teletherapy success: Tips for Clients

Back in March, when we came home from school and work for two weeks, who could have imagined that we would now be into our seventh month of living our lives on screens??  As we gear up for a Fall of telehealth sessions, I would like to share some tips to make our sessions run as smoothly as possible!

• Please set up your device on a stable surface.  When clients hold their device in their hand during sessions, a few things happen.  First, your clinician gets very dizzy!  Second, the sound often gets muffled making it hard to hear all the important things we are discussing.
• Similarly, please try to stay in one spot during sessions.  I am totally fine with patients doing their sessions from cars, closets, or anywhere they feel is private.  I am also fine with a brief walk-around to show me your dog, a favorite toy, or of course, for us to do an exposure together!  But, it is challenging to carry out sessions when clients are on a walk, rolling around with Buddy the dog on the kitchen floor, or doing Tic Tick dances :)
• Have paper and pen or an electronic device available for note taking.  Remember back in my office how I would give you those cute little note cards at the end of the session with boss backs, homework assignments, strategies, tips, etc?  I wish I could still hand you those through the screen!  While I work on my tech skills (or magic skills?), please have something available to take these important notes on your own to refer to in between sessions.  
• During this challenging time, one thing refrain that keeps coming into my head is "we are all in this together."  Sharing experiences can really help so I am keen to offer some telehealth groups this Fall.  Already in the works is a social anxiety group for middle schoolers - let me know ASAP if you would like to join.  Do you have ideas for any other groups?  Please let me know and I will try to make it happen.  

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