answers to the questions that you might be wondering about…
How do I know if online therapy with Bethany Comeau, LPC, might be a good fit for me? Online therapy may be a great option for you if:
You live in the state of Georgia (licensing laws prohibit licensed therapists from practicing across state lines. I am currently licensed to provide online therapy to any resident that permanently resides in the state of Georgia)
You are able to access “good and reliable internet” and a device (laptop or tablet with a camera function, or a smart phone)
You are able to consistently structure your schedule in such a way that you have privacy from family members, roommates, or work colleagues, and freedom from distractions or other demands for about an hour (55 minutes will be the standard length of our therapy sessions together)
How do I know if face-to-face (in-office) therapy is a better fit for me instead of online therapy? If you are experiencing any of the following, in-office visits with a participating provider will be a safer and more clinically appropriate method of treatment, and a better fit for your needs:
If you have been hospitalized for mental health concerns in the past 12 months
If you have found yourself struggling with chronic thoughts of suicide in the past year
If you are currently residing in a living situation in which you are experiencing domestic violence
If you believe you have a serious and undiagnosed mental health issue
If you are unable to consistently access reliable internet, or anticipate having problems ensuring privacy during an online session
If you are actively homicidal or suicidal, you should immediately and urgently call 911
What are some tips for making my environment as comfortable as possible during online therapy sessions? Some ways that you can make yourself feel more prepared and relaxed might include:
Having a comfortable place to sit, and maybe a cozy blanket
Keeping something to drink nearby that you enjoy, such as a bottle of water, coffee, or some hot tea
A box of tissues handy, just in case you need them
A white noise machine such as one of these that you can place directly outside the closed door of your space to muffle outside noise and ensure increased privacy for your sessions
Earbuds or headphones for additional privacy
A pad of paper and a pen if you need to jot down some notes
A small post-it note to cover up your image on your device, if seeing yourself on the screen makes you feel anxious or distracted
Not specific to online therapy, but do you have any book recommendations? Yes! And I’ve linked them below in no particular order. I will point out that some of them aren’t really “clinical therapy books” per se. Instead, they are titles that influenced and shaped me, both personally and professionally, and have done the same for many of my clients.
Anything by Brene Brown. (If you are new to Brene Brown, I often recommend starting out with Daring Greatly, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them!)
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Already Enough by Lisa Olivera
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski (yes, they are sisters!)
WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game by Abby Wambach
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed
Bethany Comeau Online Therapy
Phone: (678) 251-9235
Mailing Address: PO Box 7322, Americus, Georgia 31709