Online Therapy And How Technology Helps Make This As Effective As In Person Therapy

When you think of therapy, it’s not likely you think of online therapy. You probably think of maybe a couch, lounge chairs, or a desk maybe. If your familiar with therapy with children, perhaps you think of a play room. But as technology continues to change our lives, it is also changing how we do therapy.

Online therapy is different from in person therapy with it’s own benefits and guidelines of who benefits the most from it. See Online Counseling- Does It Work and Is It As Effective As Going To See A Therapist, if you want more info on this and the effectiveness of online therapy.

While its not face to face, it allows the counselor and client to be face to face though their computers and webcams. This lets them communicate in real time with many of the benefits of in person therapy and some additional benefits as well.

There are many reasons to choose the online approach. Those with social anxiety or fear of leaving their home tend to especially like this approach. Those responsible for caregiving or that have very busy schedules often like it as well. It can also give you access to counselors with specialties that may not exist in your local area.

Technology has also made many advances that help improve online therapy such as screen sharing. This means your therapist can show you on your screen assignments or strategies they want you to work on using. If it is hard to say something you have the option of using chat to tell them. You can also show your therapist things you want them to see through screen sharing. Technology also has made certain techniques more accessible like EMDR with programs that connect to your video and allow you to see the eye movements needed for this approach across your screen. All of these things are possible on most of the video platforms. If you have questions about this, ask your counselor about this.

So, are there any drawbacks to online therapy? Sometimes, it can be more difficult for the therapist to see body language so you may need to verbalize things like body sensations you are feeling. This can also be a difficult way to do therapy for those that struggle with technology. Though the technology piece has become a lot easier now with the therapist able to email a link that takes you directly to the video session, it may still not be preferable for some people.

Another question many have is whether it is safe and secure. The programs most therapists use have encryption and many other safety features in place, but there is always a risk with the internet of a hacker finding your information so you will need to decide if this is an acceptable risk or if in person therapy feels better to you.

Whether you plan to do online or in person counseling, mental health is crucial to our overall well being, and with all the new technology developments, therapy is becoming more and more available to those who need it.

I hope this helps you find the right therapist whether it is online or in person. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I help here.

What Can I Expect From Online Therapy or Telehealth?

Many people, now more than ever before, are interested in online therapy, but it also raises a lot of questions and for most people brings up some anxiety as it is a new experience, but don’t let that stop you from getting the help you need.

Online therapy also creates the space to still have counseling when meeting in person is not possible or not what you prefer.

So What Can I Expect From An Online Counseling Session?

1. Once you have set up therapy, your counselor will confirm your appointment and send you an access link that's either unique to you or is the therapist’s online meeting room. You will use that link to enter your session. You probably won’t need to download an app or program, but it depends on the program the therapist uses. This is a good question to ask about if you are unsure.

2. It’s a good idea to think about where you would like be to do your session. If it will be at your home, where is a good place that has privacy, is comfortable for you, and that you are not likely to be interrupted. Find the place that will work best for you.

3. Check on your technology. Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer are charged, and that your internet is working good. It can also be helpful to have a back up internet source in case something happens such as using your phone as a hotspot. 

4. Feel free to do whatever you need to feel comfortable during the session. Have any drinks or snacks you may want to have with you nearby. Some people like to have their pet with them, which is often helpful when talking about difficult things as this can be soothing. 

5. When it’s time for your appointment, use the link sent by your therapist. Your therapist will be there or will join in shortly.

6. Your first session will likely focus on what you want to work on, your history that is impacting the current issue, your preferences for therapy, and your goals for therapy.

   THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO IT! ENJOY YOUR SESSION.

Online therapy allows you to stay connected and receive support from your therapist when life circumstances don't allow you to meet in person. If you’re still not sure, give it a try and you may be surprised how much you enjoy online therapy. 

I hope this helps you find the right online therapist if that is what you are looking for or the right in person therapist if that is your preference. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I help here.

Online Counseling- Does It Work And Is It As Effective As Going To See A Therapist?

