Online Therapy FAQs
What does online therapy in St. Louis, MO mean?
Online therapy is another way of saying that we are having sessions virtually. I use an encrypted version of Zoom in order to ensure your privacy. Zoom is easy to use on any laptop or desktop computer or can be accessed through an app on your phone.
What do I need to have to be able to do online therapy in Wisconsin and Missouri?
You would need a computer or laptop that is able to connect to the internet and also has a camera. If your computer does not have a camera already built-in, these are available to purchase. Most smartphones also have video conferencing capabilities and are compatible with Zoom’s app. While it is not necessary, I often suggest to clients that they use headphones, especially if they live with anybody, to ensure privacy. The headphones I use are Bluetooth and wireless, but any set of headphones with a microphone would work.
What if I can’t have privacy at home?
Many people live with family members, significant others, or roommates and do not feel that they would be able to have sessions without others hearing. This is one reason I suggest headphones as they would at least keep half of the conversation private. Additionally, since Zoom does have an app, I have had clients have sessions while sitting in their car or out on a walk. These options would require a data plan that can support this sort of use. If none of these options are available, I am open to switching to the phone if needed.
What if I live in a different state?
State licensure laws require that an online therapist is licensed in the state where the client lives in order to be able to see the client. Currently, some states have offered ways to work around these laws because of the global health crisis that we are all experiencing, but this is not something worth counting on for an extended period of time. If you live anywhere in the states of Missouri or Wisconsin, I am able to work with you throughout the pandemic and beyond.
What if my internet connection isn’t great?
The Internet connection can be a pain! Everybody has days when their internet is acting up. To help with this, I suggest closing any other tabs you have open and asking other members of your household to refrain from streaming while you are in session. Also, try and move your location closer to the wireless router if you are set up far away from it. Even after doing these things, you still may have problems. I suggest using your phone to call into the session for audio instead of using the computer’s mic. This ensures that even if your internet is spotty, lagging, or kicking you out over and over, you will maintain a connection over the phone. It also helps with sound quality when the internet doesn’t want to cooperate.
Is online counseling for eating disorders just as good as in-person therapy?
I won’t deny that online therapy in Missouri and Wisconsin, and in-person therapy are different experiences, but that does not mean that it isn’t just as effective. There have been plenty of studies that corroborate this. For some, online counseling for eating disorders gives them an opportunity to be in a place where they know they are safe and comfortable, which makes vulnerability a little easier.
Will my session be recorded?
Absolutely not. Your session will never be recorded and is not saved on any servers. Embodied Self Counseling uses an encrypted version of Zoom to ensure your privacy.
Help! I don’t like to look at myself or I get distracted by my picture.
The easiest way to deal with this is to put a post-it note over your own picture. The picture will not move around during the session unless you change the size of the screen, so once you place the post-it note at the beginning of the session, that should work the whole time. You can also turn the camera off if absolutely needed. Having the camera off does make therapy a bit more difficult, but it is doable. Depending on your situation, this may be an option.
What about my kids? Pets?
Pets are always welcome to pop in and say hi! Kids though can make it hard for you to speak freely while in session. For this reason, unless they are infants, I encourage you to find a distraction for them for the hour you are in session. Little bitties that are not aware of what is being said are fine to be present if not too much of a distraction.
How do I pay for an online therapy session?
I use Square to collect payments. After our first session, I will send you an invoice that you can pay with a debit or credit card over a secure system. You will also have the option to save your card to Square for easy transactions in the future. If you choose this option, I will charge your card after each session. If you would rather not save your card, I will send you an invoice after each session that will need to be paid by the next session.
Ready to Begin Online Therapy in Missouri or Wisconsin?
Yes, the times are incredibly weird. Hugs and handshakes are no longer acceptable. Your plans feel like they might be postponed for another decade. But, we will get through this together. When you're ready to start online therapy in Missouri, follow these steps:
To start online therapy in Missouri….
Contact Embodied Self Counseling
Meet with me, Erin, for a 20-minute consultation
Set up your first appointment to start your journey to freedom from negative body image.
Other Mental Health Services for Eating Disorder Treatment and HAES Therapy Provided Throughout Missouri
I provide many services, both in my St. Louis counseling clinic and through online therapy. However, I am not sure when I will be back in the office. Regardless, you will still receive quality online therapy. I provide online counseling for eating disorders including binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia. I also offer therapy for atypical anorexia and counseling for body image. Other services include treatment for compulsive exercise, anxiety, and therapy for perfectionism. In addition, I am knowledgeable in working with athletes and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.