Tips for getting the most out of online counselling
By now many of us are familiar with the dos and don’ts of online meetings i.e. the technicalities of Zoom and Teams, not sitting in front of a window etc., but have you given much thought to what other steps you might take to help you get the most out of online counselling?
Working with your therapist online has many benefits. Convenience and accessibility are usually at the top of the list for many clients. What’s often missing is the journey to and from your therapist’s counselling practice, and how that journey can be used to think about what you want to discuss. The same is true of the journey back, where you are given time and space to process the session and what you talked about.
Over the years I’ve been counselling online, I’ve shared my suggestions to improve your experience with my online clients, and had very positive feedback. So here are some tips for online counselling you might want to try:
Before Your Session
If working from home, separate your time by having a 5- 10-minute break away from your desk and computer before your session is due to begin. Please put away any mobile or smart devices so they don’t distract you before or during the session.
Use that time to prepare for the session and think about what’s around for you and what you might like to bring to this session. After all this is your time to focus on yourself.
If at all possible, move to a different room or space than the one you use for your work. This will help you separate the two events and try to replicate the “before “space you get by travelling to a face-to-face counselling session.
If possible don’t use your work computer or handheld mobile devices for the session.
After Your Session
Repeat the short break. Get up and move to a different space, get a cup of coffee/tea, and if possible, get some fresh air/take a walk. This will give you time for your mind to calm after your session, and process some of what you talked about.
I hope you find these tips for online counselling helpful and I wish you well in your therapy journey.
