Many therapists in the United States and probably across the globe have switched to some or all virtual sessions. It all shifted so quickly that I’m amazed the Internet didn’t collapse! Between everyone streaming movies, shows, games, and exercise classes, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well my online sessions with clients have gone and how well my clients adapted to this new medium.
I’ve been doing online therapy, or teletherapy, with a few clients for about a year, so I’m familiar with the platform. A lot of free training is available to help therapists get online and feel more comfortable, but I haven’t seen much to help our clients feel more at ease with this “new normal.”
Sitting in the client’s seat
I experienced the discomfort first-hand as I got ready to meet my therapist online for the first time this week. I’ve been advocating for the switch with my clients, but when it was my turn, I found I wasn’t as enthusiastic at all! Some of the thoughts that went through my head were:
“Maybe I don’t need a session this week.”
“It can’t possibly be as meaningful as in person.”
“I wish I’d just cancelled my session.”
I like going to my therapist’s office, and I was a little frustrated that I had to do this “new thing at home.” We talked and I laughed about my own discomfort as we met through our screens. Guess what? My session went really well! I got so much out of the session.
Experiencing virtual therapy myself gave me a lot of perspective and I felt so much compassion for my clients who have to do this “new thing.”
So, I thought it might be helpful to share some things that might help you if you’re going through a something similar, or if you’re considering therapy for the first time and your sessions will be online.
Here are a few tips for client of online therapy:
1. You’re probably going to feel a little nervous about seeing your therapist online if you’ve never done it that way before. Your therapist will probably be nervous, too, especially if it’s new for them too.
Meeting a therapist in a new space in a new way feels different, and that can make us feels uncomfortable and anxious. That’s totally normal! Talking to your therapist about your feelings can help you feel comfortable as you get more familiar this new platform.
2. If possible, find a place in your home where you feel at ease and have a comfy place to sit. As a therapist, I go to great lengths to make my office feel like a sanctuary. A place you come to and say, “Ahhhh…”
We will talk about difficult issues in session and we want you to feel supported even in your discomfort. So, do your best to find a place where you can relax when meeting virtually with your therapist.
3. Privacy is very important. When you go to your therapist’s office, there’s good chance you’ve come across a white noise machine. That’s because we want our conversation in the therapy room to be private. Now, you don’t necessarily need a white noise machine, but you do want to find a place in your home where you can talk freely.
If you have to monitor your voice level or are worried about someone listening to your conversation, address this with your therapist. Maybe you can find an alternative solution, like calling or meeting virtually in your car, or another private place.
Using headphones or earbuds can help, too. That way, you are the only one hearing your therapist’s voice.
4. There will be glitches! Technology is rarely seamless. Screens will freeze, voices will sound disjointed of clipped, or you might not be able to connect at all online. Those issues can be very frustrating. The amazing thing is that, most of the time, it works really well. So, try not to get too discouraged if a video session isn’t perfect.
I’ve opted to call clients by phone when the online technology is working against us. Your therapist might not be able to provide this option if your insurance won’t allow phone calls, but your therapist might be able to suggest other options.
5. If you’ve always met your therapist in their office, know that we are in this new space together. You will get used to it. The discomfort will fade, and therapy will continue to be a source of support, learning, comfort, acceptance and growth.
As we move forward in this new world where entire countries can be affected by health concerns, I’m grateful for the virtual spaces where we can feel connected to our families, friends, colleagues and our therapists!
If you enjoyed this blog post and would like more insights into living with anxiety, tune into the Woman Worriers podcast. In each weekly 30-minute episode, host Elizabeth Cush, LCPC, and her guests explore living with anxiety, relationships, parenting, surviving trauma and other topics and offer insights into mindfulness, meditation and other helpful resources.
Elizabeth Cush, LCPC is a therapist, blogger, creator and host of the Woman Worriers podcast, and the owner of Progression Counseling in Annapolis, Md and she’s been featured in these major publications. Elizabeth helps busy, overwhelmed men and women manage their anxiety and stress so they can live their lives with more ease, contentment and purpose. If you'd like to know more about how individual, online and group therapy can help ease anxiety and stress, contact me!
