Delivering therapy online offers convenience and flexibility for both therapists and clients, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.
To ensure effective and comfortable therapy sessions, there are a few key areas to focus on managing eye strain, finding a private space for client privacy, using headphones, and ensuring devices are charged and ready for video sessions.
Let's explore these factors and how they impact the online therapy experience.
Managing Eye Strain
Online therapy often involves long periods of looking at a screen, which can lead to eye strain for both therapists and clients. To minimize eye strain:
Adjust Lighting: Keep your workspace well-lit with soft, indirect light. Avoid harsh lighting or glare on the screen.
Take Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
Blink Often: Blinking frequently can keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness or irritation.
Screen Position: Position your screen at eye level and about an arm's length away to minimize strain on your eyes and neck.
Private Space for Client Privacy
Privacy is crucial for effective therapy sessions. Both therapists and clients should ensure they have a quiet, private space for their online sessions:
Choose a Secure Location: Find a space where you can close the door and minimize interruptions from others.
Soundproofing: Use noise-canceling headphones or soundproofing materials to maintain confidentiality and block out background noise.
Respect Boundaries: Inform family members or housemates about your session times to avoid interruptions.
Background Triggering: It's important to acknowledge that certain elements in the background can trigger emotions or reactions in clients. This could include items such as children's artwork, certain images, or paintings. Therapists may consider blurring the background during sessions to create a more neutral environment and reduce potential triggers.
Client's Living Situation
Clients facing challenges finding a quiet space for therapy sessions, particularly in shared environments or with children present, require special consideration. Therapists should acknowledge these circumstances and prioritize creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable. This includes making space for interruptions while also encouraging clients to take steps to minimize distractions and fully engage in the session for maximum benefit.
Headphones for Clear Audio
Using headphones can improve the quality of the session for both the therapist and client:
Clear Audio: Headphones help reduce background noise and echo, providing clear, focused audio for the session.
Comfortable Fit: Choose comfortable headphones that you can wear for extended periods without discomfort.
Microphone Quality: Some headphones come with built-in microphones that can enhance the quality of your voice during the session.
Charged Devices for Video Sessions
Reliable technology is essential for smooth video sessions. Make sure your devices are ready to go before each session:
Check Battery Levels: Ensure your devices are fully charged before the session starts to avoid interruptions.
Use a Wired Connection: If possible, use a wired internet connection for a more stable and reliable connection.
Test Equipment: Before each session, test your camera and microphone to ensure they are working correctly.