How to Prepare For Your Online Therapy Sessions

1. Find a private and quiet space – This may be harder for some that others but getting creative can help. You can use your car, garage, backyard, or even your bathroom if need be (but be prepared for a slightly echoed sound quality).
2. Make sure that your WIFI connection is reliable – We don’t have to say much about this one right?
3. Put up a sign or let other members of your household know that you are on an important call/meeting – Therapy is YOUR TIME to take care of yourself and having interruptions can sometimes mess up the flow so letting others know that you need some uninterrupted time and space is a good way to start.
4. Wear headphones and/or play white noise in the background – If you’re having session and other people are in nearby rooms, wearing headphones will ensure that no one else but you can hear what your therapist is saying. Additionally, a white noise machine or app played on a tablet or ipad just outside the door can also make you feel more comfortable. (here is a helpful link for free white noise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzjWIxXBs_s)
5. Keep a box of tissue nearby – Do you ever notice how many tissue boxes are in your therapist’s office? Our rooms have at least 2 each and you know what, we go through them pretty quickly. Spare a few squares of toilet paper or bring in a box of tissues so that if tears come up you are fully prepared.
6. Have a pen and paper handy – If your therapist is anything like the one’s in our offices who drop serious knowledge bombs and dish out really useful skills and tools, you’re going to want to jot some things down from time to time without having to get up and grab a notepad.
7. Get comfy by having a soft pillow and/or blanket nearby – Do you ever find yourself grabbing that one throw pillow at your therapist’s office and holding it in your lap during session or maybe running your fingers along the throw blanket. Those are self-soothing techniques and you can do the same thing at home!
8. Keep your phone/laptop charged – I don’t think we really need to say more about this one.
9. Before session, write down any topics you want to discuss – A lot can go down in our busy lives in just one week’s time, jotting down a few thoughts, feelings or issues that came up during the week will help you stay on track during session
10. Keep your cell phone handy – You never know when your internet connection might drop or the video platform may be overwhelmed so having your phone handy will allow your provider to reach out to you to keep your session going.

We hope these tips will be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
RLPG Staff