At Wilson Counseling, we have been doing online therapy in Texas for a long time, but the Covid-19 pandemic really sped up the process of online therapy becoming mainstream. In fact, we see a large number of clients who prefer to do online counseling rather than come into our physical counseling office location in Houston, TX. Who can blame them? There are so many benefits to doing online therapy.
Online therapy In texas is accessible
One of the silver linings of covid is that it has made therapy accessible to more people than ever because of the proliferation of online therapy options. Before online therapy was common, someone living in a rural part of Texas might not be able to find a specialist to work with. But now, therapy is accessible as long as you have an internet connection and a computer. So whether you are in Blanco, Dripping Spring, Wimberly, Alpine, or Burnett Texas, you can find an online therapist to suit your needs.
This is also true of folks who may have physical or mobility issues. Not all therapy practices were accessible if say, for example, you were in a wheelchair or had other physical limitations. Being able to do therapy online, means that you don’t have to deal with those barriers in order to get therapy. It has made things a little bit more equitable in that sense.
Online therapy in Texas is great when you are traveling
People are not always in town and able to get to their therapist's office, but they still need to talk to someone. Many people travel for work or personal reasons. It’s nice that online therapy allows you to keep meeting regardless of where you are sleeping that night as long as you have access to the internet. You can still have a session with your therapist. It’s important to keep up that consistent level of care to help clients keep the momentum they have built up in therapy even though they may be traveling.
Online therapy is convenient
Sitting in traffic is such a drag. In a city like Houston, you never know when you may get stuck because of construction or a wreck. This can add 30 minutes or more to your commute time getting to your therapist's office. Online therapy allows you to bypass the commute and uses your precious time for therapy instead.
If you are a parent, online therapy can keep you from having to get a sitter. This saves you time and money. You don’t have to coordinate with a sitter and you don’t have to pay for a sitter unnecessarily. Many of our clients have someone at home who can watch the children while they are in their session. Some will have a child playing in the room while they talk to their therapist. It’s nice to have choices.
Online therapy is great for busy couples
Online therapy can be convenient for couples who can even do the sessions from different locations. For example, the two members of the couple can both call in from work and be on the same couples counseling video session with their therapist who is in a third location. It works just like a zoom meeting. You can connect with different people in different locations.
Online therapy is comfortable
Picture doing therapy from your living room couch, or sitting on your bed at home. People are just more comfortable in their own spaces. I think that can allow them to be more open, vulnerable, and honest. An online therapist in Texas can also learn a lot from a client based on their surrounding. A therapist can get context clues about what your interests and hobbies are for example from how your furnish and decorate your spaces. It gives your therapist a very personal look into your life. I think there is the anonymity of not having to go to a therapist’s office and sit in a waiting room that some people like as well. The bottom line is that online therapy can provide a level of comfort that helps some clients feel good about therapy and about opening up.
Online therapy is simple
People sometimes worry about using technology and about user error. What we have found is that as long as you know how to get on a computer and click on the video link, the online therapy system is user-friendly. Your therapist can also call you during your first session and walk you through the process if you have any trouble.
Online therapy gives you more choices
I mentioned earlier that the expansion of online therapy is one of the silver linings of Covid-19. One of the reasons for that is that clients now have more choices of therapists. You have a larger pool of therapists since you don’t have to settle for the therapist who works in your zip code. You can find a specialist anywhere in your state. And if you live in a giant state like Texas, your choices for finding someone you have a rapport with and who is a specialist in working with your issues have greatly increased. Some of the most common issues our Houston, TX-based online therapists work with are:
Trauma Therapy & PTSD Treatment
Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Although our physical counseling office is in Houston, we can offer to counsel you whether you live in Dallas, El Paso, Round Rock, San Antonio, The Woodlands, or anywhere in the Lone Star State. Wherever you are in Texas, our online therapists would like to help you.
When is online therapy not appropriate?
Online therapy in Texas may not be for everyone. Some people just prefer in-person sessions or may have trouble staying focused on online therapy. Online therapy is not a great option for someone who has very acute issues or is actively suicidal or homicidal. If you are suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. If you are in crisis, please go to your nearest emergency room.
Would you like to work with an online therapist in Texas?
Don’t put off feeling better
Making a choice to go to therapy requires courage and the hope that things can be better than they are. We have caring, trained therapists who know what you are going through and want to help. You can call us at 713-565-0922 or request a free 15-minute consultation online to ask questions or schedule an appointment. Whether you do in-person or online therapy in Texas, don’t delay your healing process. You will feel so much relief just being able to talk to someone and unburden yourself. We are here for you.