Online therapy, or telehealth as it is often called, has been gaining in popularity for awhile and not just because of Covid-19. There are actually many reasons why many prefer telehealth, but it’s not for everyone. Those with psychosis and suicidal and homicidal thoughts often need an in person therapist due to the therapist needing to be able to see body language. But for those it is appropriate for it can be very helpful. So what are the pro’s and con’s of online therapy?

Pro’s

1. It’s more convenient and often easier to fit into your schedule.

2. Many feel more comfortable in their own home so this can help reduce anxiety around doing counseling.

3. Access to therapists with different specialties that may not be available in your local community.

4. It’s often easier for those with social anxiety and depression to reach out to an online counselor.

5. Most types of therapy can be done through online counseling including some you might not think of such as CBT, Play and Art Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, and TFCBT. It may be done slightly different than when in person, but it is still effective and helps clients reduce their symptoms.

Con’s

1. Therapists might miss out on body language. The fix I often do for this is to have the client explain what body sensations they notice while we are talking.

2. Technology can be difficult and technology gets “glitchy” at times as I like to call it with dropped calls or frozen videos. To prevent this is it is good to have a back up plan of what to do when technology is doing this such as switching to another video program or using the phone.

3. It is important the therapist is using a HIPAA compliant video chat program which means it is secure and encrypted so others do not have access to your information.

4. It can make it harder for therapists to intervene in a crisis. To address this it is important to have a plan established in the first session of crisis services available in your area.

For more information there are some good research articles explaining the science around online therapy or telehealth and how effective it is below:

Psychotherapy Via Internet As Good As If Not Better Than Face-To-Face Consultations

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130730091255.htm

Therapy Delivered Electronically More Effective Than Face To Face

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200708150156.htm

New Online Therapy For Lingering Depression Symptoms Could Fill Important Gap In Care

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200206132333.htm

Panic Disorder And Depression Can Be Treated Over The Internet, Study Suggests.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412084406.htm

I hope this helps answer some of your questions around online therapy or telehealth and if it is effective. I also hope it helps you feel more confident in doing online therapy if you feel that it is a good fit for you. If you are curious about how to find the right therapist, check out my blog on How To Find A Good Counselor. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.

The Importance of Learning Self Care In Therapy In Eureka.

How often do we hear that self care matters, but not really take in its true significance? If asked to name your top three things you do for self care, could you name them? And how often do you actually do them?

Many people I talk to for counseling tell me its the difference between a good day and a bad day. Given that, this is a very important skill to have. It’s also one that many do not think of when they think of what they want to get out of therapy, but it is very important as when we get sad or anxious one of the first things we start forgetting to do is take good care of ourselves.

But why does self care make such a difference? How could doing this one thing help so much?

It relates to self care or self soothing as many like to call it, helping us to feel cared for, nurtured, appreciated, and like our needs matter and are being met. It can also help us feel more in control and less like our emotions are running our lives.

It’s also important to have a self care plan, not just occasionally do things for yourself.

So how do you create a self care plan?

The best and easiest way is to do it based on what soothes each of your 5 senses. I usually list each of the five senses and add five things under each one as this gives you a menu of 25 things you can do to feel more relaxed, calm, nurtured, and cared for. Practicing self care daily can be very helpful as well. This helps us to have a calmer, more peaceful baseline. For example imagine the difference between having a baseline of an “8” versus a “2” on a 0- 10 scale and how this would effect how quickly we get to a “10.” If your baseline is a “2,” you have more room to get upset without reaching the point where you are losing your cool.

Below you will find an example of a partial self care plan to get you started thinking about this. The key is to find the things that soothe you the most, which is different for each person.

Self Care Plan

Sense of Sight

Pictures of fun times with friends or family.

Pictures of the ocean or a sunset.

Doing art or coloring.

Going for a hike and seeing nature.

Looking at funny videos online.

