Teletherapy has made counseling more accessible to people who lack private transportation, live in more remote areas or who have mobility issues. This option has also exploded in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have proven that teletherapy can be equally as effective as in-person counseling, so if you’re considering this option, you can look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with a trained therapist from the comfort of your home.
Working with a trusted mental health professional can be invaluable for your well-being, but if you’re new to therapy, you might not know where to start. Here’s some advice that can help you get the most from your teletherapy sessions.
1. Be Patient
Teletherapy can be an adjustment. Instead of receiving your counseling in a more formal setting such as an office, you’ll do so from your house. It can be awkward to see yourself on camera during online video meetings. And, while being at home in familiar surroundings could help you be more relaxed, you might also feel slightly uncomfortable at the thought of allowing a relative stranger to see inside your home. It might take several sessions to get into a routine and start feeling more comfortable with all these changes.
2. Treat It Like Traditional Therapy
Though participating in therapy from your couch can feel laid-back, you should take it just as seriously as you would if you were going to your counseling sessions in person. Get dressed as if you’re planning to leave the house. If your grooming routine usually includes styling your hair and putting on makeup and jewelry, do it. Getting yourself “ready to go” can help shift your mindset and allow you to give your full attention to the advice your therapist provides.
3. Strive for Quiet and Privacy
Your home is your sanctuary, but it’s also full of distractions that compete for your attention. If you share your space with roommates, family members or pets, you know they can be noisy and demanding at times. Minimizing distractions is one of the best ways to get the most from every teletherapy session. Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones and find a private spot where you can remain undisturbed for the entire appointment. Silence all other notifications on the device you’re using to meet with your therapist, so you can devote your undivided attention to the conversation at hand.
4. Take Advantage of the Flexibility
Convenience and ease of access are two major benefits of teletherapy. Traditional therapy has more limitations on when, where and how you can meet your counselor. If you and your in-person therapist share the same 9-to-5 working schedule, it can be challenging to squeeze in an appointment during your typical workday. You may arrive at your sessions feeling stressed, rushed and harried, and not in the right mindset to be receptive to therapy. In contrast, many online therapists are willing to accommodate hectic schedules and meet with their clients on weekends or outside standard business hours.
Telehealth for Addiction Treatment During COVID-19
At New Found Life, embracing cutting-edge health technologies has allowed us to continue offering our accredited addiction services remotely. To learn more about tailored therapy that can meet you wherever you are, contact us today.