Learn what to expect in your first teletherapy session for PTSD with Randel Porter and take your first step toward relief. Call me at 210.818.5795 to schedule your first session.

       Summary Highlights:

  • Your first teletherapy session for PTSD is about getting comfortable and setting goals, not pressure.
  • You will learn what teletherapy looks like, what to talk about, and what tools you will start using.
  • Randel Porter helps you take the first step in feeling safe, clear, and ready to heal from PTSD.

Why Try Teletherapy for PTSD?

If you feel stuck living with flashbacks, panic attacks, and tension in your body, you may be thinking about getting help. However, going to an office can feel intimidating or overwhelming. Teletherapy enables you to receive help from the comfort of your own home.
Your first teletherapy session for PTSD is the first step in feeling calm and getting your life back.

What Happens Before Your First Session?

When you book your first teletherapy session with me, you’ll receive clear and simple instructions so you know exactly what to expect. You will receive a secure video link that you can join from your phone, tablet, or computer—whichever feels most convenient for you.

I’ll walk you through the process so you won’t be left wondering what comes next.

Here’s how you can prepare:

Find a quiet, private space where you feel safe and comfortable. This could be your bedroom, your car parked in a quiet spot, or any place where you can speak freely without interruptions.

Have a glass of water, tissues, and something to write on nearby. Sometimes we discuss topics that evoke emotions, and it’s helpful to have what you need within reach.

Test your internet connection and video link ahead of time so you’re not worried about technical issues during our session. If technology makes you nervous, please let me know, and we’ll take it slow.

Wear what makes you feel comfortable. You don’t need to dress up for therapy.

Turn off notifications on your phone or computer to permit yourself to be present without distractions.

You don’t need to prepare a script or have everything figured out before we meet. You don’t need to have the “right” words. Just show up as you are.

Your first session is about taking a step forward, not being perfect. I will guide you through the topics we will discuss and help you feel at ease, so you can get the most out of your time.

What Will We Talk About?

Your first teletherapy session for PTSD is not about telling your whole story all at once. It is about:

  • Talking about why you reached out and what you hope to change.
  • Sharing how PTSD shows up in your day, like trouble sleeping or panic.
  • Setting clear goals so we both know what you want from therapy.

If you are nervous, that’s normal. We will go at your pace.

Will I Have to Talk About Trauma Right Away?

No. Many people fear they will have to share details before they are ready. You won’t be pushed to talk about anything before you feel safe.
We will start with grounding tools to help you feel steady and learn ways to manage flashbacks, panic, and anxiety. You get to decide when, and if, you want to share more about your trauma.

How Does Teletherapy Work?

Your first teletherapy session for PTSD is like meeting in an office, except you can be in your own space.

Teletherapy helps by:

  • Providing you with flexibility to get help without having to drive anywhere.
  • Allowing you to stay in a safe, familiar space.
  • Helping you learn real tools to calm your body and mind.

My Approach to PTSD Therapy

I don’t waste your time with endless talking. I teach you tools and clear steps so you can stop feeling stuck and start feeling in control again.

We’ll use approaches that work, including virtual EMDR, which has proven effective for PTSD recovery for many clients. This allows us to process stuck memories and reduce emotional reactivity in a focused, structured way—without you needing to leave the safety of your home.

You will leave your first session with a clear understanding of what is happening in your mind and body, and exactly what steps we’ll take next to help you move forward.

Ready to Start?

Your first teletherapy session for PTSD is your chance to start living without constant fear and tension. If you are ready to take that step, I’m here.
Call me at 210.818.5795 to schedule your first session and take your next step toward feeling safe, calm, and in control. Let’s get started.

FAQs About PTSD/Trauma Counseling

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) happens after you’ve been through something traumatic. It’s not just “bad memories.” It can mess with your sleep, mood, thoughts, and your sense of safety. I help people understand how trauma is showing up in their daily life—and what we can do about it.

PTSD symptoms can look like:

  • Flashbacks or memories that hit out of nowhere
  • Nightmares
  • Panic attacks or feeling constantly on edge
  • Avoiding people or places that remind you of what happened
  • Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
  • Feeling numb or disconnected

If this sounds familiar, we can work together to get you out of survival mode

Sometimes mild symptoms ease up, but many people need support to fully heal. PTSD isn’t about weakness—it’s your brain trying to protect you after something overwhelming. I help people retrain those protective responses so you can stop feeling stuck.

No. PTSD can happen to anyone who’s experienced something traumatic—like a car accident, medical trauma, abuse, assault, or a natural disaster. I work with people from all backgrounds who are ready to feel safe in their own mind and body again.

Yes. Therapy helps you process what happened safely and teaches you tools to handle flashbacks, panic attacks, and everyday stress. I don’t just sit and nod while you talk. I give you practical tools you can use to take your life back.

Teletherapy lets us work together while you stay in a space that feels safe. It’s just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. We can work on grounding skills, calming strategies, and building tools to handle triggers in your real life.

Your first session isn’t about forcing you to share everything before you’re ready. We’ll look at what’s going on for you, what you want out of therapy, and set clear goals. It’s about creating a plan that makes sense for you.

Medication can help some people with sleep issues or anxiety, but it’s not the only option. Many people find therapy alone helps them feel better, while others use therapy and medication together. It’s about what works for you.

There’s no set timeline. Some people feel relief within a few months, while others need longer, especially if the trauma was ongoing. We’ll focus on steady, practical progress at a pace that works for you.

If it’s been more than a month since something happened and you’re still feeling on edge, having nightmares, or avoiding reminders of it, it might be PTSD. We can talk about what’s going on and figure out your next step so you can start feeling like yourself again.

About Randel Porter – Therapist

Randel Porter is a licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist based in San Antonio, Texas (LPC #75830). With a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling, he helps individuals and couples cut through emotional noise and get real results—without the fluff or endless “processing.” Randel specializes in thought-focused therapy that challenges outdated methods and delivers clarity fast. He offers in-person and online counseling across Texas.

Ready to clear the mental clutter and reconnect with what matters? Call 210.818.5795 to schedule a session or visit the contact page.