Frequently Asked Questions
Why teletherapy / online therapy?
Honestly, a great question!
Flexibility and Convenience
Ever been stuck in a jam or a horrible loop, looking for a parking spot? Same! With online therapy, you could have sessions at the tip of your fingers!
Reaching out to a variety of people
I've worked with clients who are of different areas or states, and online therapy is just a video call away from getting the assistance you need!
Disabled and housebound friendly! Those with mobility limitations could also access this service with ease.
A more gentle approach to therapy
Physically attending sessions can feel overwhelming to some individuals – and with sessions being one click away, in a safe space of your own choice, it feels more comforting!
Do discuss with YY if you're interested, but uncertain about where could be a safe space for sessions
Are face-to-face sessions available?
Sometimes, online therapy just isn't suitable for everyone
Unfortunately, this is currently unavailable, but, do contact YY, and she will redirect you to other mental health services available!
Is Online Therapy for Everyone?
Spoilers alert: Nope!
High harm / suicidal risk
e.g. preparing or taking active steps with the intention to harm themselves or others
Serious psychiatric illnesses or complex diagnoses
e.g. severe addiction issue, psychotic disorders, personality disorders etc.
Serious medical conditions
e.g. heart attacks, epilepsy etc.
Clients with the above circumstances are highly encouraged to seek professional face-to-face sessions instead, as a controlled environment may better address the client's concerns, over online. Therapists may need to provide on-the-spot assistance for these clients, and it would be difficult to do so in an event where a bad internet connection gets in the way – or if client decides to log out of the call mid-way through working out their distress.
Additionally, please refer to this button to get more information on resources
How do I know I'm ready for therapy?
Let's use a simple model and you can identify where you are at
Stages of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983)
Pre-contemplation
Currently not considering change
"Ignorance is bliss"
Contemplation
"Sitting on the fence" or thinking about change
"Hmm, I'm noticing something that needs to change in my life, but I'm not sure how?" ; "I am ready to begin the awareness process, but I do not know where to start."
Perfect! Therapy can help facilitate this personal development process by working through your concerns!
Preparation
Has some experience with change
Trying to change by testing out different strategies
Therapy would be a perfect space to talk about the trial and error process, any hindrance and discuss additional strategies that can further increase your confidence in the step towards change
Action
Practicing new behaviour
Optimally, this would be the goal in sessions, and once the action stage is consistent, therapist and client can both work towards the maintenance phase (to upkeep your desired behaviour)
In conclusion, if you're curious and looking to create changes in your life, most likely, you're ready!
Why is therapy so expensive?!
I hear you, let me explain
Firstly, let me note that 'expensive' is a subjective term that could mean differently to different individuals so this may not be something you find relevant
The expertise
Getting to where I am today is no walk in the park, it takes years of studying and financial investment on myself to be able to confidently say that I'm a qualified and registered clinical psychologist. Who you see in session is someone who has trained vigorously for years to be able to confidently present herself in sessions with you.
Time spent beyond sessions
Ah yes, it may seem like your therapist merely spent 60 minutes (or more) in session, but beyond that, we do take additional time beyond sessions to conceptualise our client's case, to plan for treatment and to write case notes! This helps us understand our client's case better and to confidently present facts or materials needed in session.
Ongoing personal development
This may vary from therapist-to-therapist, but I take utmost pride in continuously refining my skills by attending conferences, courses and seeking supervision to ensure my clients are receiving the best care that they have. These can be costly and they take up time as well.
I hope this helps you understand the work that clinical psychologists (or any mental health therapists) goes through!
What do I need, to prepare for my first appointment?
Attending therapy does not have to be a daunting process!
A comfortable, safe, quiet space
This is such a crucial part of therapy! Having a space where you can freely express your thoughts and emotions is partly what facilitates the process. The last thing you'd want to do, is having to constantly look over your shoulders, wondering if the person next to you is eavesdropping on the conversation. Moreover, that's a big no-no in the violation of confidentiality.
The ideal space is in a enclosed room with no other disturbance
An electronic device and Headphones
Aside from the common "laptop" or "mobile phone" – headphones are one of the more underrated, but important equipment in teletherapy. However, this will ensure that whatever your therapist shares with you, is only heard by you. Don't worry, your therapist will also be wearing one too!
A secure WiFi
"Hello? Can you hear me?" – a common scenario I have with clients over unstable internet connections. Look, it happens (yes, at times, even mobile data can't help it), but we'll have to do our best to ensure that session moves as smoothly as possible
Your most genuine, and authentic self
Often the most difficult to prepare amongst others in this list! Of course, it's a process that may need time to happen, have faith in the you, who is courageous enough to take the first step in attending the session! To quote, fellow researcher-storyteller, Brené Brown, "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage.”