Creating a Therapeutic Space For Online Therapy
As a therapist, I work to build a therapeutic space for clients to come into. I focus everything from the color of the paint and carpet, to the comfort of the furniture, to even where to place pictures and clocks. Everything in the room has a purpose to help clients feel comfortable and to have the best session possible. However, that becomes more difficult with online therapy. On my end, I work to make sure what fits within my screen is fitting for the therapy session. However, I have found that the environment on the client’s end isn’t always the most conducive to a therapy session. The following are some tips to make your environment therapeutic in order to get the most out of your online therapy session.
Mentally Prepare For The Session
When you come into the office, there is typically at least a five to ten minute drive to get there and a short wait in the waiting room. This gives you time to think through your week and what you want to discuss in the session. You don’t have this same time when you are at home, so it is helpful to set an extra 10 minutes aside prior to your session to reflect on your week and what you would like to discuss in the session.
Ensure There Are Minimal Distractions
One benefit to coming into the office is that it is free of distractions. At your home, this would mean that the TV isn’t running in the background, you aren’t waiting on someone to call or come to the door, children have someone else responsible to watch them or are able to manage themselves for the full hour, and even pets are not able to come into the room and distract from the session.
Be In A Comfortable But Somewhat Separate Space
Doing therapy from your bed might be comfortable, but it isn’t fully conducive to a therapy appointment. You are almost too comfortable and less able to step out of your home space enough to really reflect on where you have been for the week and where you are going. By stepping into an office or an area you aren’t in as much, you are in a way taking a step back from your day to day activities enough to be more reflective and less in the fray.
Tidy Up Your Therapeutic Space
This isn’t for the benefit of your therapist, but for your. If you are in session, but thinking about the mess around you, then it won’t be something that you can fully focus on. By taking a couple of minutes to tidy the space around you, it will also prepare your mind to do the difficult work of therapy.
Online therapy has been so helpful during COVID and is an ongoing helpful tool, and by taking some of these steps you will ensure you get the most out of your next session.