What is Virtual Therapy - How It Works and Its Benefits
Psychotherapy, wherever you are!
One of the best things about running my own Psychotherapeutic practice here in Toronto is the ability to adapt to changing times. It’s safe to say that 2020 has brought unprecedented change to our ‘normal,’ between quarantine lockdowns and shifts in the workforce to include more work from home options. While not entirely new, virtual therapy is a timely resource to support you, even from lockdown!
WHAT IS VIRTUAL THERAPY?
The beauty of virtual therapy is that it really is no different from a regular in-person therapy session! Actually, you may even find that once you give it a try, you prefer it from in-person psychotherapy because it allows you to save on the commute time and cuddle up in your favourite comfy zone at home for your session!
BENEFITS OF VIRTUAL THERAPY
Virtual psychotherapy lends you the exact same level of support that an in-person session at my Toronto office would. Still, the best part is you can be literally anywhere in Ontario to participate!
Here are the key benefits virtual therapy offers:
You can tune in from anywhere in Ontario - no more feeling bound to your location in finding the perfect psychotherapist for you! Nope, no matter where you are in Ontario, if you feel my style and approach is right for you, we can still connect with virtual therapy!
It’s even more convenient - no more worries about trying to pay for parking in downtown Toronto! No more worries about squeezing the drive across town to your therapy session into your day. With virtual therapy, you get to log in from wherever you are comfortable, without traveling to visit your therapist!
It’s comfortable and easy - speaking over the phone or on video chat may feel even more comfortable for you! You can find a quiet, comfortable place in your home or at work, grab a tea and speak with your therapist about the same issues you would cover in-person.
It’s just as effective! - Numerous studies show that virtual psychotherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. You can still work on your issues and make significant progress without being in your psychotherapist’s office.
The proof is in the data!
Check out this 2014 study that found online treatment to be just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
Or this 2018 study that found online cognitive behavioural therapy is, "effective, acceptable and practical health care." The study found the online cognitive behavioural therapy was equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
How Does it Work?
Wondering how virtual therapy really works? No problem! I use the secure Jane Online Appointments app for all of my virtual therapy appointments.
Booking your session:
To book a session, simply contact me to book a free consultation and from there, we’ll get started!
Preparing for your session:
If you’re planning on logging onto your online appointment from a computer or laptop, you’re good to go! I recommend using Chrome or Firefox. If you’re logging on from a mobile device, you’ll need to download the Jane Online Appointments app, free in the app store, before our appointment.
Logging onto your appointment:
Once it’s time for your appointment, you can log on by either opening the link within your email appointment reminder or your My Account on Jane.
When you begin your session, you’ll be asked to submit payment either via credit card or e-transfer.
If you have any other questions about using Jane for online appointments, check out this article.
Other Common Questions about Virtual Therapy
I get it - virtual therapy is still relatively new, so there are often some key questions I get asked. Such as…
What if I experience technical issues with my online appointment?
If this does happen (which is rare!), I’ll ask that you simply reach out to me via phone, and I will help troubleshoot the issue. If this does not work, we can do the session fully over the phone.
Is an online appointment safe and secure?
Yes! The Online Appointments feature was built exclusively within Jane, and it is all provided within its secure infrastructure that meets their privacy standards. Jane uses a standard that provides peer-to-peer audiovisual communication. This means that all the traffic flows directly between each user’s web browser and completely bypasses Jane’s servers. The traffic is also encrypted in transit, and none of the data is stored anywhere at any time. Video, audio or chat communication cannot be recorded during your Online Appointment. This approach ensures Jane’s online appointments are PIPEDA and HIPAA compliant and addresses the major privacy concerns around telehealth.
Virtual therapy is a great option for receiving psychotherapeutic support,
no matter where you are.
You can even enjoy it from the comfort of your own home!
I’m Natasha Batshon, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Nutritionist offering support both in-person in Toronto, and virtually (wherever you are!)
My practice can support you through anxiety, depression, stress management, low self-esteem, career and education stress, work/life balance, relationship issues, trauma healing, loss and grief, phobias, sleep or insomnia, mindfulness, or a loss of a sense of purpose. I’m multidisciplinary in my approach, meaning I don’t offer just one form of therapy. Instead, I like to combine the most beautiful elements of what each has to offer. Some of the therapeutic techniques I draw on are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Book a free consultation and we will get to know each other and assess if virtual therapy is right for you!
P.S. While I am a registered psychotherapist, please note that this blog post is for informational purposes, and does not contain specific psychotherapeutic advice. If you feel you need psychotherapeutic support, please contact me.