I’m a wife, mom of two kids, and student of people. Since high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field, and I now have the privilege to provide counseling-oriented services and coaching to clients. I’m a part of a local practice that includes seasoned professionals, residents earning licensure, and interns. It’s personally growing and wonderfully encouraging to learn from others as we walk with clients through life struggles.
I have a master’s degree in Professional Counseling. My first child was born soon after completing grad school, so I have been working part time to complete licensure hours in my state (Virginia). The post graduate process is quite extensive, and Doxy.me has been essential to not only assist others in their mental health but allow me to have a work/life balance while doing so.
Doxy.me also permits our practice to serve unique populations that would typically have limited access to services due to location, demographic or life stage: English-speaking individuals overseas, under-served populations with limited transportation options, busy moms with young children at home, or traveling professionals.
I see clients for stress, balance, life change, and transitions as well as some depression and anxiety work within tele-health permitted boundaries.
I began providing tele-assisted sessions to clients in 2017. It has shown me how effective this can be for individuals, while fitting into the busy life schedules, demands, and challenges of today’s culture. My supervisor and I believe that this is an integral part of the future of counseling and mental health.
I not only desired to connect with individuals who may have limited resources, but I also wished to have greater flexibility within the demands of my own family’s schedule. Telemedicine, like many other growing online fields (education, training, exercise) allows individuals access to quality services in the comfort of their own home.
After reviewing the options, Doxy.me stood out as a user-friendly and cost-effective option. In order to reach certain demographics, we seek to keep our costs very low to our clients, and Doxy.me’s complimentary services allow us to reach clients with quality care.
Doxy.me has allowed us to serve and assist individuals that may not otherwise be able to regularly access services. It also provides flexibility for clients who may travel or have irregular schedules.
For five years, I worked long hours every Saturday away from my family and kids. This led to limited time with my whole family unit and limited opportunities to do “normal” family activities. With Doxy.me, clients and I now have the flexibility to hold sessions at both traditional and non-traditional times: often early in the morning or late in the evening. As a full time mom, very active in community and organizational activities (as are many of my clients), it allows both myself and clients to have a quality of life balance that traditional sessions limited.
We have received positive feedback from our online sessions; it allows for a beneficial helping relationship.
Young moms (or busy moms with teens) will often comment on the flexibility and ease of scheduling sessions. They can plan time while their baby is sleeping or teen is at practice. It allows them to take time for themselves, self-care, and work through challenges that otherwise may be ignored in the busyness of life.
I’ve learned that the lack of “in person” connection can be compensated for through clear communication, framing of questions and therapeutic exercises, and continually checking in with the client for feedback. I strive to have collaborative interaction with clients, where they can regularly verbalize feedback and feel like they are meeting in person.
Our world is clearly moving more online. For many clients or patients, online care is an option that meets clients needs in the comfort of their home, office, and busy schedules.
You can follow Jenny on Twitter.