Online Therapy in Missouri with St. Louis Trauma Therapists
We know that online therapy has been getting really popular for a lot of good reasons, and our therapists agree they love to be able to offer online therapy.
Image Credit: Unsplash Christin Hume @christinhumephoto
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides online therapy Missouri wide!
This week we are connecting you with the team of expert therapists at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to learn more about why they like to offer online therapy to their clients.
Molly Shaffer, MA, LPC
Molly Shaffer, MA, LPC
Child & Teen Therapist, Trauma Specialist and Parent Coach
Managing a topic like trauma through online therapy really requires a very structured gentle approach to ensure the safety and well being of the client.
As within any therapeutic platform, the trust and relationship you build with the client is crucial and a lot of time is taken to create that safe, confidential environment. You can do this by discussing confidentiality and encouraging clients (parents if younger client) to find a quiet, private space with no interruptions, which is crucial when discussing trauma.
A lot of attention is also given to the skills building process. Just as you would with in person, online therapy allows for the real time practice/coaching of calming strategies when feeling overwhelmed. I think it's also important to set clear boundaries for the session as far as structure and pacing, doing emotion checks through the session and also encouraging feedback from the client on pace, intensity and comfortability so they feel empowered.
It's also important to have a protocol with the client (again with parents if the client is younger) for emergency or crisis situations. Honestly, a lot of this would be the same with in person therapy. I think the confidentiality and trust building process is very important with online therapy. If you can establish this supportive, confidential and trauma-informed setting, clients can feel safe and empowered to fully engage in the process.
Samantha Ferrara, MSW, LCSW
Samantha Ferrara, MSW, LCSW
Teen & Child Therapist, RO-DBT Level 1, Parent Coach
Sometimes, tough topics such as trauma and bullying can seem intimidating due to a virtual or online setting. However, since providing TF-CBT virtually to both pre-teens and young adults, I have found that virtual settings amplify a safe and comforting space for clients.
Clients have the ability to be close to objects that ground them and bring comfort, such as specific scents and objects. Clients also begin to empower themselves in the setting they spend the most time in (home, dorm room, apartment, etc!) which oftentimes leads to increased positive outcomes.
At home, they can use supplies they have and feel connected to (favorite coloring supplies, journal, family pictures) when creating trauma narratives or discussing big experiences. The screen can be a benefit in lowering the intensity of the conversation, as the client often has an increased sense of control, almost functioning as exposure to processing the experience.
Additionally, the therapist and client create a safety or prevention plan in case the topic becomes too big to handle. This may include safe people to contact, activities to do following therapy, or skills to utilize within and outside of session.
Interested in online therapy Missouri -wide with our team of anxiety therapists?
Appointments with any of our Compassionate Counseling St. Louis therapists can be scheduled through our intake coordinator right here. You can schedule a free phone consultation to find out more about Compassionate Counseling St. Louis and get you or your child scheduled right away!
Curious to learn more about anxiety and anxiety-driven anger? Googling around for “Online Therapy Missouri” or “child anxiety therapist near me”?Reach out to us at hello@compassionatecounselingstl.com. As child anxiety experts, we love working with kids, teens, college students and parents to help manage their anxiety, stress, and anger. Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO and works with families throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Couer, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. We also provide online therapy Missouri wide to teens and college students. You can set up your first free consult on this website, on our consultation page.