Make the Most of Virtual Therapy

Telehealth or teletherapy sessions are part of the new normal. Now you can meet with a professional from the comfort of your home if you don’t like a traditional office setting. Or, you can see a therapist whose office isn’t within driving distance. While teletherapy is great for those reasons, it can have its drawbacks as well. Some people feel it’s not as personable or that it’s difficult to make virtual therapy sessions run smoothly compared to in-person. If you feel that teletherapy is the best fit for you, you can still get just as much out of it as traditional therapy sessions. You can avoid virtual therapy pitfalls by properly preparing yourself. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of teletherapy…

1. Check your internet/fix any technical issues beforehand
   Internet and other technical issues can occur at any point in the telehealth process. To minimize glitches and technical mishaps, make sure that you have a solid internet connection. You can do this by checking with your provider or testing the wifi yourself. In addition, get familiar with the platform that your provider uses. If it’s Zoom or Webex, testing out the platform prior to the start of the session will help you feel more comfortable.

2. Use headphones
   Grab a pair of headphones and connect them prior to the session. Using headphones eliminates background noises and allows you to really focus on your session. It will also make the session feel more intimate, as if you are physically in the room with your therapist; this will help with developing rapport and building a connection.

3. Set up a comfortable, designated space for therapy
   The best part about telehealth sessions is that you can make the environment as comfortable as you want. Take advantage of this opportunity by designating a space just for therapy and making it your own. Consider where you’ll sit. Maybe you prefer therapy at a desk so you can focus, or you’d rather sit on a comfortable couch to feel at ease. Also take lighting into account. Do you prefer to have a candle lit to ease your mind or would you like natural light to feel more energized? Customize your space to your needs and preferences to set yourself up for success in therapy.

4. Minimize distractions
   A difficult aspect of virtual therapy is staying focused on the conversation. It’s not easy to keep your attention on the screen if there are many things going on around you! Minimize distractions by picking a space where you can close the door and have privacy. If you don’t have a space indoors that’s private, consider going outside in your backyard or sitting in your car during the session. Digital distractions are just as distracting as external ones! You can feel more present during the session by putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode and minimizing other tabs on your computer.

Telehealth is a new and helpful practice for people who aren’t comfortable with traditional therapy. If you feel that virtual therapy aligns with what you’re looking for, that’s great! At the same time, prepare for virtual therapy like you would for traditional therapy. Prep your space and your mindset so that you can be present during the conversation. By putting in the extra effort, you can get the most out of virtual therapy!