Online Therapy: Getting the Best Out of It
The COVID-19 outbreak is currently compelling psychologists and their clients to move psychology sessions to Telehealth and online therapy.
If you’re new to the world of psychological support via video or phone, you may find the idea of consulting your psychologist via these means somewhat daunting. Common concerns include:
“I won’t be able to connect as well”
“I don’t have privacy at home”
“Therapy won’t be as effective”
In fact, studies have shown Telehealth and online therapy services are just as effective as in-person therapy and the relationship can be just as strong ¹.
However, there are few key tips worth noting, which will ensure you get the most out of your Telehealth and online therapy experience.
Tips for Using Telehealth and Online Therapy Services
Tip 1: Choose the right online psychologist for you. Nothing is more important than picking a psychologist suited to your needs and personality. If you engage a well-suited psychologist, your consultations will be a success regardless of whether they’re in person or via Telehealth. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to research a good psychologist for you (for where to start, read blog post – How to Find a Good Telehealth and Online Therapy Service).
Tip 2: Create privacy. With increased privacy you are feel free to talk openly to your psychologist and reap the rewards of confiding in a trusted support. Ideally you can consult your psychologist alone in a room, whether it’s a study, bedroom (or bathroom!). You can also minimise sound travelling through the home by using ear phones connected to your computer.
Tip 3: Improve the visual and audio connection. Spend at least ten minutes prior to your Telehealth appointment to tweak the visual and audio quality. It’s worth running a test before you get started. To improve the engagement with your online psychologist, sit relatively close to the computer, so your chest, shoulders and head are in full view. Your psychologist should also ensure good visual and audio quality.
Tip 4: Create comfort. This may sound menial, but feeling cosy and comfortable during your online therapy session will create warmth in the process. Most people love coming to a comfortable therapy room, which are often full of soft cushions, comfy couches and pleasant décor. To create comfort in your online therapy space, use a comfortable chair, make yourself a coffee or tea and wear warm comfy clothing.
Tip 5: Take it seriously. One of the biggest problems with Telehealth and online therapy is it can sometimes be treated too casually. That is, you don’t need to prepare for leaving the house by having a shower, grooming yourself or eating a meal. However, successful therapy is partly owed to feeling motivated to change. Therefore, if you, for example, slide into your slippers and dressing gown before sitting at your desk to conduct your Telehealth session, you’re unlikely to feel very motivated. Similarly, therapy is more successful if you view your therapist as trustworthy and professional. Therefore, it’s important to treat the online therapy experience as a professional meeting. So, prior to your online session – get ready as if you were leaving the house, be on time, and prepare for topics you wish to talk about.
How does Peaceful Mind Psychology Run Telehealth and Online Therapy Sessions?
Our Melbourne based team at Peaceful Mind Psychology are offering Telehealth and online therapy support via video or phone. We offer video sessions via Skype, Zoom or Coviu during business hours as well as after-hours. Our psychologists are all warm and professional, making it easy to build a relationship with your psychologist via the online platform.
Call us today to be personally matched to a psychologist who suits your needs and personality.