I hope this helps you prioritize the importance of self care and recognize how finding the right therapist for you either through in person or online counseling can help you learn to take better care of yourself. If you have questions around how to find or look for a therapist that is the best fit for you, check out my blogs on How Do I Find A Good Therapist or FAQs About Online Or In Person Counseling. If you are still feeling stuck feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma or PTSD counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.

What Is Trauma And Why You Probably Have Experienced Trauma Even If You Think You Haven’t.

You may not consider you life to have included trauma. Trauma is a highly misunderstood word. Many people think this refers to what I call “Big T” traumas, things like car accidents or abuse. But what about the small hurts that happen so often they build up and become a big hurt? These are the hurts that go unrecognized like being ignored or rejected by a parent or someone important to you so often it becomes normal, being told your not smart so often you believe it, feeling you do not matter to those you love the most, or that others do not like you. These too are traumas, but they are the unrecognized pain we live with daily that impacts how we feel, think, and interact with others. It can also be harder to heal from as it is often connected to so many memories and our relationships.

Trauma, to put it simply, describes anyone that has ever been hurt when that hurt lingers and continues to impact ours responses and relationships, which is most of us at one time or another in our lives. It’s not just for those with obvious injuries.

Trauma Informed Care means that the therapist is aware of the complex nature of pain, hurt, trauma, and relationships and how it can add to a person’s suffering and effect their efforts to cope with that pain. A counselor with a trauma informed approach incorporates this information into how they help. It means anyone saying their approach is trauma informed puts your emotional and mental safety as a priority while helping you heal.

Unfortunately, Trauma Informed Care is also a buzzword and people use this phrase too casually without really knowing what it means.

I want you to know what Trauma Informed Care is so you know what to look for in order to get good quality care with a therapist that is a good fit for you.

Here are some tips on how to find a trauma informed counselor that is a good fit for you. A trauma informed therapist will be aware:

1. That trauma changes how a person regulates thoughts and feelings and how we care for ourselves emotionally.

2. That the mind and body of a person with unhealed trauma is functioning in a different way. They may be easily triggered or have difficulty managing their emotions which can lead to either feeling too much or shutting down.

3. That it is important to not just focus on behavior, but on the underlying reasons for each reaction.

4. That people are often unaware of the traumas they have experienced and the therapist will need to help them recognize this so they can heal and rediscover the strengths they have.

5. That safety is important, both emotional and physical safety, and they will set the conditions or create a safe environment where healing can happen.

6. That self care, boundaries, and strategies that help you cope are important. They will talk often to you about how to use these skills.

7. That your behavior isn’t who you are as a person and how you respond makes sense given what you have been through. They will also teach you the new skills you need to manage your thoughts and feelings.

8. That they need to move at a pace you are comfortable with and will set up ways for you to let them know what pace feels best to you.

I hope this helps you find the right online or in person trauma informed therapist for you in Eureka. If you are still feeling stuck feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.

Quick Ways To Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Therapy Skill #1- Breathing

Now, I know what you might be thinking, I have heard many say it, “breathing doesn’t work” or “breathing doesn’t make me feel calm.” But most of the time when I have investigated in therapy with someone, it turns out they are breathing the same way they do to get oxygen, and breathing to relax is done differently.

There is also another reason breathing does not work for some and it is that deep breathing can trigger panic for some people. For those that panic, other strategies are likely to be more helpful for you.

For the rest of us, breathing can be very helpful, but to get the best benefit it needs to be done a certain way. Breathing this way resets the nervous system which is very helpful in calming ourselves when we are upset and lets us feel more able to problem solve solutions to the issue that is upsetting us.

So How Do I Breathe To Relax?

Step 1: Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Step 2: Place one hand over your heart and one hand on your belly- the goal is to get the hand on your belly to rise. “Belly breathing” is more relaxing than “chest breathing.” This is also how singers can sing such big notes. They often call it “diaphragm breathing.”

Step 3: You want to breathe in and out to the count of five. This is not a quick 5 count, think more like one, one thousand, two, one thousand, three, one thousand etc. For example, breathe in, 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5, breathe out, 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5.

