Life isn’t stopping, even with all the day-to-day changes, which means your care shouldn’t change either. Online therapy might be new for many, even those who have incorporated therapy into their weekly schedule for a few years, and it can feel like a big change. To make sure you get the most out of your care, we’ve put together a few tips as you start your online therapy experience.
What to Expect
In general, not much about the session will change. Your therapist will look at you directly, talk to you, ask you questions, and give you their undivided attention as if you were in an office or meeting room together. The first thing to expect when planning an online therapy session is choosing a method of communication (Google Meets, Zoom, etc). Online therapy might make it more difficult to read body language, or nonverbal cues that are easier to pick up on in person. In addition, for those who need the stability of patterns and repetition, it could be difficult to adjust at the beginning.
How to Prepare
First, don’t overthink it! Prepare for your session the way you normally would. What do you usually like to wear? Do you do your hair, brush your teeth? Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and ready to get work is what you should be doing. Keep in mind that to be “on-time”, you will want to have your computer set up in advance, so be sure to download the programs you need and test them out to make sure there aren’t any issues before the session, to be sure no time will be wasted. If the office you normally go to has tissues or candies, consider putting them on the desk as you set up the call! Choose a place in your home that has reliable internet and a comfortable place to sit, preferably away from any loud noises or disturbances that could distract you. Make sure everyone in the home knows not to interrupt you unless absolutely necessary, and schedule at least a few minutes after the session for you to process.
Trusting the Process
Finally, just like an in-person therapy session, there will be moments of frustration, confusion, and doubt. Asking questions like, “Is this helping?” “Is this the right situation/therapist for me?” “Is all of this worth it?” is perfectly normal, and not in any way shameful. Trusting the process doesn’t mean not questioning your treatment and making adjustments, but rather acknowledging that it’s difficult to see change or progress until time has passed and you can see things in a bigger perspective. Have patience with yourself, your process, and your therapist as you all work together to make your online sessions a valuable resource for you. Contact us to learn more about online therapy, and our services.