Virtual Therapy

In 1994 I began treating people with substance abuse and mental illness problems. From this time, I have always looked for that secret ingredient, that special something, that would “heal all”, as hopefully, most therapists are doing. Just because I’ve had amazing success, I guess that desire, to perfect what I am presenting, is still ingrained in me. Therefore, I am always tweaking my program, changing around the way I conduct sessions, and of course, searching for that new way to reach others. I’ve been on the radio, written books, and have lectured, but with virtual sessions now part of my practice, an idea hit me – what about a virtual intensive program?

A few times a day I conduct one on one or family therapy online. It is not the same as live sessions, but maybe it’s because I am new to doing that kind of treatment. As the walls close in, due to the Covid pandemic, more and more people are opting to remain home, many of who need serious treatment, and leaving the safety of their home, at this time, may compromise their health. A virtual program would be a real chance to get better.

Basic Steps Mental Health has a real program. One in which people are taught different psychological approaches and tools, then branch off with another participant and practice these tools on one another. One person gets to be the client, and the other the counselor, and after that round, they switch and the counselor then gets to be the client. The premise is, when you teach something, you learn more.

Actually, this is how we did things in graduate school. Each of us was counseled by each other for, well in my case, four years. The premise was, if you had issues that a client was brought into a session, it would be easy to get triggered and the session will fail. A student body that counsels each other builds a tremendous family. Yes, we knew all our issues, and still loved each other, because we simply let it all hang out. So, when creating a psychological program, it was only natural to follow the curriculum of my graduate school and teach people how to be their own counselors.

Psychology is a mystery to most people, it is also on some level taboo. We are not supposed to talk about our problems, but make-believe that we don’t have any – or at least that was how I was raised. But when I began to go through therapy, a whole new world opened up. I learned that I had shut myself away from many experiences in life that I judged as off-limits. One of which was running my own company. When I began to face my problems, I learned that problems were just something that hadn’t been solved yet.

The mere thought of running a virtual program was mind-boggling to me. Three hours a day, three days a week for four weeks, and online? Well, why not? Even a five day a week version could work. It could be the same programs we run at the facility, so why not do it online? There are ways to create one on one duos on Zoom anyhow. To have this up and running for the new year can be incredible!

My graduate school, The University of Santa Monica, is now offering online classes. In fact, a week ago I attended one of their online open houses. I thought at first that it had lost the energy in the air – I was used to walking into the main auditorium and getting blasted by all this positive energy, as well as hundreds of hugs from the student body, so online didn’t have that same appeal. But, as the evening progressed, I plugged back in, felt lots of compassion for my teachers and the people who were talking, so I know that it is really possible for me to do the same.  

I realized how “old school” I have been. In fact, when I attended my doctoral school, the teachers believed that healing only took place one on one with the counselor. On one level I have proved this isn’t true, but maybe in the back of my head, this reasoning still stuck. As I realize virtual sessions could be something effective, I am moving further away from that mindset.

Then it is agreed upon. So what if it entails more emails and faxing to handle all of the legalities. All it takes now is just getting the system up and running, a few dry runs, and then therapy from the luxury of one’s own home. Then what’s next? Virtual marriages?  

Compassionate Care is Always Available

There are many more tools and strategies you can use in your pursuit of happiness. Here is where we come in. Contact us at Basic Steps Mental Health and let us support and educate you on this journey back to your loving heart center. Imagine living a heart-centered life, regardless of what is happening externally. We’d love to be of help.

For 25 years, Dr. Scott Alpert, the clinical director of Basic Steps Mental Health, has treated over 7,000 people with mental health and addiction problems, using a Psychological approach that mixes and matches ten of the top approaches used in the industry.  We are here virtually and in-person to help you get through this COVID-19 pandemic and many other difficulties you may be experiencing.

May you have good mental health.