What a weird time to be a therapist am I right? We’re lucky to be able to do telehealth therapy but I know this is new and anxiety provoking for some folks. I’ve been doing it for quite a while as I moved states so I put this together in case it’s helpful. Video sessions can be really powerful in their own way, free from distraction, focused and private with no commute. Also it can be lovely, comfortable and cozy for us and for clients. (And it’s a bonus to see clients home and meet their pets). Here are some Tips for Successful Telehealth Therapy:

Get the best internet connection you can. Be as close to the modem as possible. If you can plug in that’s even better.

Update your browser to the latest version.

Restart your computer and close everything else that’s running before beginning.

Get a laptop stand or stack books - make sure the camera is at eye level. No one wants to look up your nose.

Goes without saying: have a confidential quiet place, make sure to explain this to clients beforehand and let them know they’re responsible for creating their own confidentiality. Ask them how private a place they are in. I’ve had clients do session from their cars or the bathroom of their home.

Turn off all notifications on your computer and ask clients to be in a space clear of distractions.

Practice with a friend to see how it works logistically and what’s behind you etc. IMO it’s better to have something other than a blank wall to let clients eyes wander so they don’t feel that pressure to maintain their gaze, but still looks like a professional setting.

Try getting used to video yourself so it feels more natural and comfortable to you.

Use headphones with a mic and encourage clients to do the same. This will give the clearest sound, increase confidentiality and will help blank out any outside noise but it will not do so completely. You may still want to use a white noise machine.

Email clients reminders with instructions till they get the hang of it.

If you run into connection problems mute computers and call your client so if the video glitches or freezes behind you, you can keep talking. Explain this might happen to clients beforehand and have their phone number handy.

Allow for extra time between clients in case of technical issues and promise clients they will get their full hour to decrease any anxiety.

Make sure you’re comfortable. I like to have tea, water, a leg rest to put my legs up, pen, paper, a throw over my lap, and my notepad. Also put your phone inside of a drawer and close that drawer. The temptation and automatic response we can have to fiddle with our phone is real. If you think you’re getting away with it discreetly, you’re not. I can tell when clients look at their phone and lose their focus.

If you can get a clock, do it. It’s obvious when your eyes dart up right to look at the time.

In between clients look out the window at the sky, give your eyes a rest from staring at the screen.

Now that we’re working from home be diligent about finding some separation between “work” and “personal”. Have an actual end to your day as if you’re leaving your office. I would discourage from working from your bedroom if possible but if you have no other choice make an office space and close it down when the work day is over.

If I think of more tips I’ll add them. Good luck, this can be a lot to get used to for us and our clients and I wish you a smooth transition.