how to make the most out of online therapy sessions

Online therapy is fast becoming a necessity for therapists to be able to communicate with and support clients. Many people find they actually prefer remote therapy from the comfort of their own home, particularly as we face more restrictions and local lockdowns in the UK. Before a vaccine is developed for COVID-19, online therapy can be more reassuring for those worried about the safety of face to face sessions. It also enables us as therapists to reach and support more people, which is especially important, given the impact of the pandemic on emotional wellbeing and mental health.

 

Wondering how online therapy works? Find out more in our blog post here. 

 

As is the case with other online calls such as work meetings or Zoom quizzes with friends, online therapy is most effective if both the therapist and client are properly prepared. To find out how to make the most of your online therapy sessions please keep reading.

 

Find a quiet and confidential space

 

Many are now finding they prefer counselling at home as they are more comfortable in their own surroundings and this helps them to relax. However for some people who have busier households finding a quiet place may be more problematic.

Try to treat the session as you would a private work or personal call, find the quietest spot in your home and try to arrange for a time when your family or flatmates are out. If this isn’t possible, explain to those in your household that you need peace and quiet for the dedicated time. It is important that you can talk freely without worrying about being overheard. If you think this could be difficult you could play some music or put the TV on outside the room to avoid being overheard.

If you’re still finding it difficult to find peace and quiet at home, sitting in your car is an alternative for some or maybe walk and talk therapy could be more suited to you? Find out more here.

 

Set up your technology before hand

 

Five or ten minutes before each session do the following:

  • Test your microphone

 

  • Make sure the sound is working properly

 

  • Check that your camera will go on

 

  • Make sure your laptop or device is charged or plug the charger in

 

  • You might want to use headphones, get them ready and untangled

 

  • Test your wifi and sit in a spot where it will work smoothly without disrupting your call

 

  • Turn off or logout of other apps or websites which show notifications such as Facebook or emails, so nothing is popping up and interrupting your session
  • Turn your phone on silent or leave it in another room

 

Make your space comfortable and distraction free

 

Sit somewhere comfortable where you can relax and with as few distractions as possible. It can help to sit near a window to see natural light, unless there are too many distractions outside.

Make a cup of tea or a glass of water and a pen and paper to take notes from the session may be useful.

Try to focus on your therapist and not your own image on the screen. If you are finding seeing your own image distracting, you can sometimes set the screen to only show your therapist or you can stick a sticker or post-it note over your face on the screen, so you can fully immerse yourself in the session.

 

Take a moment for yourself after each session

 

In the same way that you may be encouraged to take a moment after an online work meeting to gather your thoughts, take notes and get some fresh air or refreshment, it is important to do this after an online therapy session too.

Don’t just shut the laptop and move onto the next thing in your day. After face to face therapy, you usually have a walk or a drive home to reflect. Try to do this after your remote counselling – go for a walk, journal how you feel or do some breathing exercises for a couple of minutes before you move on with your day.

 

Embrace the move to online therapy

 

Follow these tips, allow yourself time to prepare for and to reflect on each session, and you will find that online therapy can as effective or even more beneficial than face to face therapy. If you have any concerns, speak to krysallis or your therapist about them and they may be able to provide further suggestions to make it more accessible and comfortable for you.

 

We hope you find this helpful and utilise these tips to help you to make the most of your online therapy.

krysallis have a team of qualified, experienced and skilled therapists who offer bespoke online therapy, check it out here: https://www.krysallis.org.uk/individual-services/online-therapy/

If you’re looking to try therapy or think your loved one may benefit from it, get a free consultation by reaching us here: https://www.krysallis.org.uk/about-us/contact/

If you you don’t feel online therapy is right for you at the present time, why not try our other socially distanced option, walk and talk therapy? Find out more about it here:https://www.krysallis.org.uk/individual-services/walk-and-talk-therapy/

 

Could you find one of our other blogs helpful? 

 

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