Why Telehealth: Embracing the Road Less Traveled
“If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.”
-Joseph Campbell
In the world of mental health, the pandemic brought about a seismic shift in the way mental health services were delivered. With the advent of telehealth, the traditional model of in-person appointments has given way to a new paradigm where clients and therapists can connect from the comfort and safety of their own environments. However, some critics argue that telehealth cannot replace the therapeutic alliance that is built in face-to-face sessions. But recent literature suggests this just isn't true.
As therapists, we were taught various theories and techniques in which to perform therapeutic interventions. All of these were assumed face-to-face, in the same room as the client techniques. But the pandemic forced us to pivot quickly, and telehealth became the only alternative to traditional in-person appointments. It allowed us to continue delivering the care our clients needed, despite the many challenges we faced. But, as the world opened up again, why would telehealth still remain when we can go back to in-person therapy?
The answer to this is a matter of perspective and a purposeful shift from tradition. The philosopher Joseph Campbell famously said, "If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's." As a therapist, I am always acknowledging that clients come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and what works for one person may not work for another. Because of this, I decided to spend time exploring new paths and finding new ways of helping clients, especially clients who are actively working towards shifting their identities and lives from traditional to nontraditional.
For me, telehealth has been a revelation. It has allowed me to connect with clients who live far away or have mobility issues. It has made therapy more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to seek help. It has also allowed me to continue providing care during times of crisis, such as during the pandemic, when in-person sessions were not possible, not just during the pandemic, but also for those who find difficulty feeling safe engaging with the world.
Several years back, I had a client that, due to their trauma experiences, was struggling to leave their house. They lived several hours from my office and were relieved that I did telehealth visits. On our last appointment together, as we were saying toodaloo to each other, we did so while on zoom, on our phones, with headphones in, each of us walking outside. Telehealth won that day. I've had colleagues debate with me that telehealth cannot replace the therapeutic alliance that is built in face-to-face sessions. But I have too many examples of why telehealth, the breaking of tradition, worked. Such as, when I had a couple that was on the verge of divorce come to the session, each logged on from separate spaces; they were able to be vulnerable with each other, in the distance they had created, this distance created longing, and this longing was the avenue we used in the session to heal. So my rebuttal for the therapeutic alliance is, in fact, that most of my clients report feeling more comfortable and at ease in virtual sessions, which allows them to be more open and vulnerable, not the other way around.
As therapists, the unlit, not paved path was through initially being adaptable and flexible through the pandemic. But through this try new things and exploring new paths, I realized I could provide the best possible care to my clients through nontraditional paths. For me, this means being a telehealth-only practice. As a therapist, professor, friend, parent, wife, daughter, and sister, all the parts of me are not traditional. Most of the people I see in therapy have been working towards narrating their own lives to find who they are, regardless of the traditions. So, what bolder of a move than to be telehealth only?
Ultimately, the decision to use telehealth or in-person therapy should be based on what works best for each individual client. For some, in-person therapy may be the most effective option. For others, telehealth may be the better choice. While the pandemic has undoubtedly brought about many challenges, it has also presented us with an opportunity to explore new paths and find new ways of providing care to those in need. Telehealth has proven to be an effective and valuable tool for the many clients I serve. As a clinician and person, I will always remain willing to embrace new ideas and approaches, be bold, and explore the road less traveled. As Joseph Campbell said, "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." I invite you to embrace this new era of therapy, and with that, I leave you with this- Are you traditional or nontraditional?