Tips from Your San Luis Obispo Therapist for a Great Online Therapy Session in CA

Since COVID19 started, online therapy (also known as virtual therapy, telehealth, telemedicine, teletherapy, and video therapy) has rapidly increased in popularity. Currently, many therapists in Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo, CA, and all over the world, are offering online video sessions in place of in-person sessions to promote the health and well-being of their clients and themselves.

Online therapy might sound strange to you. I get it. This is new territory for many of us, requiring lots of adjustments as we get used to our new normal. 

You may be wondering: Is online therapy as effective as in-person sessions? A 2018 study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) conducted online is just as effective as in-person sessions for the treatment of various anxiety disorders. In addition, several of my clients report that they prefer online sessions, as it provides greater flexibility with scheduling, and can be done from the comfort of their homes. 

So you’ve decided to give online therapy a try and you’ve scheduled your first online therapy session. Now what? How are you supposed to prepare?

As with anything new, there is a learning curve. Below are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last few months to help you prepare for the best online therapy experience possible. 

The day before your session

Find a quiet, cozy space away from distractions- Choose a room with a door if possible. A cozy corner with a warm blanket and a window is a great option.

Use a laptop or desktop computer versus a cell phone for video- The larger the screen the better!

Sit as close as possible to your WiFi router or use an Ethernet connection- This will ensure that you have the best connection possible for your video session, and it will reduce technology glitches and lag time.

Test out the technology- During your phone consultation, your therapist will tell you which video conferencing program they will be using for your video session (I use Zoom). If possible, test out the program the day before with a friend or significant other to get comfortable with it and make sure it works properly.

An hour before your session

Have a snack-  Make sure your belly and brain are fueled and ready to go for your session.

Put out a notebook and pen- This way you can jot down any thoughts, ideas, homework etc. during your session. You may even want to jot down a few notes about what you want to discuss.

Put out earbuds or headphones- Using headphones can cut down on background noise and further reduce distractions.

Put out a glass of water and a tissue box- Put out these items along with chapstick and anything else you think you may need during your session.

5 minutes before your session 

Self-care- Take a few deep breaths. Repeat a positive mantra. You are taking steps to nurture yourself and improve your well-being. Show up to your session and be yourself. You’ve got this. 

Call today for a free consultation

Ready to find some relief from the constant anxiety and stress? My name is Andrea Bey, LMFT and I’m an Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo therapist for women in CA who struggle with past trauma and current anxiety. I specialize in EMDR therapy, trauma, and anxiety. Click here to contact me and schedule your FREE 15-minute phone consultation. A more fulfilling life is right around the corner.