OUR APPROACH - ONLINE THERAPY
Your #1 Resource For Online Therapy in Oakville
One of the societal shifts which emerged during COVID was a greater acceptance of digital means of communication and connection. As therapists who have been offering online therapy in Oakville for years, our team at Whiteboard are proud to have been early adopters of a virtual approach to therapy.
Online therapy has several major benefits over in-person sessions, including:
- Accessibility: Online therapy can be accessed from anywhere, making it more convenient for people who have difficulty getting to in-person therapy sessions
- Flexibility: Online therapy sessions can be scheduled at times that are convenient for the individual, allowing for better integration of therapy into a person's daily life
- Comfort: Some people may feel more comfortable discussing personal issues in the privacy of their own home, rather than in an in-person therapy setting
- Convenience: Virtual therapy eliminates the need for travel. This can be especially beneficial for people who live in rural or remote areas, and also for time-conscious individuals who want to pursue therapy without commuting
For some, online therapy has become their preferred delivery method even after their early objections. Simply put, when delivered by competent, trained professionals who specialize in the format, online therapy in Oakville can often be a great choice for clients.
As you seek to make the most of your online therapy experience, here are a few tips which can help:
#1 - Find a Qualified Therapist
Make sure the therapist you work with is licensed and has experience providing therapy via an online format. There is nothing worse than being in a session with a therapist whose lack of familiarity with the technology or the format end up detracting from the session.
#2 - Prepare for your Sessions
Just as you would for an in-person therapy session, take some time to think about what you want to discuss and make notes if necessary. We often tell clients that the #1 factor in client outcomes is client buy-in and preparedness for growth and change. The same is true for online therapy.
#3 Create a Comfortable and Private Space
Make sure you have a quiet and private space for your session, free from distractions. This might mean being creative in terms of the time of day and location that you choose for your session, but being in a mindset and location where you can think and speak freely are paramount.
#4 Test your Technology
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and that your device's camera and microphone are working properly before the session (if possible). Most therapists will account for a few moments of ironing out bugs when starting online sessions with new clients, so don’t feel embarrassed if things take a second to work things out.
#5 Be Open and Honest
Share your thoughts and feelings with your therapist, just as you would in an in-person session. Effective providers of online therapy in Oakville possess the ability to foster this sort of open communication from the get-go during sessions, and you should be open to following their lead in this way.
#6 Be Consistent
Try to stick to a regular schedule for your sessions. Consistency and routine can help create healthy new cognitive patterns, while also helping to build trust and rapport with your therapist.
#7 Communicate with your Therapist
If you have any concerns or questions about how your therapy is proceeding, don't hesitate to bring them up with your therapist. As we always say, we want you to be in control of your sessions, and you can actively do so by speaking up and letting your concerns be heard.