Sessions via Skype or Facetime

For those who cannot meet in my Broomfield Colorado office, I regularly provide sessions on Skype or Facetime. Although it’s generally preferable to meet for therapy in person, there are various circumstances that make Skype or Facetime appointments a good option. These include:

• Individuals desiring Jungian analysis who live in areas where there are no qualified analysts.
• Expats who cannot find an English-speaking therapist in their vicinity
• People with disabilities who cannot easy travel to therapy
• Parents of children with special needs who cannot easily find child care
• People living in remote locations where qualified therapists are not available
• People who travel frequently and want to maintain the consistency of sessions
• People who cannot manage the inconvenience of traveling to and from a therapist’s office

Therapy by Skype or Facetime:

Skype is a no-fee, Internet-based video conferencing application that streams via most computer operating systems worldwide. Its simplicity of use and high-quality transmission is best experienced via a high-speed internet connection. You will need to have installed a web camera and audio speakers. Many webcams come with a built-in microphone.

Facetime works similarly, but it is available only on Apple computers, iPads and iPhones.

These sessions are conducted in the same way that office-based sessions are conducted and they are the same length (50 minutes). Communication by these technologies is encrypted and decrypted automatically, which lowers the chance of your communications being intercepted (compared to sessions done by cell phone).

During your session, I recommend that you create a private space free from distractions. I also suggest that you use a headset for increased privacy. If you are caring for children at home, I suggest we meet while they are napping or have some other activity that will give you uninterrupted time for your session.
The sessions can run to as few, or as many, as you require. You can always cancel an appointment or request another. Sessions are confidential, and you can freely talk about any issue.

My fee is the same ($140) as fees for a session in my office. Payment for Skype sessions is by credit card only.

Clients who do well with therapy by Skype tend to be:

• Very busy: Therapy or coaching by Skype enables clients to save time commuting to and from my office.
• Highly motivated: In-person visits are encouraged because my office is free of distractions for you. If you have a session over Skype, you will need to tune out other distractions.
• Able to create privacy: if you have therapy or coaching over Skype, you will need to ensure that your space gives you appropriate privacy.
• Forward-thinking: Therapy by Skype and coaching by Skype are growing in popularity. Many people who may not have had access to highly qualified and trained therapists or analysts are now able to work with them. Many people with busy schedules or who suffer from shyness find video therapy by Skype has made it possible for them to get support at the time and place that is most convenient.

Potential Issues and Cautions

• When possible, I recommend some combination of Skype with in-person sessions. For instance, people living within driving distance might schedule a longer office visit once per month, while people living at greater distances might travel for an intensive series of sessions (2 or more hours per day for at least 2 days) once or twice per year.
• Isolation can be an issue for some people when dealing with emotional difficulties. Skype therapy can offer a real opportunity for someone who is finding it difficult to go out. However, it is important that we discuss your use of Skype therapy instead of office visits.
• It’s important to ensure that you have a confidential setting for your sessions. 
• Technology can, and occasionally will, fail. Prior to our first session, we will discuss what to do if the internet connection fails.
• The technology is not HIPPA compliant. Sometimes electronic information transmitted over the Internet is intercepted. While this is rare and has never occurred in my sessions, please understand that I cannot control information as it is being transmitted over the Internet during your Skype session.
• Skype therapy is not appropriate for individuals who are experiencing profound mental health issues, for active addicts and for those who are suicidal.
  If at any time you feel uncomfortable working with Skype therapy, I would encourage you to tell me. Remember, you are in charge. If you find that this type of session is not comfortable for you, we can discuss options and referrals for in-person therapy.

I am available to set up a 15 minute “test” of the technology before our first session so that you can become comfortable with the technology and determine if this format is suitable for you. There is no fee for this appointment.