[SA765]

Hello, i just started group therapy for the first time. During my first group session i found out that one member uses FaceTime to join the group. I'm pretty uncomfortable with this for privacy reasons (eg hacking) and because I think it changes the dynamics. The member who calls in used to be in the group in person but moved away. Everyone else in the group has met him in person when he was still living in the area. But I haven't met him since I just joined. Is teletherapy for groups safe and normal? Thanks!

[TheWell]

Yes I believe that it's safe and normal. My group therapist has offered to allow teletherapy when a member can't be at group because they are away somewhere.

I would discuss your discomfort with the group. The best group discussions are the ones that are brought up by issues within the group.

[stopdog]

I would not be bothered by it. I would never be part of a group but the idea of tele-stuff does not particularly bother me.

[ElectricManatee]

I don't think commercial video conferencing software is HIPPA-compliant, so it seems perfectly reasonable for you to be uncomfortable about it being used in the therapy group. Just because it's commonly done doesn't make it okay for everybody. For what it's worth, it would make me uncomfortable too.

[SA765]

Thanks to everyone who responded!