There is also an app called Inner Balance by HeartMath that helps to work on this as it teaches you to breathe at the right pace, but you will need to purchase the Bluetooth ear piece to use the free app. It also teaches you to do an enhanced breathing technique called heart breathing which is imagining breathing through the heart while imagining a positive image or memory. The app coaches you on how to do this. The ear piece tracks your heart beat and this program has the added benefit of helping to train your heart beat and breathe to get in sync together which they call coherence. This is important because when they are in sync, it calms the body and a message is sent to the brain to be calm. If you would like to find out more about HeartMath, click here.

Step 4: Practice breathing when calm before trying it when upset. You will need to get good at “belly breathing” as this does not come natural and you will find yourself doing “chest breathing” if your don’t practice first. I suggest practicing doing 10 breathes this way when calm a few times a week. Be patient with yourself if it is hard at first to retrain your brain to a different way of breathing.

Breathing Variations:

Breathing variations are done by how you exhale. Here are some popular ones.

Lion’s Breath: As you exhale, you will stick out your tongue as far as it will go and then you will exhale while making the sound of a roaring lion. Don’t be shy! Let your inner lion roar and watch as negative thoughts and feelings run away from your roar! Children in particular tend to like this one.

Sigh Exhale: As you exhale, you will let out a big sigh which increases the feeling of relaxation.

Fish Lips Exhale: As you exhale, you will purse your lips kind of like fish lips and blow the air out as your exhale. As you do this, imagine blowing all your worries away.

I hope this helps you try out a new strategy to help with your anxiety and to decide if your are interested in further pursuing counseling, therapy, or psychotherapy in Eureka. If you are still unsure or are feeling stuck in finding a therapist that is a good fit for you, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.

Top 7 Truths About Online And In Person Counseling In Eureka

What is the truth about counseling? How does it even work? How can I be sure it will help me? I often hear these questions and others from clients. It can be hard to know if counseling can help you if you don’t know the answers to these questions or questions like these. To help with this, below you will find some truths or facts about therapy that I think anyone considering therapy should know.

The Truth About Counseling:

Therapy Doesn’t Fix You

People often think therapy is quick fix for issues they are going through, but what therapy and the therapist does is create the best conditions for healing and growth to occur and then guides you through the process. The brain is designed to help us heal and grow, but sometimes something gets in the way of our natural healing and growth process and we need help working through what is getting in the way and to develop the skills we need. Successful therapy does not mean your cured so much as that you have the resources you need to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Not All Therapy Is The Same

Many people think all therapy is the same and although many aspects will be similar such as the therapist doing an assessment of your needs and explaining the limits of confidentiality, the truth is that some therapy types focus more on talking about issues, while others utilize art or play to work through issues. Some approaches like EMDR are able to help you work through feelings, thoughts, and feelings in the body that do not require you to fully explain what happened which a lot of people like. It’s often important to consider what your preference for therapy is and what you might find the most helpful.

There’s No “Aha” Moment- Progress Happens Gradually

In the movies, counseling is often shown with this great “aha” moment. But there’s no big eureka moment in therapy as healing is a journey not a destination. It’s more like a series of smaller break throughs.

Counselors Do More Than Just Talk and Listen

Therapy is based on a relationship of trust where you feel able to be open about your story. The therapist is then able to provide guidance and suggestions to help you on your path to healing and living a healthy and happy life.

Therapists Don’t Tell You What To Do

Counselors will offer guidance or suggestions and if they are helpful they can become part of your tool kit of things that help you cope. If they are not helpful, the therapist can help you change the strategy to make it more helpful or you can discard it and together find another strategy that is more beneficial.

Counseling Does Not Have To Focus On Your Childhood Or Any Other Areas You Don’t Want To Address

You might end up talking about these areas if its relevant, but it’s not required. It definitely won’t be the only thing discussed. We now have researched evidence based approaches that are not just talking and are practical and proven to help with particular issues. For example, EMDR and Play Therapy are proven techniques that help with a variety of issues but are known for helping when it’s hard to put how you feel in words.

