Our therapists provide online therapy in Media, PA

Mark: Much like in in-person therapy, my approach to online therapy depends on the needs of the individual client. A benefit I see in online therapy is the increased flexibility and level of access. As therapy can be an intimidating process for some clients, online therapy allows them to meet with a therapist in the comfort of their own home, thus eliminating a potential barrier to treatment.

Andrew: I primarily use acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients meet their treatment goals during online therapy. I particularly enjoy acceptance and commitment therapy as it supports clients in reducing the resistance and avoidance they have to uncomfortable thoughts of feelings and increases the frequency of values-based action, bringing more fulfillment and a higher quality of life.

Mark: Some of the coping skills that I introduce in online therapy include cognitive behavior skills such as thought restructuring and thought stopping, self-soothing skills such as deep breathing and mindfulness, and other skills depending on an individual client's particular needs.

Andrew: I provide coaching on a variety of tools during therapy, including some of the following:

• Physical coping skills to reduce the impact of the physical symptoms of emotions on decision-making
• Cognitive coping skills to more appropriately manage automatic thoughts that impact our emotional decision-making, reducing the need for unhealthy coping skills
• Cognitive processing skills to help improve a client's awareness of their thoughts and feelings and the impact of history and experience on current concerns
• Mindfulness skills to assist clients in existing in the present moment, growing observation skills of themselves and their environment, and shifting perspective to a non-judgmental point of view. These skills have a variety of impacts on treatment as a whole.
• Communication skills to build comfort in communicating emotions and needs in a way that increases the chance for these needs to be met.
• Action planning to support an increase in the frequency of values-based actions that bring fulfillment, as opposed to short-term relief.

Mark: I know a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy when they draw toward completing objectives set at the beginning of treatment.

Andrew: A client demonstrates progress in therapy through a decrease in avoidance of uncomfortable thoughts or feelings and an increase in the frequency of engaging in values-based action. They also demonstrate comfort and confidence in using the skills coached in therapy without the need for therapy sessions.

Mark: To supplement online therapy, I encouraged clients to engage in other wellness activities such as fitness, social connections, and hobbies/interests.

Andrew: I shared with clients that the goal of therapy is not to get good at going to therapy. I encourage clients to practice the skills coached in therapy outside of the session to increase the likelihood these skills are able to be used when needed. I also encourage clients to build a social support network they feel comfortable getting emotional support from, engage in hobbies and interests outside of work/school, and engage in healthy physical habits.

Mark: To prepare for your first online therapy session, you can complete the consent for service and review your insurance coverage to prepare for possible patient responsibility fees.

Andrew: The most important way a client can prepare for starting online is to bring a mindset that is honest about themselves and their situation, open to new perspectives and feedback, and willing to take suggestions and try new things. Particularly with online therapy, it is important that we have a space where we feel comfortable to be able to talk freely, and have minimal distractions.