For many,
therapy is an effective tool for dealing with complicated emotions, managing an anxious or depressive
period, or conducting a routine check-in to keep your mind sanity. Today,
more than ever before, people are looking for methods to release stress and process their thoughts
and feelings. But, COVID-19 and advances in digital connectivity and easy-to-use technologies, have allowed psychotherapists to adapt quickly to the new
norm and offer online therapy sessions. Furthermore, online counselling platforms,
such as TalktoAngel are seeing a surge in popularity and membership as people
reach out to mental health professionals to deal with daily stressors of
life, whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or work-related issues. Getting
advice and support from an expert is always a wise decision, however, how can
you get the most value out of these appointments online?
Here are some
helpful tips to make the most of your online counselling sessions:
- Find the
correct platform and mode
There are many
platforms that offer online therapies. For instance, you could select a
therapist who provides teletherapy in private practice or opt for online therapy
through an online counselling platform like TalktoAngel which offers therapy and
counselling in audio, video, and chat mode. Each mode has advantages and
drawbacks, however, online therapy platforms, such as TalktoAngel could cost
less than other platforms.
- Plan Ahead
Make sure to
plan your online counselling sessions for an hour if you are expecting
minimal disruption. Make sure you have time on your calendar in the same
way as if you go to the office of your therapist.
- Tech Check
Join at least a
few minutes prior to the beginning of the session. If you are using a
platform that you are unfamiliar with and find technology intimidating, take
your time getting familiar with the basics. Check that your microphone or
camera, speakers/headphones as well as internet connection are operating
effectively.
- Set it as a
top priority.
For example, you plan audio or video calls with your friends, and set meetings to discuss your ideas
with colleagues, in order to make therapy effective, you must make it an
absolute priority. For online counselling sessions, it’s
essential for you to set aside time and space to be focussed on your
therapy session. Always remember that if your therapist is taking an effort to be
there for you, you must be able to be focused and sincere about your sessions.
- Find a quiet or
comfortable space.
Therapy is
supposed to happen in a secure, private, confidential, and non-judgment-free
zone. Create a space within your office or home where you are free to speak
with your online counsellor. It would help if you tried to avoid as many
interruptions as you can. If you’re short of room to use your phone from the
comfort of any space you’re are comfortable in, it could be your car or balcony.
- Back-Up Plan
Make sure you
have a backup plan in the event of an interruption to your
internet. Being aware of what you can expect if you or your therapist
experience an issue with their connection relieves some of the anxiety of coping with an internet outrage.
- A Quiet,
Private Space
Choose a
relaxing and well-lit space for your session with minimal or no distractions is
ideal. It’s not essential to have a specific design for an office or home so long
you feel comfortable and be able to speak freely without interruption. The
presence of water and tissues being available with you can be helpful too.
- Verbal
Expression
During an in-person
session with your therapist, both you and your counselor can discuss your
feelings while being aware of each other’s non-verbal signals such as posture, eye
contact, and facial expressions. When it comes to online therapy sessions, your
access to non-verbal clues is smaller. Even if you feel awkward at first
it will be useful to talk about your current moments and experiences verbally and
try to tell everything about how you feel, and what are your emotions.
- Give Feedback
Notify your Online Counsellor if there is a feeling that something isn’t
right or is vital to address during any counseling session. To make the most of
your therapy one needs to be collaborative as it is an open and transparent process. Don’t
be afraid to talk about your worries with your counsellor.
- Be clear with
your Therapist
Increased
accessibility to online therapy has allowed mental health services to be more
easily accessible. But it also poses problems for both the therapist and
the client. It’s fine to tell your therapist that they should alter their
volume or adjust their video or lighting to make the sessions less
uncomfortable for you. It’s also okay to give your therapist feedback, on
the therapeutic relationship. You are able to
tell your therapist when you feel that you’re not benefiting from therapy or
that your goals aren’t being achieved. It’s also okay to change your
therapist if you want to.
If you would
like to learn more about alcohol misuse or substance abuse and how to overcome
it and live mindfully, seeking consultation for alcohol abuse with the Best
Clinical Psychologists or Best
Psychiatrists will help you to understand your emotions, thoughts,
and behavior and enable you to understand better your depression, and
anxiety, stress, and healthy behavioral skills to overcome alcohol abuse. You
can also meet in the clinic with the best
clinical psychologists & parenting coaches at Psychowellness Center, a
multi-location clinic at Janakpuri, Dwarka, Vasant Vihar, Gurgaon, NOIDA,
Faridabad, and Delhi NCR.
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#lifecoach, #psychologistdelhi #psychlogist #counselorsouthdelhi
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Contributed
By:- Dr (Prof) R
K Suri Clinical Psychologist & Mr.
Utkarsh Yadav