5 Strategies to Make Your Virtual Therapy Sessions a Success

By Kelly Bond

Sara Torda/Pixabay

The use of teletherapy has skyrocketed in the past few years. Teletherapy is remote therapy where the therapist communicates with their clients via the internet. Research suggests that teletherapy is as successful as in-person therapy. The coronavirus pandemic has prevented in-person therapy sessions from happening. Therapists and their clients had to find resources that would connect them during this trying time. People have relied on video conference software, such as Zoom and Google Hangout, and Ready Set Connect to find a sense of normalcy during sessions. The switch from in-person to remote can be a difficult challenge as teletherapy is new to many people.

Therapists can incorporate these five strategies to make the most of their teletherapy sessions.

Reaching Normalcy

It is noteworthy to suggest that virtual therapy sessions feel different compared to in-person sessions. That does not mean you cannot receive the counseling you need from your therapist. One way to look at virtual therapy sessions is to think that this is the safest option there is right now. The Coronavirus pandemic continues to have a heavy presence in Los Angeles County. If we continue following protocols, then we all can be back to in-person therapy sessions soon.

Checklist

A tip is to have a checklist before you enter into your next session. Check if your internet connection is working. Check if the software you are using to connect with is functioning correctly. Make sure your computer or phone is in full charged and that the camera is working well. When working from home, it is easy to get distracted. Try to limit distractions by clearing your table of nonessential items. Find a spot in your home where there are the least distractions.

Be Patient

Patience is key here. Not everyone is familiar with teletherapy. People struggle to understand video conferencing software. Be mindful of others and lend a hand when possible. Also, many people struggle to be vulnerable and virtual sessions can make it harder to communicate. Be patient and work towards

Environment

Both the therapist and client should work towards creating a safe environment in their sessions. For example, create safe environment where the client feels comfortable speaking to their therapist. Virtual sessions can sometimes build a barrier in how a client

reciprocates their emotions. A therapist-client connection is essential because this connection allows therapists to understand how to help their clients.

Be Present

Be fully present and open in your virtual session. Try limiting distractions around you. A tip could be to imagine you are meeting the other in-person. You do not want to be distracted nor have any distractions in front of you. The therapist needs to be present to provide the best help to their clients, and the clients need to be present to get the most out of their session.

Therapists need to find the right platform to fit the needs of their clients. Ready Set Connect is an all-inclusive teletherapy platform that effectively manages online sessions. Be at ease knowing that you can easily manage and build client relationships all in one platform. To receive a free 30-day free trial, click here.

About Ready Set Connect is a secure HIPAA certified online therapy software for clinicians and educators. We are dedicated to providing better care to patients both in person and virtually.