Online Therapy Works Just As Well As In Person Therapy

Many people have questions around online therapy, but it has been shown to be just as effective as in person therapy. Most types of therapy can be done effectively online include EMDR and Somatic Therapy. However, some people do have a preference toward one way or the other. It’s important to feel able to be open and comfortable in counseling so if you have a preference that’s important to pay attention to.

I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Eureka or the right therapist for online therapy. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.

Myths About Therapy, Counseling, And Psychotherapy In Eureka

Myth or truth? It can often be hard to tell the difference between the two. This is because myths often start as truth or an experience someone had that got generalized. When in comes to counseling there are a lot of myths and many of them can stop people from getting the help they need as they can make counseling sound scary, uncomfortable, or unhelpful. This can make many people afraid to seek counseling even though it could help them. It is my hope that the following facts will help clarify some of these myths and show that counselors are here to help as I often hear people say they wanted to get help for a long time and they wish they had reached out sooner.

Counseling Myths And Truth:

Myth: No One Can Help Me Or Understand How I Feel Or What I Am Experiencing When I don’t Understand It.

Sometimes we can’t see things clearly when in the middle of the issue and talking to someone not living it can help provide clarity and help you better understand what is happening currently, how it relates to your past, and what you can do to change the pattern. It’s as if your vision is cloudy while in the middle of the situation and the therapist helps you figure out how to move the clouds so you can see the situation more clearly.

Myth: A Counselor Can’t Understand What I Am Going Through If They Have Not Experienced It Themselves.

It can be easy to think this may be true, but even if they did share a similar experience, we all experience things differently. This is why two people raised in the same childhood home can have very different memories and experiences. So it is often more important that the therapist is someone you can trust and be open with about your story than that they have similar experiences to you.

Myth: Asking For Help Is A Sign Of Weakness.

Actually, for most of us, asking for help is very difficult and it requires a lot of emotional strength to ask for help with problems that may be too overwhelming to cope with on your own.

Myth: Once You Start Counseling, You Have To Continue To Be In Counseling For A Long Time.

This often depends on what issues you want to work on and the type of therapy you are doing. Some types of therapy are designed to be more short term. For example, Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), resolves anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and traumas more quickly than many other types of therapy or approaches though this can vary somewhat depending on the history of the client (someone with a long history of past hurts will take longer than someone wanting to work on a few hurts).

Myth: Counselors Will Want You To Go On Medication.

This varies a lot by counselor. It is definitely an important question to ask during your free consultation. In general though, therapists do not provide medication support, you would need to see a doctor or psychiatrist for that and at most it would be a suggestion of something to explore if you are interesting in that.

I hope this has helped you better understand counseling and how it can help you. If you are still feeling stuck on how to find the right therapist for you, see my blog Finding A Good Counselor, Therapist, or Psychologist.

Or you can call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you’re looking for help with anxiety counseling, depression counseling, or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help here. If you are more interested in online counseling, you can read more on how I can help with that here.

What To Expect From Online Or In Person Counseling In Eureka

Are you worried about what to expect from online or in person therapy? Do you wonder if it will even help you? That’s totally normal. Many people feel this way. What really even happens in online or in person therapy, anyway? And how can you be sure it will really help?

You may be nervous about going to counseling and likely have a lot of questions how therapy works. You are not alone, many clients have told me they feel this way and that they had a lot of questions. After all, isn’t it weird to talk to someone I don’t know about personal things going on in my life?

Sometimes, these questions have led people to hesitate to get therapy when they really felt they needed it. It is my hope that some of these questions will be answered by this post.

If you would like to better understand what counseling is, how it helps, and how to get the most out of your counseling so you can feel confident when you reach out to the therapists you are interested in working with, read on.

Questions About Therapy

What Is Therapy?

Online or in person therapy is a collaborative process with your counselor in which you identify the areas you want to improve on and strengths you want to build. The therapist helps you create a plan to do this so you can heal from your pain, reduce your symptoms, improve your relationships, and live the healthier life you’ve always wanted to.

