele-therapy makes you feel anxious or self-conscious, be sure to bring it up with your provider. This is especially true if you have had to move from in person sessions to tele-therapy visits in the middle of treatment. Your therapist will be understanding and work with you to determine next steps. He or she may encourage you to utilize what you have learned in therapy to address this new stressor and use the situation as a way to overcome an anxiety hurdle in real-time. If the concerns are regarding other factors, your therapist may be able to structure your treatment in a way that helps ease you into the new modality by increasing the duration of therapy minutes over a few sessions.
* CBT Westport is currently offering new and existing patients the safe and effective option of tele-therapy. Please contact us if you would like to know more (203-220-6486, or use our contact form on this site).