It’s been a while since you’ve had a chance to chat with a therapist. Yet, now you’re ready to connect again either through phone or video online therapy.
But this method is different from just going to the therapist’s office and sitting for a session. That experience felt more personable, and it was easier to connect with the counselor. Will you be able to have the same feeling through video or phone therapy sessions?
The answer is yes!
You can still be connected and understood. Having that link is so important, especially if you have been struggling lately.
Here’s what you need to know before connecting for phone therapy or online counseling.
Test Your Technology
Before participating in video or phone online therapy sessions, it’s a good idea to test out the technology you will be using. Troubleshooting during a session is way too stressful and will detract from the experience.
Some ideas to do this include:
- If you’ll be using a cellular device for a phone therapy session, test the phone to make sure it has an adequate signal. Call someone you know from the location you plan to have therapy.
- For video online therapy, give the device you’ll be using a trial run and make sure your camera works. For example, have a video chat with a family member or friend if you are not used to doing so already.
It’s also important to have a backup plan in case you do run into a problem. For example, when engaging in video counseling, have the phone number of your therapist ready in case you lose the signal. That way you can pick up again quickly and note feel like you are wasting time.
Know What You Want to Talk About
This is a good idea whether you are in a face-to-face therapy appointment or engaging in video or phone therapy sessions. You don’t need to have a script written out. However, you can jot down a few key points that you want to make sure you cover during your therapy session.
This will also be helpful to your therapist so that they can better guide you through your appointment. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you wasted precious time in session and didn’t get something productive out of it.
Prepare Yourself for Your Sessions
It’s important to be ready for the appointment so that you are relaxed and able to engage. This is true whether you are talking on the phone or via an online video platform.
To be ready, consider some of the following things, for example:
- Prepare the room or space where you will be having therapy. Organize and clean it so there is no clutter.
- Have a suitable background for video calls.
- Keep a water bottle or cup of tea handy.
- Eliminate distractions by turning off the TV or other devices.
- Ask for privacy from other household members.
- Use headphones or earbuds to reduce how much others can hear. Privacy from your end is very important.
- Be ready for the call several minutes before the scheduled time. That way you are not racing frantically up until the very last second.
If you can assure these things, you’re prepared as best as possible for successful online counseling sessions.
Avoid Speaking Over the Other Person
One aspect of online therapy—whether it’s video or phone therapy sessions—is being able to read the cue when to speak up in a dialogue. When you are talking with someone in person, it’s easier to read their body language and facial expressions. You can pick up when they have made their point and are done talking. However, this is harder when doing therapy long-distance.
For instance, when talking on the phone you might not realize that the other person is done talking before you speak up. Even with video chat, there is less body movement than if you were talking in person. Also, with both mediums, there can be a signal delay, which means you wind up talking over each other.
If this does happen, don’t worry too much. Apologize and let the other person continue with what they were saying.
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Phone or video therapy sessions online can, with a little foresight, be just as helpful as in-person therapy. Once you have gone through one session, you’ll find that it gets easier to utilize the platform and get the most out of your next sessions. Contact me to find out how we can get started.
