Online Therapy for Couples
I work with a range of clients suffering from
depression, mood and personality disorders,
substance abuse, insecure attachment styles, and more.
Get Started
Online therapy is psychotherapy conducted online. This could be a video or a phone call, at Aaina we stick to video except in cases of emergency/power outages.
How does it work
I think it’s a good practice for us to meet each other once at the beginning of our work if possible. This is ideal, not necessary. Online video therapy is great because we still get to see each others’ non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body movements – which are important for your growth and my understanding.
Aside from this, it works like in-person therapy where my toolkit is available for you to co-create your therapeutic journey. In other words, you set the pace, you choose whether you want traditional therapy or a more direct, solution-oriented approach, you tell me whether you want to bring body-awareness, somatic experiencing and meditation in, and we draw and dance and sing as much as you are open to and will benefit from.
Pros/cons
Any therapy is better than nothing at all, and online video therapy has several pluses, especially if the commute is your only barrier to starting your self-work/healing. It also works well for someone that is so ill as to not be able to step out of the house. I benefited from it when I was depressed some years ago.
The only con I would say is that it’s difficult to do some of the body based work that I can bring in when a person is in the same room. That said, I’m excited to see to what extent that actually gets in the way of mindfulness work. I believe online therapy is… the future!
I have to mention that online voice calls/telephonic therapy is extremely taxing for mental health professionals. It dehumanizes the interaction in a way that makes it difficult for me to give you feedback without using words – something only video/in-person allows; and is essential for me to do my job of listening effectively.
That said, any therapy is better than nothing at all, and helplines, NGOs, even mental health startups have made a lot of the technology. I have found it useful in case of logistical trouble, referrals and SOS calls.
Meet with me
Set up a 45 minute-session with me
Is it covered by insurance?
As per the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, it is mandatory for insurance companies to offer health/medical insurance for the treatment of mental illness as would be available in the case of physical illness.
In a circular dated August 16, 2018, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) asked insurers to make provision for medical/health insurance for treatment of mental illness with immediate effect. This brings us in line with global practice, at least in theory.
Does it work?
Yes, absolutely. When you’re coming in to therapy, the first and most fundamental thing you need is a safe space to be about you. For you to feel heard, validated and over time, self-aware.
Online therapy takes this safe space to more people, makes it accessible and economical. It allows for non-verbal communication to take place, making therapy effective and cathartic. It can also be the first ray of light for a seriously unwell person.
How long does online therapy take?
Depends on the kind of case. If you need to get on medication on priority, then my first task will be to help you get to the doctor, and as such, significant progress can be made in the first session itself.
I suggest you stay open to investing in 1-3 sessions the first time you contact me. At the end of the first session, I will share my sense of how long we may need to work together. We can decide on bi-weekly, weekly or fortnightly sessions, depending on your emotional and financial situation, as well as your inclination.
You should see significant progress by the 3rd session, and should be feeling that therapy is now optional or good-to-have rather than needed by the 10th-12th session.
Is online therapy confidential? How do you protect patient’s privacy?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is sacred. This is a safe space and, if I am working with you, even your friends, family and significant others will not have contact with me unless you sanction it, or couple’s/family therapy seems appropriate.
As for protecting your privacy, no one has access to my session notes, not even my supervisor. If I need to discuss your case with a senior, I will use an initial. Your story is not revealed to anyone else except for me to track the direction my practice is taking. For instance, I may notice that most of my clients have been in an abusive relationship at one or other time and adjust my content strategy accordingly.
Can I contact you between sessions?
Appropriate boundary setting is key to effective therapy. As such, I will not be available between online therapy sessions except to schedule the next session and such logistical concerns. In cases of emergency, I strongly urge you to first go to a psychiatrist and schedule the earliest possible appointment with me when needed.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is more present and future oriented where, we do not spend much time reenacting the past. We focus on goals for the future and craft solutions accordingly. Therapy is based in the past. We dig into your past through a psychodynamic method and, find ourselves digging layer upon layer into your childhood to find a solution.