Online Therapy in Philadelphia & Pennsylvania
Hate waiting rooms?
It can feel nearly impossible to fit in one more thing, even for our mental health. Teletherapy is a great choice for those with busy schedules and just about everyone who values convenience, ease and more time in their day.
Aligned Life Therapy is primarily an online therapy practice with the experience and systems required to make online therapy effective, streamlined and secure. Even more, ALT was founded with the awareness that traditional therapy approaches are not cutting it for modern clients. No more “blank-slate” therapists who just “mhhmmm” you all session. ALT takes a compassion-focused approach that will actively join you throughout the process. Modern therapy as I see it involves client and therapist coming together as two real people, bringing specialized expertise to a non-judgmental and holistic view of who you are, and of course having a few belly laughs along the way.
Curious about Online Therapy?
Benefits of Online Therapy
Online therapy is all about ease. No transportation stress, less time out of your day, secure, convenient digital forms and payments and most importantly: comfortable communication with your therapist. Pajamas or pets anyone?
Online therapy has boomed during the pandemic, but had already been around for quite some time. Computers, tablets and smartphones with a WiFi connection can all be used for online appointments. Teletherapy outcomes are just as effective as in-office therapy, without the hassle. You can settle into your cozy place and feel more grounded throughout your therapy experience. You’ll also have more time on your hands to do the work outside of sessions that will bring you closer to reaching your therapy goals.
How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?
If you are comfortable using the internet, facetime and or zoom, teletherapy is a great option for you. Additionally, if you value convenience, are busy, and feel open to the idea of meeting online, teletherapy could have pluses that in-person doesn’t provide.
Even clients who initially felt hesitant when teletherapy was the only option have been surprised at how satisfied they are with their online therapy experience. There are few mental health considerations where in-office visits are prefered to teletherapy, in which case I am happy to assist you to find an in-person therapist.
Common barriers that teletherapy can help with:
Illness
Child-Care
Caregiver responsibilities
Difficulty finding specialists in your area
Fear of mental health stigma
Transportation
Time Restraints
Health Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Traveling for Work
Let’s Chat!
Is teletherapy as effective as in-person?
Video-based teletherapy has been repeatedly shown by research to be just as effective as in-person therapy. Individuals accessing mental health care through teletherapy are also more likely to stay in treatment, as compared to in-person, because of the significant reduction in barriers.
How consistently a person can make their scheduled appointments is positively related to successful treatment outcomes. For anxiety, teletherapy can offer the advantage of reducing stress related to traveling and engaging with a therapist face-to-face. It also helps to alleviate health concerns that may arise regarding in-person visits. In many cases, a “little distance” can help clients feel more open and build trust more quickly than in-person therapy.
Common Reasons to Seek Teletherapy:
Many people will connect with a therapist’s style when finding them online. Feeling a positive connection with someone’s therapeutic approach is a positive sign for good therapeutic outcomes.
Others will want to see a specialist who is too far from home and there aren’t any other specialists in their area.
Individuals with health concerns or mobility issues will often find teletherapy to be the most realistic and convenient option for accessing mental health care.
Parents of young children will often struggle with the demands of childcare. Less time out of their day traveling to sessions can make therapy more practical.
Busy work schedules can make it impossible to fit in therapy appointments. Meeting online makes it easier for therapists and clients to accommodate evening hours or lunchtime sessions.
Personal preference can be overlooked but is just as valid as any other reason. Many of us have become used to connecting online and enjoy meeting in this format for therapy as well.
Where do I need to be located? Is teletherapy private?
Teletherapy is private, and I’ll do everything on my end to ensure confidentiality. I will be logging on from my private home office in Philadelphia. Aligned Life Therapy uses HIPPA approved platforms for video and practice documents. You can be anywhere in Pennsylvania that feels private and has a strong WiFi connection. Securing privacy on your end is an important consideration, and your therapist can help you strategize and work with your schedule to find a time and place with the least amount of potential interruptions. Often, clients choose their day off, arrange childcare, or even choose to sit in their car or work office to make sure they feel comfortable and not overheard. This way, therapy remains private but also has the added ease of fitting into your day.
What if I don’t live in Pennsylvania?
Due to professional licensing requirements, therapists are only permitted to see clients in states in which they hold a therapist license. Julia McGrath, LMFT is a licensed therapist living and working in Pennsylvania, and at this time only sees clients who are also residing in Pennsylvania. While Philadelphia is home, you can be anywhere within the commonwealth that has a strong WiFi connection to engage in teletherapy.
What to expect in online therapy?
Before your first appointment, our secure platform will send you an automatic email and text reminder. In the email, you’ll receive a unique link to join the video chat. Make sure you’re in a comfortable environment with strong WiFi, click the link and you’re ready to begin. Technicalities aside, online therapy is pretty much the same as in-person therapy. Your therapist will start by getting a comprehensive picture of your needs and goals for therapy. At an agreed upon time each week, you and your therapist will meet to discuss topics and situations that relate to what’s brought you “in”. Just like in in-person therapy, you’ll develop a clearer picture of what's going on, and use greater self-awareness to make progressive changes that will lead you to a happier and healthier future.
Your Next Steps
Therapy can fit into your life. Aligned Life Therapy and specializes in the treatment of anxiety, low-self esteem and harsh self-criticism. Contact Julia at julia@alignedlifetherapy.com or click the button below to check current openings or request a free 15 minute consultation call.
