Video sessions (teletherapy) are available by request. I prefer to have at least the first session in person, but this is not required if travel is a burden.

 

Let me know if you expect to do some or all sessions remotely. I will send you a Consent for Voice or Teletherapy Sessions form to read and sign, via the Owl Practice Portal. It will outline the risks and benefits that you need to be aware of doing therapy this way. 

Briefly, the main advantage of teletherapy is convenience. The client and clinician can work together without being in the same physical location. This reduces the need for travel, especially here in Vermont, where weather often makes travel impractical and unpredictable. The client and clinician can also be in comfortable environments that are more familiar to them.

 

On the other hand, there are some potential disadvantages. Their possible impact and how we will try to minimize them are described in the Consent for Voice or Teletherapy Sessions form. Some of the more important disadvantages are:

1) there is limited evidence that telepsychology is as effective as in-person therapy. Some psychologists believe that something is lost by not being in the same room.

2) Other people may overhear you or distract you if you are not in a sufficiently private place.

3) You need to have the resources, experience and comfort level to use the technology. 

3) Technology may stop working during a session, interrupting the flow of the work.

4) There is the (remote) possibility that someone could hack into a session.

5) Assessing and evaluating threats and other emergencies can be more difficult when conducting telepsychology than in traditional in-person environments.