Determining Whether you are a Virtual Counseling Candidate

Are you appropriate for virtual therapy services? Virtual candidates:

o   Feel comfortable with virtual sessions.

o   Have the ability to focus for extended periods of time.

o   Have a stable internet connection.

o   Feel comfortable being on camera.

o   Have access to a device that has a camera, microphone, and the ability to download Zoom.

o   Feel comfortable utilizing technology and are willing to learn how to operate Zoom.

o   Have access to a safe, secure, and private location for sessions.

o   Will be able to attend sessions uninterrupted. Such as not having others walk in, or frequent phone distractions.

o   Agree with their therapist, that virtual it is a good option.

Is my child appropriate for virtual therapy services?

o   All the criteria above has been met.

o   Your child should be able to participate in therapy without needing frequent redirection and has age-appropriate communication skills.

o   They have access to a device they can use that does not contain things guardians don’t want them to access. Such as social media, or text messages.

o   You are comfortable leaving your child alone, and with an electronic device.

o   Your child does not have a history of using electronic devices in unsafe ways.

My therapist does not think virtual is a good option, why?  

o   Every client is a case-by-case situation.

o   Language barriers, struggles with communication, and hearing impairments can impact the option for virtual services.

o   Children under the age of 12 are not always great candidates for virtual. They participate more when in-person and are less likely to get bored.

o   If you are new to services, or we’ve had limited interaction, we might need to get to know you first before agreeing to virtual.

o   In-person services allow a neutral space to speak.

o   Not every therapeutic modality works well virtually.

o   Based on our interactions we don’t think it would be a good fit.

Talk with your therapist. They will be able to provide you with more insight on their reasoning.

I hope you enjoyed this post!

-Sophie Butcher MSW, LMSW