Online Couples Therapy - It Just Makes Sense!

As concerns about the novel Coronavirus heighten, I wanted to reach out to let you know some steps we are taking to help reduce risks to clients and our team at Couples Counseling ATL.

We are only offering video sessions at this time, at the recommendation of local and federal public health experts. While face-to-face sessions are ideal, we recognize the need to be flexible in these circumstances. 

As always, let me know if you have questions or concerns. It continues to be a great honor to help you!

Sincerely,

Couples Counseling ATL

Stephanie Cook, David Blanchard, Jessica Seattle, Bridge Beatty and Tamara Gleason 

Why Should You Consider Online Couples Counseling?

• Is your marriage or relationship struggling?

• Is scheduling a problem?

• Is your time (or money) important to you?

• Couples counseling online with Couples Counseling ATL is now available for anyone residing in the state of Georgia!

• You can make an appointment immediately by scheduling online.

• Get help with a licensed psychotherapist; it has never been easier!

Let's Do The Math

Time spent for an in-person couples therapy session:

• Driving to a therapist's office... 30 minutes to 1 hour (pretend it's a good day in Atlanta!)

• Initial couples therapy session... 1.5 hours

• Driving back from the therapist's office... 30 minutes to 1 hour

• Total time: (approximately) 2.5 - 3.5 hours

Time spent for an online couples therapy session:

• Turn on the computer, log in to session, and sit with your spouse/partner... 1 minute

• Initial couples therapy session... 1.5 hours

• Turn off the computer, perhaps continue to sit on the couch... 1 minute

• Total time: (approximately) 1.5 hours

Total time saved by opting for online couples therapy: 1 - 2 hours per week (this adds up!)

Other Considerations 

Math is not my strong suit, so I will not even attempt to calculate the cost of commuting to and from a therapist's office, or the cost of your time that could be spent doing other things instead of sitting in traffic.  The money and time you can save by not driving to and from our office is an important consideration. Of course, the cost of therapy is an important consideration for you and your partner to make. Investing in your relationship is a worthy endeavor and expense! Therefore, if your time, money, and relationship are all important to you, and you are currently short on time or money, online couples therapy is a perfect fit for you.

Are you curious about what couples therapy online might look like? Here is what you need to know:

Couples Counseling Online – The A. B. C.’s

A. Accessible
B. Beneficial
C. Confidential

A. Accessible. It's convenient, and so much easier than driving to an office.  So much can get in the way of getting help. Life happens. Whether you have busy schedules, childcare issues, long-distance issues, or other conflicts, please consider online couples therapy if you need help but just can't make it into the office. Bad weather? Most of my clients were able to keep their therapy sessions during the "Atlanta Snowpocalypse" of January 2014! A child with a minor temperature? It could be bad enough to stay home, but not bad enough to stop your important relationship work. Now you can video-conference whenever the need arises. You will be able to schedule a video session from the convenience of your home. You may schedule, reschedule, or cancel your sessions--all online. No more "playing phone tag" between you, your spouse, and your therapist. Our availability is listed online to eliminate the hassle that used to exist pre-technology. Our online software works on all types of computers and is Mac and PC compatible. At the scheduled time, you will sit down with your spouse or partner in the comfort of your home. Simply login in front of your computer or ipad and click "start session". You can stop the session easily, and return just as easily, even if someone “accidentally” turns the computer off… 

• Schedule an appointment for couples counseling online through our online scheduling system.

• Create your username and password (both you and your partner will do this, separately, on your own)

• Fill out the initial paperwork

• Simply log in at your scheduled therapy time and click "start session"

B. Beneficial. Online couples therapy works just as well as in person couples therapy. I was initially skeptical when we began providing online couples therapy, and wondered whether or not it could be just as helpful as in-person therapy. Some couples like to work exclusively, while others have worked with us both online and in person, depending on when their schedules permit. Of course, some of our couples simply prefer meeting in person, and that is just as beneficial! Today, we know that online couples therapy works, because we have seen couples save their relationships and grow more connected after just a few online sessions. Just so you know, most couples therapy typically lasts 2-6 months in order to be effective. If you are ready for improvement in your relationship, couples therapy is the answer, whether online or in person. If you simply cannot make it into the office, or you would just prefer to participate in couples therapy from home, know that it is very effective and a great alternative to in-person therapy. Though the technology has only existed for a decade, online marital and couples therapy has growing research supporting its efficacy.

C. Completely Confidential
Couples counseling online has evolved exponentially from services like Skype. Please don’t use Skype for psychotherapy or couples therapy online. Skype is fine for talking to your college friend living abroad, or your great aunt in Florida.  But it really isn’t appropriate for confidential conversations where your privacy is of the utmost importance.

Top of the Line Security
We use a professional, HIPAA compliant, cloud-based videoconferencing software. No matter where you are, we see each other clearly and with no interruptions. 
 
Easy Technology + Expert Therapeutic Help 
The future is here.  More than ever before, online couples therapy is now within reach. Barriers that once prevented couples from getting help no longer exist.

How to Begin:
Contact Tamara Gleason, Client Care Coordinator, via email (Tamara@counselingATL.com) or phone (678-999-3390), to discuss your options. You may either text or leave a confidential message as well. We will help you decide if this service delivery technology will help your relationship.

Alternatively, you may begin by immediately scheduling your first session. Once you have scheduled a session at a convenient time for you and your spouse or partner, you will be asked to complete the initial paperwork. Your spouse or partner will also need to log in to create a username and password to complete their initial paperwork.

You will need to pay for the initial session that lasts 80 minutes in length.  We offer a range of fees based on the therapist’s experience. Those fees range from $150 - $225 per session.

Once you have scheduled your session and completed the initial paperwork, your session is just a click away.

Want to learn more about Gottman Couples Therapy, the single most evidence-based couples counseling method used by Couples Counseling ATL? Click here for information. 

COUPLES THERAPY & MARRIAGE COUNSELING and WORKSHOPS IN ATLANTA

Couples Counseling ATL provides couples therapy and marriage counseling in Atlanta from two offices in Grant Park and Poncey Highlands. We also serve Morningside, Midtown, Buckhead, Virginia Highlands, Kirkwood, and the surrounding communities. Get started today with counseling, alone or together, in person or via online video.

Copyright Counseling ATL, LLC 2020