In recent years, virtual therapy has transformed from an alternative option to a vital avenue for mental health support. Like many therapists, my journey with telehealth began abruptly when the pandemic changed everything. On March 16, 2020, I made the difficult but necessary decision to close my physical office and shift completely to telehealth as a public health safety measure.
Prior to 2020, telehealth was relatively uncommon in my professional circle—only a few therapists I knew offered virtual sessions, and those who did used them sparingly. The pandemic changed that overnight. What began as a temporary adjustment became a two-year immersion in virtual therapy, as I remained completely remote until announcing my official reopening in March 2022.
This unexpected shift revealed something remarkable: virtual therapy could create powerful therapeutic experiences that rivaled—and sometimes even enhanced—traditional in-person therapy. Now, as the founder of Mosaic Bloom Counseling and someone licensed across multiple states (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Idaho) and even internationally (Alberta, Canada), I’ve witnessed firsthand how online sessions can break down geographical barriers and make healing more accessible.
The Hidden Benefits of Virtual Therapy
While many initially turned to virtual therapy out of necessity, many of my clients have discovered unexpected advantages:
Comfort in familiar surroundings: There’s something deeply reassuring about processing difficult emotions in your own personal space. Many clients find they can open up more quickly when surrounded by their own belongings, pets, or favorite comfort items.
Reduced logistical stress: Eliminating commute time, parking worries, and waiting room anxiety means you can transition more gently into and out of therapy sessions. This can be especially valuable for those managing anxiety or busy schedules.
Increased accessibility: Virtual therapy removes barriers for those with physical limitations, childcare responsibilities, or demanding work schedules. It also allows for continuity of care during travel, illness, or other life transitions.
A window into your world: As your therapist, seeing you in your environment can provide valuable context that might not emerge in an office setting. The family photos on your wall, how you’ve arranged your space, or even the way your pets interact with you can deepen our therapeutic connection.
Creating Your Therapeutic Haven at Home
To maximize your virtual therapy experience, consider these suggestions for creating a comfortable, private space:
- Find your quiet corner: Choose a location where you’ll have privacy and minimal distractions. This might be a bedroom, home office, or even your car parked in a quiet location.
- Signal privacy to others: If you share your home, use a “Do Not Disturb” sign, schedule sessions when others are out, or ask housemates to use headphones during your appointment time.
- Enhance comfort: Gather items that help you feel safe and grounded—perhaps a favorite blanket, a cup of tea, or a supportive cushion. Physical comfort supports emotional openness.
- Minimize distractions: Turn off notifications on your devices, close unnecessary browser tabs, and consider using headphones to help focus on our conversation.
- Create a transition ritual: Just as traveling to an office creates a buffer between therapy and daily life, establish a brief ritual before and after sessions. This might be a few minutes of deep breathing, a short walk, or journaling to help you process.
Addressing Common Concerns
Many clients initially worry about certain aspects of virtual therapy:
“Will we still connect as deeply?” While the connection might feel different initially, research shows therapeutic relationships can be just as strong in virtual settings. Many clients actually report feeling more comfortable opening up from their own space.
“What about technical issues?” While occasional glitches happen, they’re typically minor and quickly resolved. At Mosaic Bloom Counseling, I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform (https://doxy.me/marquitabolden) designed specifically for telehealth to minimize disruptions.
“Is it still confidential?” Absolutely. I maintain the same strict confidentiality standards for virtual sessions as in-person ones. Your information and our conversations remain protected under the same ethical and legal guidelines.
Finding Your Rhythm in Virtual Therapy
Like any therapeutic approach, virtual sessions may require some adjustment. Give yourself permission to experiment with your setup, communicate what works and doesn’t, and remember that the therapeutic relationship—not the medium—is the most important factor in healing.
Today, I offer both in-office and virtual sessions precisely because I’ve seen how different formats serve different needs. Some clients find a hybrid approach works best—perhaps primarily virtual sessions with occasional in-person visits when circumstances allow. Others thrive in one setting or the other. At Mosaic Bloom Counseling, I’m happy to work with you to find the arrangement that best supports your healing journey.
The Heart of Therapy Remains
Whether we meet through screens or in person, the essence of our work remains the same: creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore, process, and transform. The pieces of your life’s mosaic can be woven together just as beautifully in virtual sessions as they can in traditional settings.
If you’re curious about virtual therapy or have questions about how it might work for your specific situation, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a therapeutic experience that honors your needs and supports your path to healing—wherever you might be.
