Here we are almost 9 months into 2020 with Covid-19 altering the way we do just about everything. This has pushed all of us to learn how to be flexible and pivot how we are used to doing things - Including therapists and the experience of therapy. This can lead to lots of questions about does Telehealth therapy work and how do you even do it?

1. Do a little scouting. Ask friends and colleagues if they know any really great therapists. Do a google search or check with an online directory such as Therapy Den or Psychology Today to see if there is a Therapist who specializes in what you need and has current openings.

2. Pick up the phone or write an email. Just like a new doctor you need to reach out an ask if the therapist is taking new clients. Ask if they are meeting in person or online. Do you need to download an app in order to use the online platform or can you simply click a link and enter the online world of therapy.

3. Set up a private space to be in during your session. Privacy can be tricky when everyone is using home as a base for daily activities. Consider a laundry room, master bedroom closet, or car in a garage if you don’t have 100% privacy in the house like a home office. Having a door to close off the space can make it easier to settle into therapy. Often therapists will ask for a code word so if you’re interrupted you can quickly change the subject before that set of ears can overhear what is being said. In addition, make sure you have a strong internet connection for the duration of your session. For many people using headphones can help with sound quality and one-sided privacy.

4. Have a phone available, if there is a break in connection. Doing online sessions is new for many of us. In addition, schools and businesses are using online platforms at an increasing level and the bandwidth of platforms can be spotty. Don’t be too upset if there is a glitch in the platform. Tell your therapist if there is lag or refresh your screen. Depending on time of day or time of the year - it is possible to have the call drop no matter what platform is used. ( platforms such as Doxy.me, Zoom, Google Meet, etc) Use of a phone as a backup is essential. Bonus: practicing flexibility in the face of stress is a great personal goal.

5. It is necessary to tell the therapist where you actually are at this moment. This is different than when meeting a therapist in the office. Obviously, if there were an emergency in the office, the therapist could summon help on your behalf, because they know where you are. When meeting online, you could be at home, out running errands, at the office, in a park. If there happened to be an emergency it would be necessary for the therapist to know exactly where you are so they could send help your way. This is not therapists being nosy, simply trying to provide for your safety and wellbeing.

6. Telehealth can be as effective as in person therapy. Research has shown that deep work can happen with clients using online platforms. Consider that you might be sharing something vulnerable, but if you are at home surrounded by your pets, comforts of home and familiar surroundings you might feel even safer than in the therapists office. Clients have reported deeper work than they anticipated online. Even things like EMDR and other body based therapies can occur with modifications.

7. Speak up if something isn’t working for you. Therapists want to do quality work and help make you feel comfortable while doing it. If something isn’t working for you, by all means speak up. Making adjustments is part of the practice of therapy.

8. Maintain a sense of humor. This can help smooth over sometimes frustrating glitches; cats jumping up on keyboards, dogs barking or kids banging in the background. Road or yard workers may be heard in the background. If nothing else this can humanize the experience. A good laugh can help redirect an otherwise awkward situation.

I am currently accepting new clients. I am assessing the situation just as all of you are to see when it will be safe enough to return to seeing clients face to face. In the meantime, I am conducting TeleHealth sessions. Feel free to reach out and ask any other questions you may have. There are lots of moving parts with living in the present world - investing in yourself can be a wonderful excuse to make the best of this situation. I’d love to hear from you.