Online Couples Therapy... It Just Makes Sense!
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 Stephanie Cook, LCSW, owner of Counseling ATL, LLC, 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 the first 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 the first 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!)
In the time it takes to commute to and from your couples therapy appointment, you and your partner could have done a lot of other things to improve your relationship!
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 my office is an important consideration. Click here for some theories on the cost of commuting. Of course, the cost of therapy is an important consideration for you and your partner to make, too. 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 easy, convenient, and so much easier than driving to my 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 still kept 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. My availability is listed online to eliminate the hassle that used to exist pre-technology. My online software works on all types of computers, Mac and PC compatible. At the scheduled time, you will sit down with your spouse or partner in the comfort of your home. Simply log into in front of your computer or ipad, and simply 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 my 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"
So what does online couples therapy like? Watch how other couples have made the decision to get help online.
B. Beneficial. Online couples therapy works just as well as in person couples therapy. I was initially skeptical when I 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 with me online only, while others have worked with me both online and in person, depending on when their schedules permit. Of course, some of my couples simply prefer meeting with me in person, and that is just as beneficial, too. Today, I know that online couples therapy works, because I 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 my 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
I 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. Stephanie Cook, LCSW, has taken extensive training in online psychotherapy through the Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC) training program. She is also highly trained in couples therapy, and is in the process of completing certification in Gottman Couples Therapy method.
How to Begin:
Contact Stephanie Cook, LCSW, via email (Stephanie@CounselingATL.com) or phone (678-999-3390), to discuss your situation. You may either text or leave a confidential message. I’ll help you to 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. Stephanie will call you both before your initial session to discuss your goals, and to ensure that online couples therapy is the best fit for your needs.
You will need to pay for the initial session that lasts 90 minutes in length. The cost for the initial session is $180 and you can pay by adding your billing information through the online scheduling system. Hour long sessions after this cost $120.
Once you have scheduled your session and completed the initial paperwork, your session is just a click away.
During the first online couples therapy session, you will be able to clearly see and hear Stephanie Cook, LCSW, and she will be able to see both of you, from the comfort of your own home. Then, you will share why you have come. You are talking to a trained clinical therapist who specializes in couples therapy.
Want to learn more about Gottman Couples Therapy, the single most evidence-based couples counseling method used by Stephanie Cook, LCSW? Click here for information.
ABOUT: Stephanie Cook, LCSW, provides in-person and online counseling services to adults, teens, couples, and families; she specializes in working with young adults and couples on improving themselves and their relationships. Stephanie owns a small private practice, Counseling ATL, LLC, located in Decatur, an intown-suburb of Atlanta, GA, near Emory University. Her blog is dedicated to helping people improve their lives and relationships.
