5 Tips for Telehealth Therapy

With COVID-19 therapists and patients are turning to telehealth to stay connected. This is new for many patients and providers. It is important that we all maintain social distancing and stay safe. At the same time, for many now is a crucial time to continue with therapy. Here are some tips for making your online therapy session a success.

Privacy

It is important that you are comfortable and feel that you can open up. A key to that is making sure that you have the privacy to do that. Think about location; a quiet room, a different floor, maybe even sitting in your parked car. Wearing headphones can also be a great way to make sure that no one else can hear what your therapist is saying. It is important that you feel safe to talk.

Technology

Make sure that you are prepared for your session. Whether you are using a phone or a computer make sure that they are charged up. Check your camera and microphone before you begin the session to be confident that they will work.

Positioning

It is important that you are comfortable during the session. This isn\’t the time to pick the most uncomfortable chair you own. It is important to find a place where you feel comfortable but it is also important that you find a place where your phone or computer can be setup so that it is not constantly moving. It can be really hard for both therapists and patients to focus when cameras are constantly shifting.

Setting 

It can be tempting to go to therapy in your pajamas in bed. But therapy is work. Our behaviors dictate the way that we think about certain situations. If you come to a session dressed as you normally would sitting up you are telling your brain that it is time to focus. Both therapist and clients need to work to maintain the professionalism of therapy even when doing it from homes.

Prepare

Depending on your therapist you may be asked to have certain things ready for the session. For children, a therapist might ask that coloring supplies and paper be available for instance. Either way think about the types of things that you have in a therapy office that you would like near you. Do you want to have tissues near by? Are you someone that likes to play with stress balls and other objects in your hands during session? Make sure that you have everything that you would want in a regular session near by.

 

Telehealth sessions are different but they can be a great opportunity to connect with your therapist in a new way. This is a chance when you can show them a little bit more about yourself if you feel comfortable. It may be more convenient for your schedule. For some, telehealth may be the only option based on physical or mental health limitations. Be willing to adapt and provide your therapist with feedback so that you can work together to make the sessions a success.