Why this Therapist Loves Online Therapy
If you had told me in graduate school that I would have a fully virtual private practice, I would have laughed. The extroverted part of me that loves connecting with people and having deep conversations would not do well with online therapy. And if you had told me this four years ago at the start of the pandemic, I still wouldn’t believe you. When the world literally shut down and we were all sent home for what I thought was a temporary two-week solution to work from home, I hated it. I deeply missed connecting with others and I showed up to every Zoom lunch and get-together I could. I was that person. Needless to say, I was happy when we all went back in person. When I left my last position at a large university in Texas two years ago, much to my surprise, I decided that my private practice would be fully virtual. Below are the reasons why I now love online therapy!
1. Convenience
Convenience is usually the most common reason that folks love online therapy. As a therapist, I love that clients can easily log into sessions without sitting in Dallas or Austin traffic, rushing back to the office, or picking up the kids. I have had clients join the session from their car (parked of course!), sitting in a park (not near anyone), on their couch, and eating during the session (please nourish yourself!). My clients are busy women who already feel like they do not have enough time. With online therapy, they can join sessions between meetings, during their planning period, or on their lunch break. This wouldn’t be doable if they sought in-person therapy and needed to go across town. This level of accessibility means that therapy can easily fit into your busy life, making it more likely that you’ll stick with it.
2. Working with a Specialist
Personally and professionally, working with a specialist is my favorite reason I love online therapy. Throughout my career as a licensed psychologist in Texas, I have worked with clients coming into therapy for all types of presenting concerns (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-esteem, work-related stress, men’s issues, etc.). However, it was my work with high-achieving women experiencing anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout, that I felt energized. I LOVED that these clients were hard-working, insightful, and motivated and they approached therapy in the same way. I noticed that these clients and I just “clicked” and we would do some really good work together. So when I went into private practice, I knew that these were the clients I wanted to work with. With in-person therapy, you are limited to the therapists in your immediate area. With online therapy, you can work with a therapist or psychologist that truly specializes in what you need support with.
3. Comfortability and Familiarity
Therapy in athleisure wear, with a cup of coffee, and a nice candle lit? Yes, please! With online therapy, you get to join the session from the comfort of your own home, office, car, or wherever that might be. No need to get out in bad weather and travel across town. I love that clients can join from the comfort of their own homes. As a therapist, I love to make my space comfortable by usually lighting a candle, wearing comfortable clothes, and usually a large unsweet iced tea next to me.
4. Better Time Management
As someone who HATES being late to things and is a strong believer that if I am not early I am late, online therapy has been a game changer when it comes to time management. Gone are the days of commuting, setting alarms, and running over time. Online therapy sessions start and end on time, and there's no need to account for travel. This efficiency means that both I and my clients can manage our time better, leading to less stress and more productive sessions.
5. Flexibility in Scheduling
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it's challenging to commit to regular, in-person therapy appointments. Online therapy offers the flexibility to schedule sessions at times that work best for you. This flexibility means that you can prioritize your mental health without sacrificing other important aspects of your life, such as work, family, and social commitments. You get to take care of yourself, get the support you need, and be able to focus on what really matters to you (e.g. relationships, kids sporting events, self-care).
6. Authenticity
Online therapy often brings a level of authenticity that can be harder to achieve in a traditional office setting. Clients are in their own environments, surrounded by their personal belongings, which can make them feel more at ease and open. This comfort can lead to more genuine interactions and deeper therapeutic work. As a therapist, I also find that being in my own space allows me to be more relaxed and authentic, which positively impacts the therapeutic relationship.
7. Consistency
With online therapy, I have found that my clients cancel way less. I attribute this to the ease and convenience that online therapy inherently has. Clients are still able to make it to the session if they have a sick kid at home, have a deadline at work, or it’s pouring down rain. Because clients cancel less, they are more motivated in therapy and I usually see clients make progress quicker.
Last Thoughts
As someone who never thought they would love online therapy, I have come to appreciate it so much personally and professionally. And honestly, I don’t see myself going back to in-person sessions. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and given the rise of technology in our everyday lives, it really doesn’t feel any different. If you are unsure about starting online therapy, I challenge you to give it a try. And not just for one session. Attend a few sessions, bring your concerns up with your therapist, and then make a decision that is best for you.
Ditch Anxiety, Burnout, and Self-Doubt with Online Therapy in Austin, TX
Ready to leave anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout behind without adding more to your already busy schedule? Try online therapy!
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Hi! I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, Texas. I am here to help you leave behind the self-doubt and constant overwhelm that keeps you stuck. I want you to have a rich and fulfilling life without sacrificing what matters most to you. I offer effective online therapy anywhere in Texas for clients experiencing self-doubt, anxiety, and burnout. If you’re ready to make changes and do the hard work- reach out today to get started!