When Coronavirus closed schools in 2020, and we all then began to do teletherapy in leu of in-person services, I was convinced that we could never do therapy as well virtually as we could in-person. Then we returned to school that August, with masks and plexiglass panels, and I thought: “teletherapy is actually better than this!” At least then I could see students’ faces and hear them more clearly! For the next two years I carried a partial virtual caseload.
Then life threw a curveball, and I resigned from the schools. I ended up taking a position with a teletherapy company and providing services to various schools. I was hesitant at first, but after working as a teletherapist for six months, I can say I completely LOVE it!
Comfort
Need I say it? Yoga pants!!! Business on top, (slumber) party on bottom, am I right?!! I had a 40 minute, each way, commute before, now I walk down the hall to my office. I can run to the bathroom or to get a coffee refill or a snack whenever I need. And have I mentioned no boogers on my stuff?! I haven’t had a sick day from any child-borne illnesses so far!
Variety
Not all teletherapists have the variety I do, but I have students ranging from mild middle school students to non-verbal kindergarteners. I enjoy the different caseloads, although it does mean a bit more prep as there is more diversity in goals and materials. In the morning I get to talk about animal sounds, and in the afternoon I get to teach /r/, and the next day I’m teaching a great short story to work on language skills.
Use of Time
When I worked in the schools, a good part of my time was spent doing duty, attending teacher meetings, filling out paperwork required by the district, completing screenings I was unable to take any action on, performing before or after school requirements such as parent-teacher meetings whether or not I actually had any parents wishing to meet. Since I was on a contract, I was paid by year, and these times were all under a blanket “duties of the position” statement.
As a teletherapist, I am paid for indirect time as well as direct time. This differs somewhat from one teletherapy company from another, but from my, admittedly limited, experience, this is typical. I only attend meetings that directly affect my students. I feel like I am able to return back to my actual occupation!
Freedom of Scheduling
Along the same lines, I get to draw the lines of my schedule. I don’t want to work past three? Then I say I’m not willing to. I only want to work 30 hours a week? Then that’s what we shoot for. I’ve also found that the schools that I work with are more willing to work with me as far as scheduling than I experienced when I worked in a district. Perhaps I’m just in a sweet spot? Time will tell. But I’m loving it right now!
Less Drama
All those powerplays that you couldn’t keep out of in the schools are far less apparent as a teletherapist. Because we aren’t physically there, we don’t hear the conversations in the halls or the teacher’s lounge. It’s much the same as being at a school part time, where you see your handful of kids and leave. This, for me, was a fantastic load off my shoulders, because that kind of conflict stresses me out – and there was always someone who was running to me complaining about something. Now, this can be a drawback as well, especially if you thrive on those connections. But you can also make connections with your team of teletherapists.
Efficacy of Therapy
Now, do I think I can do therapy as well through a computer as I can in-person? Yes! Now, that being said, there are, of course, some caveats. The method of therapy should be considered for each client just as the time, length and frequency of therapy should be considered. Often, as my younger students have, a facilitator may be present to aid the client in attention and accessing the technology.
Other clients may need a different service model that is more of a parent training model. A setup that includes a separate camera that shows the student’s AAC device so you can see their key presses, or other modifications might be necessary. With flexibility and creativity, there really is a lot more you can do in teletherapy than you ever thought!
Drawbacks
Ok, yes, I miss the goodies in the teachers’ lounge. And I REALLY miss the hugs and actually seeing my kiddos. Sometimes, it is challenging when I have a student that just can’t get a specific speech sound…but I’m not sure being in person would help that either. Tech issues can be frustrating, when the microphone isn’t catching a nuance of sound or the connection isn’t good. But there were also times when the hallway outside my room, or the room beside my room, or the restroom beside my room, were so loud that I had trouble then too. So I might be comparing apples and oranges there.
I’m not necessarily writing this to convert any of ya’ll from in-person therapists to teletherapists, but definitely, should it come to you, don’t be afraid of it. It could be your next great thing!
If you want to know more about teletherapy, or the company I contract with (starting on my third year with them), feel free to reach out!
If you are interested in the topic of teletherapy, you might also be interested in my comprehensive guide, “So You Want to Be a Teletherapist.” It covers all these topics and more, including setting up your workspace, navigating legal documents like BAAs, and building a secure and efficient digital practice from the ground up!
Until next time, keep on clicking, my e-speechies!
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