6 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Online Counseling Sessions

6 TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF ONLINE COUNSELING SESSIONS  

Online counseling, or telehealth, is relatively new in the medical and mental health field so we don’t yet have a TON of research to know if video or face-to-face counseling is better, or for what things it might be better for. Here is what we do know: studies that looked at treating depression, anxiety, stress, panic disorder using cognitive behavioral strategies were helpful whether it was done through video or face-to-face. Using technology such as video, text reminders, etc. were helpful in improving health, such as with quitting smoking, managing diabetes, weight loss, and sticking with a medication regimen.

For many of us, using technology such as Skype or Facetime, is just another means of connecting with people and so much of what we might talk about in a therapy session will be just like having the session in person (although your psychologist or counselor should use a secure system instead of Skype or Facetime. So, whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, or health problems, here are 6 ways in which you can make the most out of your Online sessions with your provider:

1. Allow time to make sure your webcam and microphone are working. You don’t want to be frazzled right before your appointment because of technology glitches.
2. Make sure you have privacy. Part of what makes therapy so helpful is knowing that you control who knows what. Wear headphones if that will be you relax, knowing that others outside of the room can’t hear what your psychologist says to you.
3. Make sure you have enough light in the room and that the camera is set back a bit so your therapist can see you well. A lot of communication is through facial expressions and body language so keep the lights on so he/she can see you and the camera back enough so they can see you at least from the waist up, if not your whole body.
4. Close other browsers or programs that might use up a lot of the bandwidth on your server so that the internet connect is smooth.
5. Eliminate distractions. If you have children, perhaps put a movie on for them in another area of the house or find childcare for the hour. If you have a pet that likes a lot of attention, see if they can snuggle up with you quietly or put them outside.
6. Put your cell phone on silent or turn it off. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a therapy session only to have your thoughts or feelings interrupted by buzzing or ringing.

If you are interested in Online counseling sessions with me I’d love to talk with you about what your looking for and get started on the journey of health and happiness!  Call me at 539-777-1129 for your free 15 minute consultation.

Serving Broken Arrow, Tulsa, and all of Oklahoma!