Neurodiversity Affirming Online Therapy in Maryland
Support for kids, teens, adults, and families living with ADHD, anxiety, and/or autistic stress.
Life has gotten way too busy. You’re finding it harder than ever to fit in some self care. And you’re running on empty. You need a way to nurture yourself that doesn’t take too much time out of your day. It’s time to try online therapy.
Online therapy doesn’t have to be provided by a large corporation like BetterHelp, Talkspace, or Talkiatry. You can work online with a therapist from our practice, right here in Maryland. If you’re located outside of Maryland, give us a call. Our service area changes as we add new therapists to our team, and we may be able to help you.
Over the last 10 years, studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy (Morin, 2019.) It isn’t always. There are things we can do to ensure that you get that level of effectiveness. (See below.)
We offer online therapy for adults, families, couples, kids, and teens. Our Client Care Coordinator can help you get started.
Request an appointment and she’ll give you a call.
How Online Therapy Maryland Works (for Kids Too!)
Our child therapists are as creative and energetic online as they are in person. We'll use technology to keep your child engaged. We team up with you to do hands-on activities.
Online child therapy in Maryland begins with a parent session to answer your questions and learn about your child. We’ll help you through the process and make it easy.
You’ll quickly realize that online therapy is far from impersonal. Having access to your therapist online is fun, convenient, and engaging. You’ll forget that you’re talking to us online before you know it.
We love to help people. It's our job to make you feel comfortable.
Getting Started with Online Therapy Maryland
Getting started is easy. Request an appointment, and we’ll send you a secure, HIPAA compliant Zoom link to connect. You’ll need to connect from a private space without distractions (tough to find, we know.) If your child is attending online therapy, we may also ask you to have some art materials or other supplies nearby for his/her/their use.
You’ll get personalized, practical, real-life problem-solving tools. All from the comfort of your own home. Receive support to self regulate and break down problems into simple steps. You’ll get parenting support too, from therapists that are comfortable and proficient with technology.
You’ll find all of our services offered online... including help for teenage anxiety, ADHD treatment, marriage counseling, and play therapy.
Connecting the whole family for family counseling from multiple locations can also be possible. If you’d like that option let us know, and we’ll talk through the possibilities.
Benefits of Online Therapy Maryland - Especially for Neurodiverse Families
Online therapy can be great when you’re struggling with anxiety or depression. It can also minimize sensory overload for autistic kids, teens, and adults.
If starting your therapy process from home feels right to you, we’ll help you do exactly that. The advantage of doing online therapy with us is that you can shift to in person if/when it feels right to you. We have a beautiful office designed to support neurospicy people of all ages.
We’ll work to ensure that you feel at peace whenever you come to see us.
Manage overwhelm. Get organized. Set and reach your goals. It can all be done online or in person. Especially if you have little energy to leave the house.
Whether online or in-person, you still have the same needs and concerns. Studies have shown over and over that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy.
How to Get the Best Results from Online Therapy (Do’s and Don’ts in Online Therapy Sessions)
DO Choose a Private, Comfortable Space
Privacy will help you open up without fear of being overheard or interrupted. Choose a quiet place where you feel safe. If it is a shared space, choose a time when you can have it to yourself.
DO Set the Scene. Have Items Handy that Calm Your Anxiety.
Try not to use a space that you also use for work or other tasks. If you have to use the same space, make subtle changes when it’s therapy time. Turn your chair in a different direction. Add an essential oil diffuser, a plant, or a comfy throw to your chair.
DO Reduce Distractions, especially if you have ADHD
When it’s time for your session
Let others know not to interrupt you.
Put your phone on do not disturb.
Use headphones to enhance privacy and focus.
Close other tabs and windows on your device.
Put away paperwork or other projects that are in your therapy space.
Make a commitment not to multitask.
DO Test Your Technology
Choose a space with a good internet connection. Charge your device and headphones. And test out the online therapy platform (such as Zoom) so you know how to connect.
DO Set Your Intention for Each Session
Online therapy can feel a lot like calling a friend. You may find yourself talking about anything and everything, and before you know it you’re out of time! Consider what you’d like to focus on for each session, and tell your therapist at the start of the session. He/she/they can help you stay on task.
DO Consider Sitting Where Your Therapist Can See You Best
Scoot back from the camera a little so that your therapist can see you from the waist up. He/she/they will notice subtle shifts in your body and breathing that help them understand how you feel. This distance can also help therapy feel less intimidating, especially if you don’t love eye contact.
DO Communicate Your Needs to Your Therapist
This is true for all forms of therapy. Your therapist wants to know what does and doesn’t work for you, even in the moment. It is GREAT to say “I don’t want to do that” or “can we work on ________ instead?”
DO Prepare for Emergencies
During online therapy you are alone in your own personal space. If you experience a medical emergency or other crisis, your therapist is limited in their ability to help. These steps will enable the therapist to do what they can.
Talk about how to reconnect if technology fails and you are disconnected.
Tell your therapist the address where you are located during an online session.
Provide contact information in advance for 2 people who could get to you in an emergency.
Let your therapist know ahead of time if you will be connecting to your session in a different city or state. This allows them to look up contact information for emergency services in that area, or to let you know if they are not authorized to provide services in that location.
DON’T Avoid the Tough Stuff
It’s harder to be vulnerable in an online session, especially if you are in a space you live in every day. Resist the temptation to play it cool.
DON’T Get Too Comfortable
You might be tempted to curl up in your bed for your session, or attend in your pajamas (or less). Don’t do it. Therapy is a time to focus on yourself, and focusing is tough when you’re too relaxed.
DON’T Keep Your Camera Off
Engaging with your therapist visually helps build connection, and holds you accountable for not multitasking.
DON’T Expect Instant Results
Online therapy can be scheduled and started quickly, but that doesn’t mean faster results. Therapy of all kinds has 3 stages: building rapport (connecting and getting comfortable), active engagement (working toward your goals), and termination (making plans to continue growing without the therapist’s help). Talk with your therapist regularly about where you are in the process, and end therapy when your goals feel complete.
By being proactive, engaged, and communicative, you can maximize the effectiveness of your online therapy.
When you’re ready to feel less stress and more hope, schedule an appointment for neurodiversity affirming therapy in our Kensington, MD office or online.
Click the links in the text to read more about our neurodiversity affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy services. We support adults, children, teens, and families.
Page References:
Morin, A. (2019, November 14). Does Online Therapy Work? Retrieved August 03, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201911/does-online-therapy-work