Online Personal Therapy

Regular readers may be aware that my mom is a psychologist. Some of you may know someone who could use someone to talk to, a professional therapist to help with depression or a difficult time in their life. In addition to her own private practice, my mom has a website with a lot of information that may be of interest to anyone interested in therapy. I took the liberty of copying some content directly from her website and pasted it below. If it is helpful to at least one person, then this post is worth it. Being a complete professional, she has never discussed any of her patients with me, so I'd never know if you chose to contact her; and she certainly doesn't need to know that you read my blog. So yes, it is a shameless plug for my mom, but I'm really sharing this because I suspect some of my readers might find this useful. So here is my mom:
"As a licensed Psychologist practicing Cognitive therapy, I work with my clients to help them identify the personal issues that are preventing them from achieving a more satisfying and well-adjusted life. I have been in private practice since 1992, working with individuals, families, and corporate clients. I received my Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. I also have extensive experience in psychopharmacology and when given written consent by the patient, work closely with his or her medical providers if I feel that medications might facilitate and expedite treatment goals.It has been my experience that in today’s fast-paced world people have so many work, family and personal obligations, that they very often do not make the time to take care of their own emotional needs. Their personal psychological problems are often given a low priority, ranking below their jobs, family and social commitments. Since it has been scientifically proven that emotional health is a necessary prerequisite for physical health, ignoring your emotional issues will not only create unhappiness and distress, it will eventually lead to medical problems."

"My treatment philosophy is that I believe that everyone has the desire to live up to his or her potential, but sometimes we encounter difficult problems and we discover we are not equipped to adequately cope with them. It is common for people to deny that they are having personal difficulties and they only realize that their lives are unhappy after some major disappointment, disorder, or physical illness strikes them.I believe that you really have the positive energy within yourself to overcome and improve your present life situation; you may just need some support or help to learn the skills to properly apply that energy to transform your life’s direction. I would like to guide you in making those positive changes in your life which will help to liberate you from past negative behavior patterns and will assist you in realizing a full and healthy life.I invite you to explore my website to learn more about how I can help you to better understand why common emotional problems adversely affect peoples’ lives. If after viewing my site you feel that I am the right person to guide you on your journey to improved emotional well-being and a more balanced life, please contact me at 888-901-6001 for a free 5 minute introduction and consultation."

Advantages of Telephonic or Online Therapy

"The first advantage is the convenience of not having to leave your home or work for an appointment. There is no need to allow for travel time or cost, search out parking places or depend on public transportation. You lose less of your precious time by allowing only the time for your session, instead of “waiting room” time. Your sessions are available to you anywhere in the world, so if travel or job obligations take you away from your home, you can still receive uninterrupted, consistent care with the same person who already knows you and your needs. Additionally, for individuals responsible for the supervision of children, or who may be adult caregivers, finding time for their own mental health needs can be challenging. Without having to physically leave your environment, you can schedule your sessions during nap time or “down time”, knowing that you are in control of your treasured personal time."

"Additionally, there is complete anonymity. Many people feel uncomfortable that they might be seen in a therapist’s office. Other people may choose to not use their health insurance benefits to prevent a record of a psychiatric diagnosis to their health background. "

What kinds of issues are appropriate for telephonic or on-line therapy sessions?
"People with anxiety-related disorders like Panic Attacks, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Phobia, and worrying. Sleep disorders, some personality disorders, parent-child problems, chronic medical problems contributing to emotional problems, Personal Support, and mood disorders are among some other issues which are suitable for sessions. Other symptoms can be discussed to determine if online or telephonic sessions would be suitably therapeutic for you. Individuals who are severely depressed, actively psychotic, suicidal or homicidal should seek immediate medical care by calling 911 or by going to the nearest hospital, and not consider online or telephonic counseling."