Eight years ago, when I moved for a time from Maine to Michigan, I offered my patients the option of continuing to work with me by telephone. And most decided they wanted to try it. At that time, therapy via telephone was not widely accepted, so it felt to me that my patients and I were embarking on a bold experiment. Today, though I have returned to Maine, a little more than half of my work remains by telephone.
A recent article confirms what I have found myself working long-distance. Studies at the VA and an HMO is Seattle have shown positive benefit to therapy conducted via telephone. As acceptance for it increases, I am certain that further research will confirm these early studies.
The therapeutic space which develops when the work is done by telephone differs from that when therapist and patient sit face to face, but it is therapeutic space nonetheless. When my patients call. I am sitting in my customary place, just as if they were sitting in front of me. And I suggest that my patient similarly be in the same place each time. We then create the space between us -- the sound of our voices and the time creating a temenos between us. Therapy works because it is contained. There is confidntiality, there is a fee, and a set time. Our work together is contained in this virtual space, just as it would be were we both in my office.
Long-distance psychotherapy eliminates travel and waiting time, and allows more flexible scheduling. It makes psychotherapy available to patients who are unable to travel, including many of the physically disabled and those whose symptoms -- depression or agoraphobia for example-- make them reluctant to leave home. And in a time when gasoline costs are a significant part of household budgets, it saves the expense of driving. It also makes therapy readily available to people living in rural areas with few if any therapists available.
And finally, for those wishing to work with a Jungian and/or a therapist willing and interested in working in depth and with dreams, long-distance psychotherapy enables you to make this choice.
I currently have openings for prospective patients who wish to work by telephone or face-to-face. If you would like more information, please use Contact Me on the right and email me. Please include your telephone number if you would like for me to call you.