Our therapists provide online therapy in Allentown, PA

My go-to approach for helping people in online therapy is to meet them exactly where they are — literally and figuratively — to be able to jointly assess and create a thorough, collaborative plan that works for each individual! In addition to providing clients with relevant tools and a safe place to process, I first enjoy hearing directly from the client and take great interest in their unique perspective and experience. After all, no one knows us better than we know ourselves and our own experience and knowledge is often invaluable when tailoring treatment plans and considering goals.

I teach the following tools in online therapy:

• Grounding techniques (54321 method, breathwork, utilization of the senses, etc.)
• Mindfulness techniques (focus on remaining/returning to the present)
• Pairing techniques with affirmations
• CBT techniques (recognizing negative automatic thought processes, challenging the thoughts, replacing the negative thoughts with more positive and productive thoughts)
• Behavioral modification
• Adler’s “acting as if” technique
• Journaling and associated alternatives
• Self-compassion
• Boundary setting
• Emotionally-focused techniques in relationships
• Sustainable and effective coping skills to help manage the effects various traumatic experiences
• Empathy for self and others
• And so many more!

I know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy around the same time that they notice, as well! Some evidence of progress include: Improved confidence in social settings, self-reported decrease in overall mental health symptoms, ability to share vulnerable topics more readily, the release of tears, setting of healthy boundaries, advocacy for oneself, improved communication patterns within relationships, increased self-esteem, the ability to cope effectively across a wide variety of situations, etc. I view each client individually and “progress” looks different for each person, but it’s always evident even through online settings when a client is meeting their goals and making meaningful progress!

Clients can supplement their time in online therapy with anything that feels helpful to the individual. This will look different for each client, but I would broadly suggest engaging in self-care activities (things that recharge you mentally/emotionally/physically), journaling/recording thoughts in an alternative fashion, and thinking about/“chewing on” the topics discussed within therapy sessions and bringing additional thoughts to the next session!

To prepare for your first online therapy session, you can do many things to help decrease your anxiety and hesitation by making sure you have the logistics in order. This will include: A quiet, private space where you will feel comfortable and you won’t be interrupted (though I always welcome the occasional cat or dog passing by in the background!), a charged laptop/other device you plan to use for the session, and working internet. To prepare emotionally: Take a few slow, deep breaths and know that there’s a knowledgeable, caring provider on the other end of the screen ready to meet you exactly where you are and walk through the muck of life with you.