I am only offering Telehealth sessions
As a therapist, it is of the utmost importance that I create a safe space for all of my clients. Myself and many of my clients are immune compromised. It became clear early in the pandemic, that I had no way of creating that space during in person sessions. Asymptomatic individuals can both carry and give the illness to others without even knowing that they are sick. So, I moved my practice to a virtual space. I am using a special secure platform that is Hipaa compliant. I also have enjoyed how we can still share artwork and media through shared screens. For those clients who would rather not use video therapy, I am also offering sessions over the phone.
As a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, it has been required that I receive special continuing education credits in order to provide telehealth therapy since 2019. And although I would much rather see everyone in person, I feel that this has been working well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am glad that in this virtual world, we still have many options for maintaining our mental health.
You should be aware that providing therapy in this manner has its challenges:
Our internet connection might not always be stable. Frozen videos and dropped audio connections can be frustrating. It is recommended that if possible, you use a wired connection. We will work together to figure things out and get the best connection possible. Phone sessions are also possible if the internet isn’t working.
Art therapy can be difficult when we can’t create in the same space. But that doesn’t make it impossible! I have had many sessions at this point where clients are creating art while we are talking - using watercolor, drawing, and embroidering during our therapy session. Those same kinesthetic brain benefits are possible even when I may not be physically in the room with you.
The session will only be a confidential as your space is. As the therapist, I can insure that my space is confidential and I also utilize a headset to give even more confidentiality. I would recommend that the client also use a headset to minimize outside noise and insure that I can hear everything needing to be said without higher volumes. Choose a location where you feel comfortable sharing. I recognize this can be hard when an entire family is isolating at home. I have had clients do sessions with me in their car, while they are walking in their yard, wherever it feels like you feel the safest to share.
But there are also some positives!
No commuting in busy Austin traffic! No dealing with the strange seemingly endless amount of construction and road blocks that change on a daily basis! You get to save gas and spend less time in your car! Yay!
Sessions are easier to schedule! I can work around your work and family life. We can find ways to make this work together.
You get to be in the comfort of your home. I have had lots of sessions over the past few weeks where people share their homes with me. I get to find out more about who you are in your natural environment.
You don’t have to see a therapist in your local area. I am licensed in the states of Texas, California, and Florida, so if you reside in either of those states, I am legally able to offer confidential therapy sessions. This opens up art therapy for people who might live in small cities that don’t always have the opportunity to see a creative based therapist. It will be important for me to know where you actually reside though - so in case I need to find you resources, I can find things local to your area.
I am able to keep my services less expensive than many of my peers. Therapists with my level of experience generally charge around $200 an hour. Because I don’t have to pay for an office space outside of my home, my overhead has been greatly reduced.
I do understand that for many people, in person therapy is preferred. There are many wonderful practices in Austin that you can continue to receive in person therapy. Two of my favorites are Community Art Therapy & Austin Mindful Therapy