The Complete Guide to Enjoying Online Counseling
If you are new to online therapy, the process of adjusting to participating in therapy at your home or office may be a bit overwhelming. Here are a couple of suggestions to make the process easier.
Privacy
In an ideal world, you could meet with your therapist all alone in a quiet soothing space…. most people (myself included) don’t have that option. You may have to get creative to find some privacy
Think outside of the traditional “room” box. Can’t meet in your living room? No problem. Consider meeting in your bedroom, and if that isn’t a good option a closet, bathroom or garage will work too. I’ve had clients “meet” with me in their cars or backyards too. The setting doesn’t matter as long as you feel you have enough privacy to share.
Bring on the Noise. You can create more privacy by turning on a sound machine or a bathroom fan. You could also play light music to muffle sound.
Wear Headphones. Wearing headphones will allow you to talk more quietly and hear your therapist more clearly. This also prevents anyone from hearing your therapist’s side of the conversation.
Video
If you get distracted by seeing yourself on video, you can cover your side of the conversation up with a sticky note or sheet of paper.
You can turn up the brightness settings on your computer or phone to see things more clearly if you aren’t able to turn on more lights in your location.
Comfort
Doing something different can feel uncomfortable. It’s OK to feel uncomfortable, nervous or anxious. Talk to your therapist about this, they are there to help you work through those feelings.
No matter where you are, make sure you are physically comfortable enough to make it through your hour appointment. That might mean turning up the heat in your car or pilling pillows on the bathroom floor. Do what you need to do to feel cozy.
You probably don’t want to have to hold your phone or look down at your computer in your lap. Don’t be afraid to get props to lift your device so you can be hands free.
Be Flexible
Online therapy will be different from going into the office. Practice staying flexible. Allow yourself (and your therapist) to be a beginner. You may start out using online therapy with a lot of fear and anxiety, and eventually end up loving it! (and you may not). Staying flexible and open will allow you to make the most out of the experience at hand.
Tired of putting off therapy until you can “meet in person again?” I’d love to help you decrease you anxiety and finally find joy again. Schedule your free consultation to learn more.
Hey! I'm Samantha, a professional counselor living and working in Asheville, North Carolina. I help stressed out professionals at the top of their game ditch perfectionism so that they can find joy! Sound like you? I’d love to connect. Schedule you free consultation to get started.
