Google Earth

I remember discovering Google Earth in high school (I just dated myself, oops!). The first place I went was my home address because I am not as creative as I’d like to believe.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Since the seemingly endless pandemic began, one common theme in a lot of my sessions is grief about canceled trips. At first, I tried putting up virtual backgrounds from that location, but then I remembered how detailed the images on Google Earth are.

This works for so many different prompts – “Where was your vacation going to be?” “Where would you go if you could go anywhere right now?” “What’s your favorite spot in the world?” I share my screen, input the address, and the camera zooms in from space to take us there.

It’s like a real life visualization, which can come in handy with clients who can’t picture images in their minds. It can be a mindfulness or self-regulation exercise, or it can get some great conversation going about memories or goals.

I never would have had a client go on Google Earth during an in-person session, so this is a great example of how telehealth has opened me up to new activities that have been really therapeutic for my clients.

Published by Dr Marschall

Dr. Amy Marschall received her Psy.D. from the University of Hartford in September 2015. She completed her internship at the National Psychology Training Consortium with specializations in assessment and rural mental health. Currently, she specializes in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care, and she is certified in telemental health. Dr. Marschall runs a private practice, RMH Therapy, where she provides individual and family therapy as well as psychological assessments across the lifespan. Dr. Amy Marschall is an author and professional speaker.

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