Virtual Therapy 101
Rolling out of bed and into therapy in your pyjamas sounds like a dream, right? But before you cozy up for your virtual counselling session, there are a few pro-tips that’ll help you feel grounded, connected, and ready to get the most out of your time.
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Why Virtual Counselling Is Here to Stay (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
Let’s be real: online therapy wasn’t just a pandemic thing – it’s the new norm. Between flexible scheduling, no commuting, and the comfort of your own home, virtual counselling gives you the freedom to focus on you.
If you’ve ever wondered “is virtual counselling right for me?”, the short answer is: probably yes. It’s private, accessible, and surprisingly intimate. All you need is a bit of prep and a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Set the Scene: Creating a Safe, Distraction-Free Space
When you’re home, distractions are everywhere – partners, pets, deliveries, that one noisy neighbour. To get the best from your session, choose a private space, turn off notifications, and let others know you’ll be unavailable for the next hour.
Use headphones to block sound, add white noise for privacy, and keep water and tissues nearby. Even small steps help you get fully present, because therapy is your time.
Tech, Body, and Mind: What to Bring Into Session
Before your session, check your internet connection, charge your device, and have a notebook ready to jot down key moments. If you’re tempted to take notes on your laptop – resist! Research shows handwriting actually helps with memory consolidation.
And yes, what you wear matters. You don’t need to suit up, but maybe swap the PJs for something that makes you feel alert and ready to engage.
Confidence on Camera: Overcoming Video Insecurities
Feeling awkward on camera? That’s totally normal. Remember, your counsellor isn’t judging your background, lighting, or your outfit. They’re focused on you. If privacy is an issue, take your session in your car, at a park, or via phone if video doesn’t feel comfortable. It’s about finding a space where you feel safe to be open and honest.Creating Privacy at Home
Here are some privacy suggestions for when you’re attending your counselling session from home when others are around:
- Stay in your bedroom or another private room and close the door. You can muffle sound by placing a towel along the bottom of the door or turn on a white noise machine, or TV or radio outside the room to obscure sound for privacy
- If you have a kiddo, consider setting them up with some music, a game or a show with personal headphones. Online therapy can be hard for at-home parents, so you might consider whether online therapy is practical, even though it is convenient
- Sit in your vehicle (parked!) for your session
- Sometimes you can access private spaces that are open to the public, such as reserving a private study room at the public library or in your school library
Click here to learn how to decide when it’s time to talk to a counsellor.
Are you ready to try virtual counselling?
Book a free consultation or your first session today. Let’s co-create a safe, distraction-free space where you can truly be you.
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