Tips from Your San Luis Obispo Therapist for a Great Online Therapy Session in CA

Since COVID19 started, online therapy (also known as virtual therapy, telehealth, telemedicine, teletherapy, and video therapy) has rapidly increased in popularity. Currently, many therapists in Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo, CA, and all over the world, are offering online video sessions in place of in-person sessions to promote the health and well-being of their clients and themselves.

Online therapy might sound strange to you. I get it. This is new territory for many of us, requiring lots of adjustments as we get used to our new normal. 

You may be wondering: Is online therapy as effective as in-person sessions? A 2018 study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) conducted online is just as effective as in-person sessions for the treatment of various anxiety disorders. In addition, several of my clients report that they prefer online sessions, as it provides greater flexibility with scheduling, and can be done from the comfort of their homes. 

So you’ve decided to give online therapy a try and you’ve scheduled your first online therapy session. Now what? How are you supposed to prepare?

As with anything new, there is a learning curve. Below are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last few months to help you prepare for the best online therapy experience possible. 

The day before your session

Find a quiet, cozy space away from distractions- Choose a room with a door if possible. A cozy corner with a warm blanket and a window is a great option.

Use a laptop or desktop computer versus a cell phone for video- The larger the screen the better!

Sit as close as possible to your WiFi router or use an Ethernet connection- This will ensure that you have the best connection possible for your video session, and it will reduce technology glitches and lag time.

Test out the technology- During your phone consultation, your therapist will tell you which video conferencing program they will be using for your video session (I use Zoom). If possible, test out the program the day before with a friend or significant other to get comfortable with it and make sure it works properly.

An hour before your session

Have a snack-  Make sure your belly and brain are fueled and ready to go for your session.

Put out a notebook and pen- This way you can jot down any thoughts, ideas, homework etc. during your session. You may even want to jot down a few notes about what you want to discuss.

Put out earbuds or headphones- Using headphones can cut down on background noise and further reduce distractions.

Put out a glass of water and a tissue box- Put out these items along with chapstick and anything else you think you may need during your session.

5 minutes before your session 

Self-care- Take a few deep breaths. Repeat a positive mantra. You are taking steps to nurture yourself and improve your well-being. Show up to your session and be yourself. You’ve got this. 

Call today for a free consultation

Ready to find some relief from the constant anxiety and stress? My name is Andrea Bey, LMFT and I’m an Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo therapist for women in CA who struggle with past trauma and current anxiety. I specialize in EMDR therapy, trauma, and anxiety. Click here to contact me and schedule your FREE 15-minute phone consultation. A more fulfilling life is right around the corner.

Tips to Find a Great San Luis Obispo Therapist, Psychologist, or Counselor

San Luis Obispo, CA exudes charm in every corner, boasting near-perfect year-round weather, breathtaking hiking trails, and close proximity to stunning beaches. Its charming downtown is lined with an array of delightful shops and boutiques, and the area hosts several Farmers' Markets each week. Life in this town can be truly enchanting. However, living in San Luis Obispo does present challenges, including limited options for specialized services. If you're seeking a local mental health therapist, I'm here to assist you in finding the support you need.

I want to help you find a great San Luis Obispo therapist

Below are a few suggestions to help you in your search:

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through Psychology Today 

A great place to start your search is psychologytoday.com. Begin by entering your zip code, and then use the “refine” feature to customize your search. You can refine your search by a specific issue, your health insurance provider, type of therapy, therapist’s faith orientation etc. 

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through a therapist’s website 

On many therapist’s profiles on Psychology Today, you will find a “My Website” link. I encourage you to choose a few Psychology Today profiles that resonate with you and then explore those therapists’ websites to learn more about their specialties, style, services etc.

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through your health insurance

Some therapists are contracted directly with health insurance providers. However, many of us (including myself) are out-of-network therapy providers who can give you with a superbill (a form that lists the services you engaged in) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Being a private pay therapist enables me to focus 100% of my attention on giving my clients the care and attention they deserve.  

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist that specializes in treating the issue you are struggling with

Some therapists are generalists and enjoy working with a variety of different issues. Other therapists specialize in a specific population and/or issue(s). For example, in my private therapy practice I specialize in EMDR therapy and online EMDR therapy and I work with women who struggle with past trauma, anxiety, stress management, and/or ADHD.

On Psychology Today profiles many therapists include a long list of areas and issues that they specialize in. I encourage you to check out their website to get a clearer picture of who they are, how they work, and the types of issues that they specialize in.

San Luis Obispo therapy in-person vs. online therapy 

Since the onset of COVID-19, online therapy (also known as telehealth, teletherapy, virtual therapy, etc.) has significantly increased in popularity. While some may perceive online therapy as less personal than in-person sessions, it offers numerous advantages. Many individuals appreciate the added flexibility of online therapy, which allows them to better balance work, children's schedules, and other commitments. This includes the convenience of scheduling therapy sessions during lunch breaks, after dinner, or on weekends. Online therapy also provides a safe option for those with compromised immune systems, eliminating the need to risk their health by attending in-person sessions. Furthermore, many people find that engaging in therapy from the comfort of their own home leads to increased comfort and reduced anxiety.

San Luis Obispo therapist vs. counselor vs. psychologist vs. life coach

The term therapist and counselor is often used interchangeably to describe a professional with specialized training in mental health disorders, emotional and behavioral challenges, and healing after trauma. In California, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) must have at least 3,000 hours of supervised hours and pass a law and ethics and clinical exam before becoming licensed. 

Psychologists often focus on assessments, research and/or teaching and may work closely with a psychiatrist who prescribes medication. Although psychologists and therapists have many of the same skills, psychologists much obtain a doctoral degree. 

Life coaches often focus on life improvement, increasing motivation, and boosting confidence in a variety of different areas. Although many life coaches have specialized training and/or certifications, there are currently no legal standards for becoming a life coach in California. Many life coaches gain their skills through life experience, and they may or may not have specialized training. 

I hope this information helps you find the right therapist for you in San Luis Obispo or Arroyo Grande, CA

A free consultation with a San Luis Obispo therapist

Hi! I’m Andrea Bey, LMFT, an Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo therapist for women in California struggling with past trauma, anxiety, stress management, and/or ADHD. Call me today at (805)225-4495 for your FREE 15-minute phone consultation so that you can leave the anxiety and stress behind and live the life you want to live.