Video Therapy: Being ‘virtual ready’ for your sessions.
Video therapy is equally as effective as in-person therapy; for most people. People have different preferences and needs, and sometimes these can impact the decision for attending psychotherapy in person or via video. Read below for some tips on how to enhance your video therapy experience or what to consider for your first session.
Video therapy can offer the ideal solution for people; you can engage in psychotherapy from the comfort and safety of your environment, which can make it easier to open up without the need to travel to the session location.
It is also possible to attend therapy in a 'hybrid-way': by attending sessions or consultations with a combination of in-person and online video sessions, which can support working around a changing schedule. Not sure what is right for you? Feel free to book a consultation or a brief phone call to explore if video, in person, or a combination of in-person and video meetings are ideal for you and your needs.
Here, I outline some tips for getting ready for your (first) therapy session or consultation by video; and some of the main differences between video and in-person sessions.
Differences between video and in-person meetings:
Some of the biggest differences between in-person and online counselling are about the responsibility for the private and safe space: when meeting in person - I ensure the privacy and safety of the therapy room. When we meet virtually, some of these responsibilities are up to you:
For online counselling or video therapy we use encrypted video software, which is ‘browser based’ so you can log onto your session via your web browser. There are a few things you need to consider to ensure the best possible experience for yourself:
Do you have a room that is all yours, for the duration of the session/consultation? So you can talk about what is most important to you without feeling distracted.
Can you speak freely and connect virtually to your session undisturbed? Some people like to stick a note on their door with for example, “do not disturb”.
Do you have a private computer and private WiFi to connect from? Ensure you are using a secured WiFi network and consider if others could see the website access if you are using a shared device.
During a video session, I also always connect virtually from a confidential space, via the encrypted software and a private WiFi network. Now, for details on how to have a positive experience when meeting virtually for a video therapy/consultation, read on for a brief checklist.
Checklist for a smooth video session:
Have a lot of (work) video meetings? These tips can help to separate the therapy/consultation from the rest of your day. Where you can, try and change things up for the video therapy/consultation: e.g. swap chairs, take the video therapy from a different room or different angle of your desk and/or use a personal tablet/laptop. You can also try to ‘change’ the same room, by for example using a scented candle or changing the lighting in your room to give it a different atmosphere during the therapy/consultation session.
Log in 5 minutes before your meeting and double-check that your sound and camera are working. The software I use has chat support for technical difficulties too.
Make sure to turn off or silence the notifications on your phone and your computer notifications, to avoid interruptions and distractions.
Is there fresh air coming into your room? This can help focus and feel comfortable.
Have a glass of water with you and some tissues. One of the benefits of video therapy is that you can bring your favourite tea or a glass of water! Generally, I recommend not to drink coffee right before or during a session as this can also increase anxiety levels.
Heating/cooling, to make yourself as comfortable as possible during a session. For example, you can have a blanket with you in case you feel cold, or open the window for fresh air.
Pen & paper. Sometimes it can be helpful for us to draw something on paper, or some people like to write something down at the end of their session.
Hopefully, these tips help to either enhance your experience of your video sessions or give food for thought for preparing for your first video therapy session. Not sure what is right for you? Or wish to explore what working together can look like? Feel free to book a consultation or a brief phone call to explore what fits you at this point in your life.
