What seemed like a scene straight out of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey a few years ago has become a reality. With just one click of a computer button or cell phone, we can – not just hear – but SEE the person we are speaking with. While some therapists may be skeptical of this technology for use with their clients – I am actually excited about it for several reasons.

1. 1. I work with adults who were abused as children. One of the most important components of their recovery is consistency. Ideally, I would like to see my clients every single week without interruption. But I also understand that in the real world people – even deeply wounded people – are busy. They have other obligations beyond therapy. They have families, careers and responsibilities that can potentially prevent them from seeing me on a regular basis. That is the last thing I want! If it comes down to a Skype session vs. no session at all, I’m will absolutely take the Skype session without hesitation.

1. These are difficult economic times. What if you’ve had to relocate to another city to find a job? If you’re my client, I don’t want you to have to adjust to another therapist in a strange, new city – or worse yet, give up therapy all together. Again, if a client has started the therapy process with me, it is very important that they see the process through and “graduate”.
2. Another reason I am so excited about the use of virtual, or online therapy is that it gives me the opportunity as a therapist to reach out to sexual abuse survivors all across the world. There are so many adults suffering from the corrosive effects of trauma as a result of their sexual abuse as children. I would honestly like to help all of them if I could, but if I can even reach one person who is suffering, I consider that an accomplishment.
3. Some people live in remote areas where a good therapist is not available. It is also rare outside of the major metropolitan areas in this country to find a specialist like myself who has a great deal of experience with PTSD, childhood trauma and sexual abuse. I see online technology as an amazing opportunity to reach out to people who don’t live in Los Angeles, or don’t have easy access to a psychotherapist with my qualifications in childhood trauma recovery.

So please, no matter where you are, if you are suffering from childhood abuse, I can help you via the internet. Childhood abuse doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Reach out to me and I’ll show you how to realize your full personal and professional potential.

Skype is free, I am willing, so you have no excuse! Visit me now at arlenedrake.com.