Young Adult Therapy in the Digital Age: Benefits of Telehealth for Millennials and Gen Z
“There is no way my clients are going to be on board for this”, I remember thinking to myself when I first made the transition to teletherapy three years ago. It was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and up until that point, I had only ever seen clients in person. The term “teletherapy” was not even in my vocabulary, and it had never crossed my mind that my job could be performed effectively on a virtual platform. I worried that my clients would feel less connected, and less engaged and that our rapport would suffer. I was wrong, very wrong. In fact, I discovered quickly that there are some distinct advantages that teletherapy offers our Gen Z and Millennial clients living, working, and commuting in the DMV area.
What is Teletherapy and Is it Effective?
Teletherapy allows clients and their therapists to connect in real time through a video conferencing platform using a laptop, a desktop computer, or a cell phone. The only difference between teletherapy and in-person therapy sessions is that the client and therapist are not in the same room… and, we typically can only see the top half of each other’s bodies, so sweatpants, cozy socks, and embarrassing fuzzy slippers are fair game. Some clients are understandably a little skeptical of teletherapy if they’ve never done it before. They worry that they may not get the same benefit from a video visit as they do from an in-person session. This simply isn’t the case! According to The American Psychological Association telehealth has proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy. Studies have also shown that telehealth does not negatively impact the therapeutic alliance, and in some cases, can even enhance rapport (Abrams, 2020).
Creating Balance
Clients in their 20s or 30s living in the DMV tend to be hardworking professionals or students living fast-paced lifestyles and juggling busy schedules. The flexibility of teletherapy allows young adults to schedule appointments at convenient times so that treatment can be incorporated seamlessly into their busy lives without any major disruptions to their schedules. For therapy to work it must be accessible, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of other important forms of self-care.
In my practice, I spend a lot of time working with my busy and burnt-out clients on how to prioritize self-care throughout the day. That is, making time to do the activities that help recharge their batteries. Teletherapy enables me to talk to my clients during their breaks (sometimes while eating their breakfast or lunch), so that they don’t have to worry about commuting to an office or sacrificing their evening or midday routines.
Familiarity and Comfort
Gen Z and Millennial clients tend to be comfortable communicating via video platform which is why the switch to telehealth for younger clientele felt relatively seamless. It also can help eliminate the feeling of a power imbalance between the client and their therapist. Teletherapy creates a more intimate therapeutic environment which can foster a greater sense of connection and agency. It can be incredibly powerful for a client to feel like they have control over their own space.
Building rapport with a therapist can also feel more organic for clients who are more at ease in the comfort of their own homes. I notice that, on average, my clients who I see remotely tend to warm up to therapy a little faster than the clients I see in person. For clients struggling with anxiety or depression who feel overwhelmed by the idea of coming into a formal office building for therapy, teletherapy can be a great option.
Therapy often involves doing challenging work, and it’s important that clients feel like they’re in a safe, comfortable environment while engaging in the process of working through difficult emotions.
Health and Safety
Since the spread of COVID-19, clients have been more vigilant about limiting their exposure to the virus. Many people are now opting to work from home where they have more control of their environment and can support their physical health and safety. For Gen Z and Millennial clients who have anxiety or concerns related to virus exposure, teletherapy also serves to be an incredibly viable option.
Accessibility
At The Sterling Group, we prioritize accessibility and understand that traditional in-person therapy might not be the right fit for everyone. If coming into our office is not feasible, we offer our clients a safely encrypted and secure online therapy platform that is accessible by phone, laptop, or desktop. Our team of therapists is licensed to see clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. If you don’t have easy access to transportation or just want to be able to talk to a therapist from the comfort of your own home (maybe even with your fur baby close by), The Sterling Group Has you covered! Schedule a virtual or in-person visit with us!
Experience the Benefits of Online Therapy for Young Adults in Virginia at The Sterling Group.
When I first ventured into teletherapy three years ago, I had doubts about its effectiveness and the connection it could provide compared to in-person sessions. However, I quickly realized that teletherapy offers distinct advantages, especially for our Gen Z and Millennial clients in the DMV area. Teletherapy allows for real-time video sessions, offering flexibility for busy lives without compromising self-care. Studies have shown it to be as effective as in-person therapy, maintaining rapport and even enhancing it. It creates a comfortable and familiar environment, fostering intimacy and control over the therapy space. Moreover, in the age of COVID-19, teletherapy ensures health and safety while maintaining accessibility for clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Whether you're at home or on the go, The Sterling Group is here to support you on your therapeutic journey. Schedule a virtual or in-person visit with us today and experience the benefits of teletherapy firsthand!
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Other Services at The Sterling Group
If you’re struggling our therapists have support to offer. We provide couples therapy and dating and relationship therapy for those that are looking to grow in their relationships. If you’re just hoping to work on yourself, we offer therapy for life transitions and support for depression, anxiety, and self-discovery. Additionally, our therapists offer services Online in Virginia or in person at our Washington, DC-based counseling practice to cater to your schedule and make it as easy as possible for you to prioritize your healing. We would love to chat with you today about the ways we can support your growth in all areas of life!
