Working Together Online

I’ve been doing virtual therapy for a while now…

And it’s taught me a lot as a clinician.

I’ll tell you: I wasn’t completely sold on it at first. But now, after working online for a while with so many of my clients, I feel the positives far outweigh the negatives.

I may move to in-person (Pasadena) sometime in the future, but for now, I’m happy to offer all of my services exclusively online.

Here’s why I like it so much…

First, it lets me offer my services to people all over the state who would not be able to see me if we had to meet in person. As long as you’re in California, we can work together!

I’ve had numerous clients I’ve never met in person graduate from therapy with me. They meet all their treatment goals as quickly online as they do in person.

For Somatic Breathwork, clients tend to get more comfortable lying down and fully expressing their emotions in their homes than they do in an office. When practicing in an office, I often met with clients for a full month before we began Breathwork. But in the comfort of their home, most clients are ready to start ASAP.

I’ve also noticed fewer cancellations when working online. This benefits you because you can do your work faster. When you miss a session, it’s like a speed bump to your progress. We don’t have to cancel when either of us doesn’t feel 100%. And guess what: Sometimes it’s nice to talk to your therapist while you’re not feeling your best if you feel up to it!

There are some challenges to working online…

But I’ve learned ways to overcome them!

Connecting in a personal way…

There’s no substitute for being in a room with someone. Feeling their vibe, detecting small movements, and making eye contact are natural in person. I could go on and on. I have found that my clients and I still connect over time.

I’ve spent many hours as a clinician with clients in their most intimate, powerful, and impactful moments during Somatic Breathwork. I believe this experience gives me a window into the human mind where I can instantly see things from their perspective. It’s more than empathy. It’s attunement. I can relate very deeply and authentically.

Experiencing technical glitches…

In my private practice, I use HIPAA-compliant “Google Meets” for our virtual sessions. I hardly ever have problems with it.

Seeing body movements off screen…

This is a tough one for any therapist, but it’s a particular challenge with Somatic Breathwork. In Breathwork, I often check in on how my clients feel – emotionally and in their bodies. In an office, I could see on my own if something was happening with their bodies.

Virtually, I have my clients check in with their own bodies. That’s proven much more powerful than my pointing things out. Also, I’ve learned over years of doing this work that if we miss a bodily cue (in person or virtually), it will show up again and again in subsequent Breathwork sessions until one of us notices! The body is so wise!

Whether you’re all in on virtual therapy…

… or still need some questions answered, I’m here for you.

I’m happy to hear your concerns and discuss whether online therapy is right for you.

Call (805) 836-0975 or email me at therapy@drlesliewright.com today to schedule your free 20-minute consultation.