The Quiet Strength of Virtual Therapy

There was a time when I thought therapy had to happen in a softly lit room, with a mug of tea and a box of tissues on the side table. That kind of space still holds a special place in my heart. But over the years, especially since the pandemic, I’ve come to understand that healing can happen in all kinds of spaces, including through a screen.

Virtual therapy is not a lesser version of "real" therapy. When held with intention, it is just as deep, just as relational, and sometimes even more accessible. It lets you come as you are, wherever you are. And that can make all the difference.

What Happens When You Don’t Have to Leave Home

There is something powerful about being able to settle into therapy from your own familiar space. A favourite blanket over your legs. Your pet nearby. The same cup you use every morning. These details might seem small, but they tell your nervous system that you are safe. They allow you to drop in more easily, especially when life is already overwhelming.

Many of my clients who live with anxiety, trauma, or chronic illness have found virtual therapy to be not just convenient, but regulating. There’s no commute, no waiting room, no awkward transitions back into the world afterward. Just space to feel what’s real and begin to tend to it.

Sessions can happen from your bedroom, your car, your office, or even from a quiet park bench. As long as we can hear each other and you feel comfortable, the work can unfold.

A Different Kind of Presence

At first, some people worry that virtual therapy will feel distant or impersonal. That’s a valid concern. But in my experience, presence is not about physical proximity. It’s about attunement. It’s about being listened to with care, about feeling seen without pressure, about having someone track your story with integrity and gentleness.

The screen doesn’t get in the way of that. In fact, for some clients, being slightly removed from the therapist’s physical presence actually makes it easier to speak freely. There is a bit more space to breathe. A little less intensity.

Therapy becomes a shared ritual, held through the screen, shaped by trust, and grounded in real connection.

Creating a Safe and Grounded Online Space

Because you’re not walking into a therapist’s office, we need to co-create a sense of safety together. That starts with small things: making sure your space is private, checking that your device is charged, and creating a plan in case of tech issues. I use a HIPAA-compliant video platform designed for healthcare, which ensures your sessions are private and secure.

You don’t need to sit upright in a chair unless you want to. You can lie down. You can wrap yourself in a blanket. You can move your body or stretch. You can keep your camera off if needed. The idea is to be comfortable enough that your body feels safe to feel.

Over time, we find a rhythm. You may find that certain spots in your home become connected to the feeling of being supported. You might light the same candle or wrap yourself in the same blanket each time. These simple rituals help anchor the work.

Tips for Making the Most of Virtual Therapy

• Choose a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted.

• Use headphones for better sound and more privacy.

• Check your Wi-Fi connection ahead of time and have a backup device nearby if possible.

• Give yourself a few minutes before and after the session to ground or integrate.

• Keep water, tissues, and anything comforting close by.

• Feel free to lie down, recline, or find a posture that supports your body.

My Own Experience with Virtual Work

For a long time, I resisted virtual therapy. I missed my office, the art on the walls, the ritual of making tea before a session. But something unexpected happened as I began to work more online. I realized I could still offer depth and care. My clients still opened up. We still laughed, cried, paused, and moved toward healing.

In some ways, I’ve found that the intimacy of being invited into a client’s home, virtually, offers a different kind of closeness. I see the photos on their shelves. I hear the rhythms of their day. Therapy feels integrated into real life, not something separate.

And from my side of the screen, I sit with a woven tapestry behind me. It’s a Shipibo design, created by medicine women whose songs and prayers are woven into each thread. It holds intention, protection, and lineage. Having it near during sessions reminds me of the deep-rooted traditions of healing, and of the humility and presence required to do this work well. Even through a screen, those threads can be felt.

This is not a sterile, distant interaction. It is relational, grounded, and very much alive.

If You’re Wondering Whether It Can Work for You

You don’t need to have the perfect setup. You don’t need a quiet house or a fancy microphone. You just need enough privacy, a little bandwidth, and a willingness to try. We’ll figure out the rest together.

If you’re not sure, I offer a brief consultation so we can talk through your questions. You can get a feel for what it’s like to connect this way and see if it resonates.

FAQ: Virtual Therapy

Is virtual therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many issues, including trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Is it secure?
Absolutely. I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy.

What if I get interrupted?
We create a plan together for how to handle interruptions. Life happens. It’s okay. We adjust.

Can I do virtual therapy from my car or outside?
Yes, as long as you feel safe and have privacy. Some clients find being outdoors calming.

Can I keep my camera off?
Yes. You are always in control. Sometimes clients turn their camera off briefly when they need to, however it’s important that I can see you for a substantial part of the session.  This helps me observe your body language and facial expressions so I can track how you’re feeling and responding to our process together.

Reach Out When You’re Ready

Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, or a time of transition, virtual therapy can offer a steady thread of connection. You don’t have to leave your house. You don’t even have to get out of your pajamas.

You just have to begin.