I’ve learned a thing or two about helping clients successfully heal through using online therapy. Doing online healing is what I do and have done for over 2 decades. It has been an incredible privilege to utilize online therapy to help many people find healing and support. I want to invite you to explore if this option is right for you and that starts with tips for finding a therapist that works online…and how to find a good one, educate about what you can expect from online therapy, answer some of your burning questions about online therapy, and then 8 tips for making online therapy successful.
I’ve Decided That Working With a Therapist Virtually is Best For Me. How do I Find a Good Online Therapist?
Great question!
If you’ve worked with a therapist before, you probably have an idea of what worked for you and what didn’t. First, make a list of qualities that you liked about your past therapy experience and the qualities of the therapist that you enjoyed.
Next, write down what you didn’t like, and what didn’t work for you. Once you have an idea of what worked and what didn’t in the past, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for in your next therapy experience.
If you have never worked with a therapist before, and don’t really know what you’re looking for, ask for recommendations from others you know, like, and trust. Most people will be happy to share the types of therapy they have tried, things they liked, and things they didn’t like. You can also ask your medical provider.
If your friends and family (or your medical provider) know you well, they may even have an idea of types of therapy that might work well for you and be able to make suggestions or referrals for what to look out for.
Another way to find a good virtual therapist who is licensed in your state is to search for a therapist on trusted sources, such as Psychology Today, Good Therapy, and Therapy Den. Other options include looking at specialized directories for certain modalities like PACT, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, AASECT Sex Therapy, EMDR, or EFT.
Key Things to Consider Before You Begin Searching For an Online Therapist.
What issues do you want to address in therapy?
Do you have a gender preference?
Is having a particular faith, ethnic or cultural background, or experience with specific issues important to you?
Will you be paying out of pocket or using mental health insurance benefits?
Therapeutic style: Consider whether you prefer a more direct or nurturing style.
Once you find a therapist (or several) who might be a good fit, schedule a free consultation with each of them. During the consultation, ask questions. Does the therapist have experience treating clients with issues similar to yours?
Pay attention to how you feel. Don’t be afraid to have several consultations, so you can get a feel for what would work best for you. Therapists won’t take it personally if you don’t agree to work together right away. A good therapist will encourage you to find someone who is a great fit. After all, this is your mental health we’re talking about!
When you find a therapist you like, you will receive intake paperwork and schedule your first intake session.
Each clinic and therapist has different training and uses different therapy modalities.
How The Therapeutic Process Works at Compass Healing Project
Here at Compass Healing Project, we use a HIPAA-compliant therapy platform called Simple Practice or some of us use HIPAA compliant Zoom. You will meet with your therapist for a phone consultation to explore your needs. You can ask questions, and decide if working together is a good fit for you. I offer video consultations so clients have a face-to-face feel.
If you and the therapist decide it’s a good fit, your therapist will schedule your first virtual intake session. You will receive appointment confirmations by text or email (or both), with a link to log into your session on your phone or computer. Before your intake session, you will fill out new client paperwork online in the client portal.
During your first intake session, you and your online therapist will go over important information. Together, you will decide what your areas of focus will be, therapeutic goals, and how often you’ll meet.
After that, you and your therapist will schedule future appointments.
8 Tips For Successful Online Therapy Sessions.
If you have worked with a different therapist in the past, my approach (and the approaches used by other therapists at Compass Healing Project) might be very different than what you’re used to.
So keep an open mind and be willing to try new things (hint, that’s tip #1) for successful online therapy.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what a typical online therapy session might look like.
To prepare for therapy, first make sure you have a reliable internet connection. If your internet goes out, it’s best to call or text your therapist to let them know, so you can decide together on a different method of therapy.
Next, give yourself a few minutes to transition from what you were doing before to be ready for therapy.
Have an idea of what you want to focus on during therapy, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Therapy can be beneficial for many issues, not just “big mental health issues.”
4. To get the most out of therapy, make sure you’re in a quiet private space for the consultation, intake session, and all therapy sessions.
5. Minimize distractions. Silence your phone and computer notifications. Tell others (at home or in your office) not to disturb you during therapy.
6. Being in a quiet, private space will give your body and nervous system more space to relax and be present.
7. It's important to have a reliable internet connection. Also, make sure your phone or computer is fully charged before each session.
Also, earbuds with a mic or fully charged AirPods should be used to make it easy to hear.
8. Come prepared. Sometimes life gets in the way, and before you know it, your therapy session is here! Spend time between sessions working on things that will support what you do in therapy. Therapy only happens once a week (or once every two weeks). What you do between sessions makes a tremendous difference!
Begin Online Therapy in Colorado!
Take the first step toward healing with Compass Healing Project, offering compassionate online therapy throughout Colorado. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, or trauma, our experienced online therapists are here to support you. Schedule your free consultation and start your journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Reach Out and Fill out our New Client Inquiry Form to get started.
Schedule a discovery call with one of our skilled online therapists to discuss your goals.
Take the first step toward healing!
Other Counseling Services at Compass Healing Project
At Compass Healing Project, we take a holistic approach to therapy, using a range of modalities to support various mental health needs. In addition to helping you heal through online therapy, we offer Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Clinical Sexology, hypnotherapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, and embodiment practices—each tailored to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, sexuality concerns, and relationship issues. To learn more about our services, visit our blog or connect with our compassionate therapists in Colorado and California, who specialize in trauma resolution, emotional healing, and integrative therapy to support your journey to well-being.
About The Author
Grace Willow is a LPC, Integrative Somatic Therapist who specializes in Somatic Trauma Resolution, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (KAP), and Clinical Hypnotherapy. She works virtually with adult individuals in the state of Colorado and has current openings for new clients. Read more about her here or book a discovery call.
Resources:
American Psychological Association. How Do I Find a Good Therapist? (2017). https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
Muraskin, A. (July 2, 2023). Your Health: A step-by-step guide to finding a therapist. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/02/1185661348/start-therapy-find-therapist-how-to
Stanborough, R.J., Lee, M. (August 19, 2024). How to Find a Therapist: 8 Tips from Experts on Searching for the Right Fit. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-find-a-therapist
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