The New Normal (for Now): Online Therapy

Dear friends and colleagues,

We are now working with our clients, both individually and in groups, via online therapy for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.  It's been amazing to work with our team during this time of innovation and transition - and to see such energy, dedication, and growth mindset in action as we restructure to serve community needs for safety and mental health.

We all have been working in our virtual offices for almost two weeks now, adjusting to this “new normal,” and enthusiastically maintaining our commitment to offering needed psychotherapy services during this challenging time.  

But what is online therapy, exactly?  Can a virtual therapy experience provide the same benefits as in-person sessions?  And how does it work?

Our team has pitched in to demystify online therapy for you! In this newsletter, you'll find answers to many of your questions about online therapy (or telehealth or teletherapy). And, you'll hear from our creative and compassionate team members about ways they help their clients carry on the work of therapy online!

In addition, as a public service during this time of physical and mental health challenge, our team is offering online therapy services to all genders and all ages, bringing our collective expertise to serve our shared community.

Please contact our Intake Coordinator, Paige Howard, AMFT, APCC, to learn more.  She can be reached at  PHoward@IFGD.care  or 626-585-8075 ext. 108. 

In Gratitude,
CEO & Founder, Licensed Psychologist
What is online therapy?  

Online therapy, or telehealth, is the use of video and audio to provide interactive real-time mental health services remotely. Our secure, HIPAA compliant platform closely simulates in-person dynamics for both individual, family and group therapy.  

What are the benefits of online therapy?

Research shows that online therapy can be a very effective alternative to in-person therapy. It's flexibility means therapy to be provided when in-person sessions cannot be conducted. It offers connection to others and mental health support during this potentially distressing and isolating period at home. 

We really need some support now.  Can someone in my family begin now as a new client using online therapy?

Yes, we are accepting new clients now, and are providing support to the community during this health crisis.  We have experienced clinicians available to offer services for clients in all stages of life – children, middle schoolers, teens, young adults, and adults.   We offer therapy for individuals, groups, couples and families.

Please contact our Intake Coordinator, Paige Howard, AMFT, APCC, to discuss your questions and goals.  She can be reached at  PHoward@IFGD.care  or
626-585-8075 ext. 108. 

Do you have any new online groups or offerings to provide additional support during this stay-at-home period?

Yes, we’re expanding our offerings. To start, we're launching two new groups for teens: one designed for high school seniors and another focused on compassion and grit. Contact us to learn about new online therapy groups and services based on the current needs of our community or review our complete list online therapy groups for all ages .

ONLINE THERAPY TIPS FROM OUR THERAPISTS

Give it a try! Telehealth may be a new experience for you or your child, and new experiences may be accompanied with some reservations. However, most families have found once they give it a try, online therapy is a wonderful experience. Also, it can be a great way to practice flexibility and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

It can be helpful to connect with your child’s therapist to brainstorm helpful toys or materials to have on hand.  If a child is used to coloring or playing with Playdoh during in-person sessions, having similar materials available can ease the transition to online therapy.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Supervised by Vicki Chiang, Psy.D. -
PSY 21136

Help your child become comfortable with talking to someone on a screen by doing a test session before the first therapy appointment. 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW 80637  
With my clients who are younger children, we’ve really enjoyed bonding and getting comfortable in this new video format through fun, interactive games.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT 101031
Set up your child in advance so she’s comfortable and has a stable screen in a private area.  The larger screen size of a laptop or desktop computer is ideal to keep kids and teens engaged.

Licensed Psychologist - PSY 21136

Although initially it might feel a little “weird” to meet online instead of in-person, it allows us to practice our flexibility and creativity in both the therapeutic relationship and in the therapeutic “space"!

Also, I invite my clients to share fun ideas about how they’re navigating social distancing, and we develop new rituals and games that bolster the work we’ve already been doing in our in-person sessions.  I think normalizing that it’s new and emphasizing that we can “keep it going” therapeutically is really helpful.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist - AMFT 115379, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor - APCC 6798,
Supervised by Melissa J. Johnson - PSY13102
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT 92791
This is a time when teens can share their technology with us more than ever. The “shared screen” feature allows teens to bring content to a session to discuss – such as a favorite YouTuber or music video.  We can pull up that content and view it together.  It’s led to some interesting discussions with my clients!

 Also, I’ve asked my teen therapy groups to create playlists to help them connect and find joy together during this distressing time.  Some of them were creative enough to think of songs related to the virus such as, Don’t Stand So Close to Me, by the Police. 
Some of our weekly therapy groups choose the same virtual background so we all feel like we’re in a shared space!

Practicum Trainee
Supervised by Grace Goodman, Psy.D. - PSY 28905
What's Coming Up...

Join us at these upcoming events. Follow the links to save your spot - and bring a friend!

  • Our creative and innovative team of clinicians are here to help during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Contact us to learn more about groups and other therapy services online for all ages!

  • We're launching two new groups for teens: one designed for high school seniors and another focused on compassion and grit. Contact us to learn more. 

THERAPY & ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Interested in individual therapy?
We offer strength-based therapy for  individuals,  groups,  couples and  families. 

See our current therapy groups by age:

Comprehensive assessments - psychological, neuropsychological, academic, and cognitive - are available as well.

To learn more, call us at 626-585-8075 ext. 108 or email  PHoward@IFGD.care.
Empowering girls, families and their circles of community.

95 N. Marengo Ave. Suite 100
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-585-8075 ext. 108
Learn more on our social media accounts!
PLEASE NOTE:  Nothing in what you find here should be construed as medical advice pertinent to any individual. As is true with all written materials, you must be the judge of what appears valid and useful for yourself. Please take up any questions you might have regarding the content of this with your psychotherapist or physician.