Tips for Virtual Therapy
Teletherapy aka virtual therapy has widened access for so many people! My clients often tell me that virtual therapy is more convenient for their work schedules, they spend less time in traffic, and in general offers more flexibility. Obviously when COVID rates are high, this has been the safest option. Even now that rates are low and vaccines are abundant, teletherapy makes it easier for people struggling with anxiety about leaving their house, driving, or being in new places.
Here are a few tips to make the virtual experience as smooth and comfortable as possible!
Make your space as cozy as possible, whatever that means for you! Light your favorite candle, grab a blanket, spread out some crystals if that's your thing. Do this each session so it's part of your routine.
Have some tissues nearby—you never know!
Having a strong internet connection, your phone or computer charger nearby, and good earphones will make sessions run smoothly. I’ve been told that moving your internet modem a few feet off the floor makes the connection stronger.
Take advantage of being mobile! I’ve had clients do virtual sessions outside in a park, sitting in their car by the beach, or with their dog in their lap. We have the freedom to be most places (with adequate privacy and wifi) and experimenting with this could be fun!
I personally love when clients show me things around their space–this is obviously unique to each person’s comfort level. I’ve had clients show me their homes, significant belongings, family pictures, and even play instruments. These are things that in-person therapy usually isn’t able to incorporate, and it's fun to play around in this way.
Give yourselves some time before and after session before getting back to your day. Attending therapy in-person allows more transition time by traveling to session, so when doing telehealth try to give yourselves transition time too. Maybe you can go for a walk around the block or take some time to journal.
Hopefully these tips quelled any concerns you might have about virtual therapy. Virtual EMDR is much the same, but I will be posting about that separately, so look out for that!