How Can Talking To Someone I Don’t Know Help Me?

Strangely enough, it’s often because they aren’t family or a friend that they can help more. How often does a friend or family member give you good advice and you ignore it? We all do that. But when you are talking to someone who has studied how best to help others, it’s different. I can’t tell you how often someone tells me, “my friend said that too, I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else.”

How Will I know It’s Helping Me?

The main way to tell if it’s helping is that you start to feel better. This may not mean you go from stressed out and depressed to happy right away. Often it means instead of constant anxiety and depression or PTSD symptoms, you have episodes or moments of these symptoms. It can also be that the intensity or how strong the feelings are reduce or they happen less often.

I Hear People Talking About Types Of Therapy- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR) To Name A Few, And This Is Confusing To Me, Does The Type Of Therapy Matter?

Studies say that the most important part is the relationship with your counselor and that you feel open and able to trust them with your story. That being said, some interventions are considered to be more helpful with certain issues. For example, EMDR though it is helpful with many issues is most well known for how it helps with trauma, anxiety, and depression. Likewise, CBT can help with many issues, but is most well known to help with thoughts, self criticism, and how this can lead to choices you later regret. Play Therapy and Art Therapy can help with many issues as well, but are particularly helpful when it is hard to put your pain into words. This is not a very thorough description of any of these therapy types though so you may want to further research each one if you are looking for a particular approach to therapy. For more information about the types of therapy I specialize in click on the following links: EMDR and TFCBT and Play and Art Therapy.

What Do I Do If I Don’t Connect Well With The Therapist Or The Counselor Isn’t A “Good Fit” For Me?

The best thing to do, if you are comfortable doing it, is to tell them as it is often something they can adjust such as if you learn better through practicing a skill in session rather than having them explain it and practicing it on your own. If they aren’t able to adjust to your needs, it’s best to let them know and look for a therapist that’s a better fit for you.

How Do I Make Sure The Therapist Is A “Good Fit” For Myself And My Family Or Myself And My Partner When We Are Ready To Do Family Therapy Or Couples Therapy?

It is very important the therapist is a good fit for all family members that you plan to have involved in family therapy or couples therapy as otherwise it can lead to the process becoming more difficult than it needs to be. Especially if one of the family members start to feel that the therapist is taking one person’s side. This happens when all family members do not feel able to trust the therapist. To avoid this, even if you don’t plan to start with family therapy, it’s important that each family member do the free consultation with the therapist and everyone be in agreement on the counselor the family chooses to work with. Sometimes, this means the therapist you choose for individual counseling may not be the same person you choose for family or couples therapy. In fact, most therapists recommend it, as it ensures the family or couples therapist can be objective, not take sides, and has no other information other than what has been shared as a family.

I hope this helps you find the right online or in person counselor for you in Eureka. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954-7060 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety, depression, or trauma, you can read more about how I help here.

FAQs About Online Or In Person Therapy In Eureka, CA

Eureka is a beautiful place to live especially when we get one of those beautiful sunny days, but when it comes to finding help whether it’s through counseling, for a doctor, or you are looking for a specialist of some kind, it can be hard to find someone who understands and has the expertise you are looking for. Many people that live here even feel that they have to look out of county to find what they need. And in some cases this may be true, but we do have many great counselors in Eureka. You can look at my blog on Finding A Counselor In Eureka  for more information on that.

Once you have found a few therapists in Eureka that you are interested in contacting, you probably have a ton of questions- that’s totally normal. Seeking or asking for help can be difficult for many of us and it can be hard to take that first step, but having more information definitely helps! My goal in this post is to answer some frequently asked questions in the hope that contacting an online or in person therapist will feel less intimidating so that you can find the online or in person therapist that is the right fit for you.

The questions below are some questions I frequently get asked or questions I think it would be helpful to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Talking To A Therapist In Eureka Really Help Me? People usually decide to talk to a counselor when their pain overwhelms their ability to cope on their own and they recognize they need help. Part of the process of therapy is helping you to rediscover your strengths so you feel able to cope with life and it’s daily stressors again.

