Online Therapy in Lafayette, CA

Image of Julie Weigel, LMFT in online therapy with dog

Some people are actively seeking online therapy and already know that it is the right approach for them. Others are not so certain and wonder whether therapy online is the right choice for them or their child. 

In today's fast-paced world, the demand for mental health services is greater than ever, and online therapy has emerged as a valuable and accessible option for individuals seeking support.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or other life challenges, online therapy can provide the support you need in a format that suits your lifestyle.

One of the most significant advantages of online therapy is convenience. You can connect with a therapist from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for travel and allowing you to fit therapy into your busy schedule.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with demanding jobs, parental responsibilities, or those living in remote areas where access to mental health services may be limited.

Service Areas Include Lafayette and Walnut Creek, CA, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and throughout California.

You may wonder if online therapy is right for you

Does it feel like you’re the go-to person for everyone’s problems, but no one seems to notice when you’re struggling?

Online therapy is a safe, private space where YOU can be heard.

Man on computer in online therapy

Although I am a therapist local to Lafayette and Walnut Creek, CA with 25 years experience working in Contra Costa County clinics and schools, I now serve clients ONLINE exclusively and have expanded my coverage to include the entire San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Los Angeles and all of California.

There are unique benefits that online therapy offers,

making it an effective alternative to traditional in-person sessions.

Woman in online therapy on the bed at home

Sometimes clients have unexpected demands that make it difficult to drive to session on time. With online therapy, you can attend sessions from anywhere, whether it's your living room, office, car, or even a quiet park.

Another key benefit is the increased accessibility of mental health care. Online therapy removes geographical barriers, allowing individuals to seek help from therapists who may not be located within their immediate vicinity. This is especially valuable for those living in rural or underserved areas, where mental health resources may be scarce. 

As long as you are located in California and can maintain a confidential setting, we can have a session through either your computer or your phone. Clients now have the freedom to choose a therapist based on their expertise and approach, rather than being limited to local options. This expanded access can lead to a better therapeutic fit and, ultimately, more effective treatment.

Parents sometimes worry that, children will be resistant to online child therapy, or that enrolling them in online therapy would cause further harm to a child who already has “Zoom fatigue” from online school during the pandemic.

It is important to note that online child therapy is a very different experience than the Zoom classroom was.

I offer child-centered therapy, in which kids can relax and move around freely in session. Their attention is not demanded. I am skilled at techniques that engage children playfully and invite participation.

This change in expectation may even allow for a “corrective" healing opportunity, after the stress of their previous experiences. 

To prepare your child for online play therapy sessions, I will help you optimize the space so therapy feels fun, natural, private, and professional. Together we will consider your child’s unique needs.

When the time is right for us to meet privately, I suggest setting the stage by placing a computer on a table in your child’s room (or another private room), so they are hands free to move around while they talk.

Provide toys, art materials, comfort items, and ensure that siblings don’t interrupt. We will establish a plan to ensure that you, the parent, can be reached to provide support and collaborate, as needed.

I take your needs very seriously and am committed to ensuring that strict care is given to privacy, observation of nonverbal cues, and technology.

woman on floor with laptop in online therapy

Online therapy also offers a level of comfort that can enhance the therapeutic experience. Maybe you just prefer the comfort of your own home and find that being in your own familiar space will allow you the comfort and boundary you need in order to feel more open. 

Online therapy can provide benefits in couples counseling sessions, as well. It provides a level of privacy that can be particularly appealing for couples. Many individuals feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in a familiar environment.

This comfort can lead to more open and honest communication during sessions. Additionally, the anonymity of online therapy can help reduce the stigma some may feel about seeking help, allowing couples to engage more freely in the therapeutic process.

Although it is not required, I usually suggest that each member of the couple, or family (when working with a group in family therapy), join the session from a separate device and room, rather than sitting side by side. This allows for an increased sense of safety through the provision of a more structured boundary. It also allows for greater visibility and eye contact, due to the necessity of facing the other person(s). You may even find that seeing each other clearly in a separate window allows for increased intimacy and clarity.

Many parents find it easier, or more affordable (no need to get a babysitter!), to locate children in another room while doing a parenting or couple session from the comfort of home. Another convenient option is to schedule parenting sessions later in the evening, after children go to sleep.

Couple on computer in online couples counseling therapy

In terms of effectiveness, research has shown that online therapy can be just as beneficial as traditional face-to-face sessions. Many therapeutic modalities translate well to an online format.

Clients often report high levels of satisfaction with their online therapy experience, highlighting the quality of care they receive and the progress they make.

Teen seated on the steps, in online therapy

The flexibility of online therapy can also extend to session frequency and duration. Clients can often schedule appointments that fit their needs, whether they prefer weekly sessions or more frequent check-ins. This adaptability allows for a more tailored approach to treatment, ensuring that clients receive the support they need when they need it.

Overall, online therapy offers a range of valuable benefits that make it an effective and accessible option for mental health care. With its convenience, increased accessibility, comfort, and adaptability, online therapy provides individuals with the opportunity to prioritize their mental well-being in a way that aligns with their lifestyles.

If you are considering therapy, I invite you to explore the possibilities that online sessions can provide. Together, we can embark on a journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery, no matter where you are located.