Getting the Most Out of Your Telehealth Therapy SessioNS

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It wasn’t until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that many people began opening up to the idea of starting therapy virtually. Now, telehealth has often become the preferred way to meet with a therapist, and for good reason. In fact, I began my work in person and have since transitioned to being 100% telehealth because of the flexibility, comfort, and accessibility it provides for both clients and clinicians. I love that I can meet with folks anywhere in Virginia and North Carolina.

If you're new to telehealth, here are some simple tips to help you set yourself up for success, whether you're coming to therapy as an individual or part of a couple:

• Find a comfortable, private spot, ideally with a cozy chair or couch. Add a blanket, a box of tissues, or even a pet if that feels comforting.
• Choose a location with good lighting, ideally natural light or a lamp in front of you so I can see you clearly.
• Aim for visibility and try to position your device so that I can see your face and upper torso.
• Use headphones or AirPods if you live with others. This protects your privacy (in case someone’s listening nearby, they’ll only hear your voice) and improves sound quality for both of us.
• Consider using a white noise machine outside your door for added privacy.
• Make sure your device is stable and place your phone, tablet, or computer on a solid surface to reduce movement and microphone noise.

• Restart your router, modem, and computer on the day of your session. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
• Run a free internet speed test before your session to catch any potential slowdowns (just Google "Internet speed test").
• Make sure your software (Simple Practice or whatever platform we’re using) is updated and ready to go.

• Sit together on a couch with a device in front of you on a table, if possible, so I can see both of you.
• Headphones for both partners are ideal but not always necessary or possible.
• Some couples prefer calling from separate rooms, especially if it feels more comfortable or helps with focus.
• A unique benefit of being in separate rooms is that both partners can more clearly see each other’s faces on screen, which can sometimes enhance communication. I don't recommend this for every session but sometimes it can be a good change.
• If one partner is traveling (within Virginia or North Carolina), you can still call in from different locations, just let me know ahead of time of your exact location.

To protect the integrity of our work together and help you get the most out of each session, I ask that clients follow a few basic guidelines:

• No substance use before or during sessions. This includes alcohol, marijuana, or any other mind altering substances. If I become aware that this has occurred, I will need to end the session and reschedule. I completely understand that some couples might feel relaxed and comfortable enough to reach for a glass of wine during therapy, but I kindly ask that you wait until after our session ends.
• Please silence all notifications. That includes text messages, app alerts, and email buzzes. These can be surprisingly distracting (for both of us), and I often find clients are tempted to check them, even when they don’t mean to. If you're expecting a time sensitive call or message, just let me know ahead of time and I can make necessary accommodations.
• Limit interruptions whenever possible. I understand that life happens, especially if you're juggling kids, roommates, or busy households. While I welcome pets (and even enjoy meeting them!), I do ask that they don’t take over the session. If something is making it hard to concentrate, let’s talk about it and we’ll figure it out together.

My goal is to offer you a space where you can be present, focused, and supported. I’ll always do my part to create that, and I appreciate your help in creating it too.