Getting the most from Your Telehealth Experience: Essential Guidelines for Clients

As we navigate therapy together in an increasingly digital world, telehealth has become a vital resource, offering flexibility, accessibility, and continuity. As a therapist, I am grateful on so many levels for this resource. And, as wonderful as it is, telehealth is not without its issues.

Benefits of Telehealth

• Accessibility: Therapy from the comfort of your home or any private space makes mental health support readily accessible. Whether you are at home or at work, you can take an hour for therapy without taking additional time for a drive. And you have access to many many more potential therapists - no longer limited to folks who are in driving distance.

• Continuity of Care: Ability to maintain consistent sessions even when life feels unpredictable, such as during illness or travel.

Recognizing the Challenges

• Less Personal Connection: Physical distance can sometimes make sessions feel less intimate or connected, though not everyone feels this way.

• Technical Difficulties: Internet interruptions or audio/video issues can disrupt the session flow and cause frustration.

• Environmental Distractions: Pets, family members, or household noises can distract and interrupt your focus.

Below are some practical guidelines to help you make the most out of telehealth sessions with your therapist, acknowledging the strengths and addressing the challenges.

Prioritize Privacy.

Privacy is a cornerstone of effective therapy. It's an absolute must. Here is how to ensure your sessions remain private:

• Choose Your Space Carefully: Select a private area free from interruptions. Nobody else should be in the room or able to listen without arranging that with your therapist. Consider using headphones or earbuds for added privacy. Consider turning on a fan just outside the room for white noise/noise canceling.

• Manage Interruptions: Inform household members about your session times. A "Do Not Disturb" sign can be helpful.

• Use Secure Devices: Conduct sessions on a secure device rather than a shared computer or public Wi-Fi, which could compromise confidentiality.

• If you are meeting from your car, give yourself extra time to find parking in a safe and private area with few passers by. Its never OK for you or your therapist to be driving while in therapy.

Set Yourself Up for Success.

Tech issues are a common, manageable challenge. And for lots of reasons, mindset is important. Do these things to increase the likelihood that the session goes smoothly:

• Check Your Tech: Before sessions, ensure your internet connection is stable and your device is fully charged or plugged in.

• Arrive a Minute or Two Early: Logging in a little early allows you to settle in and address technical issues calmly.

• Have a Backup Plan: Keep your phone and your therapist's contact info nearby to switch to a phone call if needed. Your therapist might call, text, or even email you to resolve tech issues. I always have a black-up telehealth platform or two that I can off my clients if my primary platform is down.

• Practice Patience: Tech glitches happen. Take a deep breath (and I will as well) — we'll navigate through them together calmly.

• Prepare Mentally and Emotionally: Spend a few moments before the session reflecting on your therapy goals and intentions. Breathe. Slow down.

• Transition back into the rest of your day: After the session, jot down notes to reinforce insights and clarify future discussion points. Take a minute to breathe, think about how you want to apply things you learned, when you will do homework, etc. Stand up, stretch, and move into the rest of your day.

Cameras on!

If a still picture is worth 1000 words, how much is a video worth?

• Non-Verbal Communication: Facial expressions and body language convey emotions and experiences that words alone might miss.

• Therapeutic Alliance: Seeing each other helps build trust, safety, and a stronger therapeutic bond.

• Engagement and Focus: Having video on enhances engagement and accountability for both client and therapist.

• You might get to meet your therapist's dog. :-)

Create a Therapeutic Environment.

Consider these simple adjustments to enhance your therapy experience:

• Comfort Matters: Sit somewhere comfortable yet upright, where you feel relaxed and attentive. Consider having tissues and a glass of water on hand.

• Lighting and Positioning: Good lighting and camera positioning enhance visibility, making it easier to see and respond to each other.

• Minimize Distractions: Clear the area around you and silence notifications on your devices to fully immerse yourself in the session.

• Have paper and pen available: You may want to jot down important insights or takeaways or keep track of homework.

Stay Open and Flexible.

Lastly, openness and flexibility are keys to a rewarding telehealth experience:

• Communicate Needs - Speak up! Share openly about what's working or challenging in your telehealth session. If you can only see half of your therapist's face, or they are backlit, let them know!

• Adapt Together: Be flexible and patient as you and your therapist adjust the approach to best suit your therapeutic needs.

By proactively addressing these practicalities, privacy, and technological considerations, telehealth can become a powerful pathway toward growth, healing, and well-being. You and your therapist are in this together. Together, you can navigate any obstacles with patience and compassion, ensuring your therapy is both meaningful and rewarding.

[Lynn Northrop, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience treating adults of all ages and training other providers. She practices in person in San Diego and via telehealth throughout CA and FL. Reach her through the Get In Touch page on her website.]

We are in this together.