2. What Should I Be Looking For In An Online Or In Person Counselor? There are lots of good online or in person therapists doing all types of therapy. Studies say though, that it is the trusting relationship between the client and therapist that helps therapy be successful more than the technique the therapist used. This means there needs to be a “good fit” where you feel able to trust the therapist and be open about your story. If possible, do an initial phone consultation and ask if they have experience in helping people with similar issues or concerns to the ones you are calling about. If it goes well, schedule your first session.

3. How Will I Know If You Are The Right Therapist For Me? The only way to know for sure would be to do the initial free consultation and schedule a session if it feels like a good fit initially. Does the online or in person therapist seem like someone you could trust? Remember, a trusting relationship is what helps therapy to work. Most people can tell in the first couple sessions whether it is a good fit or not. You can also look at the online or in person therapist’s website, blog, and social media to find out more information.

4. What Kind Of Clients Do You Work With? While most online or in person therapists work with the majority of mental health issues, online or in person therapists also often have a specialty or area of expertise. For example, my specialty is working with individuals, children, teens, parents, and families that are experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma.

5. What Can I Expect From Online Or In Person Counseling? Once you have decided to see a counselor in Eureka, you could still be nervous about the process. That’s completely normal, most people feel this way. Therapy is a journey, a shared path that you will take with your online or in person therapist, but ultimately it is your journey and you will be able to choose and guide what is best for you. As an online or in person therapist, I may not always have all the answers, but I will ask thoughtful questions and help you seek the resources you need. Your responses to these questions will help to shape our work. You can expect to be respected and that I will offer suggestions to help you make changes in your life, but I will not tell you what to do.

6. Will I Need To Be In Online Or In Person Therapy For A Long Time? How Often Will I Need To Have Online Or In Person Therapy? While as therapists, we learn various types of therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, EMDR), every client is different with different needs as far as how long online or in person therapy is needed for. For example, someone that is trying to resolve one trauma will likely get through the healing journey more quickly than someone with 15 traumas they are working through.

In terms of how often online or in person therapy needs to happen, I have found that weekly therapy is the most helpful in gaining momentum in working on issues. Those that come less often tend to have a slower healing process.

7. Can We Meet Virtually? Do You Provide Online Counseling? Yes, online therapy is available. Many therapists, myself included, are especially doing this during Covid-19. However, I provide this on a continuous basis. Online sessions can be done by phone or a secure video conferencing program such as Zoom, VSee, or Doxy.me.

I hope this helps you find an online or in person therapist that is a good fit for you in Eureka. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person that is best able to help you with what you need.

If you are looking for help with anxiety, depression, or trauma, you can read more about how I can help here.

Things To Ask An Online Or In Person Counselor Before The First Appointment

Questions To Ask An Online Or In Person Counselor, Therapist, or Psychologist In Eureka

What should you ask and what should you say.

You’ve decided you are ready to take that step of finding an online or in person counselor and you found a few in Eureka who seem nice and like they may be able to help you. All of them talk about doing a consultation, but what should you ask them? What should you say?

It can be hard to know what to say or ask to find an online or in person therapist or counselor that is a good fit for you and possibly your family if you are looking for couples or family therapy.

Here are the top questions that may be helpful to you.

Questions To Ask An Online Or In Person Therapist In Eureka:

1. My problem is _________________. How would you go about treating that?

2. What are your strengths as an online or in person therapist?

3. What the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment approaches to therapy?

4. How does the type of therapy you offer work?

5. What kinds of online or in person therapy or treatment do you think might help me?

6. How soon should I start to feel better? How will we assess my progress?

7. What should I do if I don’t feel better?

8. What is your philosophy on helping? Are you more directive or guiding?

9. How often would you want to see me? For how long? Will it be short-term on long-term therapy?

10. What is a typical session like?

11. Do you give reading or homework between sessions?

12. How long have you been practicing therapy? What are your specialties?

13. How many clients do you see that are similar to me?

14. How do I prepare for my first session?

15. Do you accept insurance?

I hope this helps you find the right online or in person therapist in Eureka. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety and trauma, you can read more about my specialties and how I can help here.

