It takes courage to start counseling and talk about issues that feel overwhelming. But this is the purpose of psychotherapy—to offer you support and insight as you move from hurting to wholeness. I have over 20 years of professional experience helping people with depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief--as well as navigating life transitions. I am licensed in two states: New York (as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/LMHC); and in Illinois (as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/LCPC).
My purpose as a professional is to provide you with an open and supportive place. You can explore whatever is important to you: your relationships, vocational choices, traumas, personal goals and/or blocks to what you desire to change. I will also help you explore issues that may be impacting your growth that you may not have considered--my overall goal is to support you as you explore.
I usually provide therapy in person, in my office/home office. However, I am more than open to seeing people via teletherapy as well. Here are some thoughts about teletherapy/virtual sessions:
TELETHERAPY:
Initially, people were hesitant about teletherapy--doing therapy/seeing a counselor via video conferencing. People still preferred to see their health care professionals in person. Doctors, specialists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists--also preferred to see people in person. People had used "Facetime" with friends and family, and global businesses had used ZOOM as a virtual conferencing tool for years. But then the pandemic hit--and almost overnight--every type of health service that COULD be done remotely--were required to be done to protect the public from the rapid spread of a virus. WE LEARNED how to do virtual sessions. And we also learned it wasn't that bad--in fact, there were several advantages--that we had NEVER imagined.
1. SAVES TIME: For many people, there was a LOT of time saved by not having to drive to and from a counselor's office every session. Others also saved time not hunting for a parking space and dealing with traffic!
2. CONFIDENTIALITY: Some people really did not like waiting in a therapist waiting room, because they would be seen and maybe recognized by other people. When you are doing virtual sessions, no one else sees you--or even your car in a parking lot.
3. MORE PEOPLE ARE SERVED:
a. Accessibility: There are many people who were unable to see counselors in person because
the buildings were not handicapped accessible. Often there were no ramps outside
or elevators inside. Restrooms in were not always accessible either. When people
use teletherapy--they can see a counselor from the comfort of their own home.
b. Transportation: People who do not have cars or who cannot drive often cannot see a
counselor unless it is on a route served by public transportation or if they get a ride
from someone. Being able to see a counselor from their own home
increases access to services.
c. Challenges: Some people with high anxiety or severe depression are unable to leave their
home. Teletherapy enables them to receive counseling and support.
d. Childcare: Some people had to arrange and pay for childcare when going to an office for
therapy. With teletherapy, parents and guardians can be with their children during
a session if needed.
So although it seems a little strange at first--many people have found they like--and even prefer doing sessions via teletherapy. Confidential platforms that are HIPPA compliant have been created to maintain privacy for teletherapy sessions. You can meet with your counselor in the privacy of your own home, while on a lunch break at work, without even getting in your car and dealing with traffic! It really is an amazing thing!
Link for Dr. Pamela Trice's virtual office: doxy.me/drpamtrice
My purpose as a professional is to provide you with an open and supportive place. You can explore whatever is important to you: your relationships, vocational choices, traumas, personal goals and/or blocks to what you desire to change. I will also help you explore issues that may be impacting your growth that you may not have considered--my overall goal is to support you as you explore.
I usually provide therapy in person, in my office/home office. However, I am more than open to seeing people via teletherapy as well. Here are some thoughts about teletherapy/virtual sessions:
TELETHERAPY:
Initially, people were hesitant about teletherapy--doing therapy/seeing a counselor via video conferencing. People still preferred to see their health care professionals in person. Doctors, specialists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists--also preferred to see people in person. People had used "Facetime" with friends and family, and global businesses had used ZOOM as a virtual conferencing tool for years. But then the pandemic hit--and almost overnight--every type of health service that COULD be done remotely--were required to be done to protect the public from the rapid spread of a virus. WE LEARNED how to do virtual sessions. And we also learned it wasn't that bad--in fact, there were several advantages--that we had NEVER imagined.
1. SAVES TIME: For many people, there was a LOT of time saved by not having to drive to and from a counselor's office every session. Others also saved time not hunting for a parking space and dealing with traffic!
2. CONFIDENTIALITY: Some people really did not like waiting in a therapist waiting room, because they would be seen and maybe recognized by other people. When you are doing virtual sessions, no one else sees you--or even your car in a parking lot.
3. MORE PEOPLE ARE SERVED:
a. Accessibility: There are many people who were unable to see counselors in person because
the buildings were not handicapped accessible. Often there were no ramps outside
or elevators inside. Restrooms in were not always accessible either. When people
use teletherapy--they can see a counselor from the comfort of their own home.
b. Transportation: People who do not have cars or who cannot drive often cannot see a
counselor unless it is on a route served by public transportation or if they get a ride
from someone. Being able to see a counselor from their own home
increases access to services.
c. Challenges: Some people with high anxiety or severe depression are unable to leave their
home. Teletherapy enables them to receive counseling and support.
d. Childcare: Some people had to arrange and pay for childcare when going to an office for
therapy. With teletherapy, parents and guardians can be with their children during
a session if needed.
So although it seems a little strange at first--many people have found they like--and even prefer doing sessions via teletherapy. Confidential platforms that are HIPPA compliant have been created to maintain privacy for teletherapy sessions. You can meet with your counselor in the privacy of your own home, while on a lunch break at work, without even getting in your car and dealing with traffic! It really is an amazing thing!
Link for Dr. Pamela Trice's virtual office: doxy.me/drpamtrice