Sessions via FaceTime, Zoom or Skype

For those who cannot meet in my Broomfield, Colorado office, I regularly provide sessions by teleconferencing. Although it’s generally preferable to meet in person, there are various circumstances that make FaceTime, Zoom or Skype  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 who cannot 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 travel to and from a therapist’s office
• Those concerned with reducing their risk of contagious illness and those with environmental sensitivities.
• Clients who relocate prior to completing therapy and do not want to start over with a new therapist.

Therapy by Teleconference:

FaceTime, Zoom and Skype are no-fee, Internet-based video conferencing application that stream via most computer operating systems worldwide. Their simplicity of use and high-quality transmission are best experienced via a high-speed internet connection.

Most computers today come equipped with a webcam and microphone. If your computer does not have a webcam, you will need to install a web camera and audio speakers. Many webcams come with a built-in microphone.

Skype is free and is the most widely available platform.

FaceTime is available only on Apple computers, iPads and iPhones. It gets high marks for encryption and ease of use.

Zoom requires an account, which I provide. The quality of Zoom sessions is excellent. When you schedule a Zoom session, I create a link for our meeting and email the link to you at the time of our session. You simply click on the link to join the session. You will need to download the Zoom application prior to the session but you do not need to create an account since the session takes place on my account.

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.

Sessions are confidential, and you can freely talk about any issue.

My fee is the same ($150) as fees for a session in my office. Payment is by credit card only.

Clients who do well with teleconferencing sesssions 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 teleconferencing is 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 travel schedules or who suffer from shyness find video therapy 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  teleconferencing 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 or environmental sensitivities. Teleconferencing therapy can offer a real opportunity for someone who is finding it difficult to go out.
• 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.
• Although these services use encryption, it is possible for electronic information transmitted over the Internet to be intercepted. While this is rare, please understand that I cannot control information as it is being transmitted over the Internet during your session.
• Teleconferencing 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 teleconferencing, I 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 10 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.