How Do I Find A Good Therapist In Eureka, CA?

While Eureka, CA, has it’s share of issues, it is also known for beautiful beaches, the redwood forest, agates, clams, and fishing.  There is a lot of beauty that surrounds us here.  However, just because Eureka isn’t a terrible place to live doesn’t mean life doesn’t come up and you don’t sometimes need support.  If you are looking for an online or in person counselor, therapist, or psychologist- I’d like to help you find someone who can help as finding a therapist that is a good fit for you can be difficult.

Here are some tips.

1.      Ask Someone You Know And Trust.  It could be a friend or family member, someone you know from work, your doctor, lawyer, pastor, or any other professional you have a relationship with that honors your confidentiality (won’t tell others what you say) is a good option.  If it is a friend or family member, just be sure they will be helpful and supportive, not intrusive.  If it is a professional, these are people that run businesses as many counselors or therapists do.  They are well connected in the community and refer to each other all the time.

By the way, when asking for a referral to an online or in person counselor or therapist, you do not have to go into any of the details of why you are looking for counseling unless you want to.  It’s enough to just say “I’m having some issues and I’d like to consult a therapist about it.  Do you recommend anyone?

2. Don’t Use The Yellow pages.  The yellow pages are expensive and a lot of good online or in person therapists or counselors aren’t there.  I’m not.  Plus there is no rules on who can list there.

3.      Ask A Therapist You Know Who They Recommend.  If you have a friend, friend of a friend, or family member that is a therapist, or knows a therapist, ask them for a referral.  Therapists refer to one another all the time. 

4.      Work.  Many work places have what is called Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).  These services are to provide counseling for employees as part of the employee’s benefits.  You can ask if your company has an EAP program for a set number of sessions (at no charge to you) and if you want to continue they will refer you to an online or in person therapist that takes your insurance.

5.      Your Insurance Company.   Many insurance companies have a helpful customer service department.  They should be able to suggest online or in person counselors or therapists who participate on their panel (which means they have already been checked out by the insurance company for all the right professional licenses and credentials) and likely can tell you who specialize in what you need.

6.      Use The Internet.  The difference between the web and the yellow pages is that, for a therapist, listing on reliable websites is not nearly as expensive AND reliable sites require a minimum of professional qualifications to be listed. Psychology Today (PT),  probably has one of the most comprehensive listings in the US.  They contract with other trustworthy sites like WebMD and this website to provide their list to their readers.  A therapist cannot list with them unless they have an advanced degree in a counseling field and an up to date professional license or certification.

A good listing on PT provides you with information regarding the professional’s qualifications, what areas of expertise they have, and how long they have been a therapist or in private practice.  They should also have practical stuff like phone numbers, email address, where their office is located, office hours, and whether they accept insurance.  

7.      Do A Google Search.  Once you have a few names, go ahead and google them.  If they have a blog or a website, explore them!  Often you can get a sense of who they are or the type of online or in person therapist they are by what they write or what is written about them. 

Telehealth And Telephone.  If you live in an area where it is difficult to find a mental health professional locally, you can always turn to telehealth sessions using the telephone or HIPAA compliant video conferencing programs such as VSEE, Microsoft Teams, or doxy.me.  There are other video programs such as Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Hangouts that have been temporarily approved  during Covid-19 to improve accessibility as well.  While online counseling is a specialized service on the cutting edge, there are online therapists world wide providing online counseling. 

One Last Thought In Your Search For An Online Or In Person Therapist:  Try to gather at least two to three names.  That way you can have choices if one doesn’t work out or just doesn’t suit you.   

I hope this helps you find the right online or in person therapist in Eureka, CA.  If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (707) 954- 7060 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person.  If you are looking for help with anxiety or trauma counseling, you can read more about how I can help Parents With PTSD and Trauma and Kids.