Traditional, in-office therapy has its perks. Many of my clients appreciate the opportunity to step out of their lives into a relaxing space dedicated to growth and healing. In a sense, the work my clients do here in my office lives in this space—along with all of the love, grief, acceptance, and challenges that are a part of that work. To me, my office is a sacred space for a community of people dedicated to making meaningful changes in their lives.
Office-based therapy has helped so many of my clients to heal and grow. But some people don’t have the ability or desire to travel regularly to a therapist’s office. They might have unique needs or life circumstances that aren’t fully met by traditional in-office therapy. For these individuals, alternative ways of connecting with me can improve therapy’s accessibility and effectiveness. I provide a variety of ways for you to get the help you need, including walking talk therapy, online therapy, and phone therapy.
Walking Talk Therapy
Exercising and spending time outside are both associated with improved mental health. [1],[2] So why not add those benefits to those that come with getting therapy? Getting outside has been a huge mood booster for clients with depression, especially people struggling with seasonal affective disorder. Movement therapy has also proven useful for helping my clients with anxiety to burn off some of their nervous energy. It is also beneficial for anyone suffering from grief and loss. Incorporating movement allows clients a way to express issues that may feel more comfortable shared walking side by side than talking face to face. Because of its ability to help get stagnant energy moving, outdoor therapy can help you get unstuck and make room for new insights and experiences.
My office is adjacent to Denver’s Highline Canal Trail, so I’m able to offer walking talk therapy sessions to people who want them. In considering a walking session, we take into account your energy level and the content that we want to address that day. It may not always make sense to bring personal matters out into the world through a walking session, but this form of therapy is available anytime the weather is decent and you would feel comfortable spending all or part of our session outside.
Zoom Or Facetime Web Therapy
The rise of COVID-19 made it clear that visiting a therapist in-person isn’t always possible or safe. At the start of the pandemic, I closed my office to keep myself and my clients safe, and I moved my existing clients to online counseling or another form of distance therapy. Since then, I’ve been offering web sessions to both new and existing clients by way of Zoom and Facetime therapy sessions.
Even for people who aren’t living through a pandemic, visiting a therapist in person isn’t always possible. The time it takes to travel to and from my office is sometimes more than people have available in their busy schedules. Some people I work with split their time between multiple residences or travel a lot for work. Others are caretaking children or other family members or have health conditions that can limit their energy. Online counseling connects these people with the benefits of regular therapy, even when in-office therapy isn’t possible.
Research and my own experience suggest that online therapy is effective. A 2018 meta-analysis looked at the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered online and found distance therapy to be effective for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. It also found the benefits gained through online therapy were maintained over time. [3]
For some clients, online therapy sessions offer some additional benefits. Video allows us to focus and see each other’s facial expressions, much like we would in person. I’ve been told that my expressions are even more noticeable via the online format, and that adds richness to our interaction. Many clients also enjoy the comfort of getting therapy in their homes and virtually sharing meaningful aspects of their lives with me, including their favorite rooms, wall hangings, pets, and views from their homes.
Phone Therapy
You’ll need an internet connection and web-capable device to talk to a therapist online. So if your schedule is unpredictable, very busy, or you’re at all uncomfortable with technology, it might be better for you to talk to a therapist on the phone. Unlike web therapy, phone-based distance therapy doesn’t require an internet connection or any special software, and it avoids the sometimes-inevitable connection problems. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to keep it simple. It can also be a good alternative to online therapy if you are a bit shy or don’t feel comfortable sitting in front of a webcam.
Phone therapy is well-suited for full-length or quick check-in sessions. If you don’t have time for hour-long conversations, or you think you would benefit from more frequent contact with me, we can do three 20-minute sessions each week in place of a single longer session. This approach can provide a much-needed sense of stability if you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, a major life change, or a time of great stress.
Finding phone and other distance therapy services that are covered by insurance can be tricky, but I’ve made it easier by registering with the healthcare network Sondermind. Through this partnership, I’m able to offer in-network mental health services for Anthem (Blue Cross Blue Shield), Cigna, and United Health Care. The type of therapy you want, the city you live in, and the details of your plan may affect your level of coverage, but I can work with you to find out what’s covered.
Flexibility Is As Important In Therapy As It Is In Other Parts Of Life
You might feel particularly drawn to a single way of getting therapy. On the other hand, a blended approach using multiple methods might end up serving you best. Several clients of mine enjoy having the option to meet in-person, connect online or by phone for a few sessions, and then meet in person again. This allows therapy to fit with the rhythm of life. Whether you’re available during business hours or would prefer to meet with me after work or on Saturdays, I’ll brainstorm with you to find an approach that works.
[1] Gingel, 2018
[2] “Sour mood getting you down? Get back to nature,” 2018
[3] Andrews, et al., 2018
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today to find out more about how you can get the support you need in a way that fits the rhythm of your life. For an appointment or questions, call or text (720) 984-9575 or visit my contact page. You can also click the button below to schedule online.