Online Therapy Oklahoma: How to prepare for session

Online therapy allows you to have more flexibility and accessibility to mental health services. Research shows that online therapy allows people looking for counseling services to get an appointment more quickly than they have in the past. As you are preparing for your online session here are 3 tips to allow you to maximize the benefits.

Setting up for therapy online

One of the most important parts of online therapy is finding a space that allows you to be comfortable and gives you privacy. You may encounter difficulties in finding this type of space in your home so here are a few tips:

#1 Use headphones: This is a quick and easy way to add an extra layer of privacy to your sessions.

#2 Consider getting a sound machine or white noise machine: There are many cheap sound machines available that can be easily purchased online or in stores especially in the baby section.

#3 Use a comfy seat: Sessions are at least one hour long so your wooden dining room chair might not be the most comfortable seat to be in for that amount of time. Consider a couch, bed or more padded piece of furniture.

#4 Have an appointment during a preestablished quiet time: Book an appointment with your therapist during a time when the home is naturally private like when others are already outside the home or have other commitments.

#5 Let others in the home know: Tell others about your appointment and your need to be undisturbed during this time. You might be surprised at what you all can come up with that will allow you to feel supported during therapy.

Testing your Tech

Testing out your technology as you get ready for online therapy in Oklahoma may seem obvious but having reliable technology is key to successful outcomes. It is easy to become frustrated when you are having a hard being understood by or understanding your therapist. Here are a few tips to consider:

#1 Test your connection: I know its not a guarantee that everything will be flawless but it can help you make sure you understand the online platform that you are using for sessions.

#2 Use your computer: Whenever possible use your computer instead of your phone for session as the former often allows for a better connection and bigger screen where both you and your therapist can clearly be seen.

#3 Restart & update: Though not always it isn’t uncommon for computers to simply need to be restarted and have updates completed to function a bit better. This is especially true if you often forget or tend to put off such reboots.

#4 Check you Browser: Different HIPPA compliant platforms for therapy are sometimes picky about what browser you use. So if you are partial to Chrome, Firefox, etc. Check to see if just switching browsers allows for a better connection. In my practice I’ve had the experience that it does especially when online therapy platforms update or add new features.

#5 Have your Charger: We’ve all been there forgetting to charge our devices. Whenever possible have your device already plugged in or at least a charger near by.

Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for Online Therapy

A large perk of online session is the decrease in rushing to sessions or getting delayed with traffic. It is more likely that you will loss track of time. You might even struggle to budget your time well for an online session since you don’t have to drive anywhere. This is normal and it is important to prepare yourself for session even if just a few minutes before. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare:

#1 Look over note: It is helpful to take note in or after session to allow yourself to reflect on what you’ve experienced. Looking over these notes can help remind you of what you’ve been working on and want to address in session.

#2 Reflect on your week: Even if note taking isn’t for you taking the time to jot down or mentally note one negative and one positive thing from your week can help you reflect on how things have gone for you.

#3 Set an intention: Take a moment to let yourself acknowledge what your expectation for session is and set an intention for session. Even better if you communicate with your therapist what you are wanting and hoping for today’s therapy.

#4 Grab a drink & snack: Let yourself get water, hot tea or a cup of coffee. This can add a level of comfort to your sessions and be a way of mindfully arriving without doing a meditation. Consider also having a snack. It is often easier to focus if your stomach isn’t distracting you.

Ready for online therapy in Oklahoma?

I hope these tips help you better prepare for your online sessions. If you are ready to take the next step then book your free discovery call with me. Let me help you uncover the transformative potential of counseling when guided by a clear plan and the expertise of the right therapist can help you now, tomorrow and well into your future.