Getting the Most from Virtual Sessions
Telehealth uses technology, like video conferencing, to provide services at a distance. Your counselor provides services through interactive audio, video, or telephone communication.
Telemental health services offer several benefits. It reduces travel time, increases accessibility to therapy, and allows for participation in sessions within your comfort zone. In addition, empirical research has established virtual sessions as a valuable and effective mode of healthcare delivery.
When using technology, however, there is the risk of security and technical difficulty (internet instability, computer or software glitches, physical interruptions). We offer suggestions below to help mitigate these risks.
Additionally, technical issues can sometimes limit visual or auditory cues to you or your therapist and contribute to miscommunication or misunderstanding. If your environment or technology creates distractions, you will not get as much out of the sessions.
If issues persist and impact your treatment, your counselor may discuss alternatives and ask you to consider in-person counseling.
Planning to Get the Most from Virtual Sessions
Choose a space that allows you to focus on the session with your counselor.
If you have technology options (phone, laptop, tablet, or other, choose the one that allows you to have the best telehealth experience.
Find a private area. Ensuring your privacy means you feel more comfortable talking freely.
Close the door and lock it if possible
Put a Do Not Disturb sign out (if appropriate)
Go for a walk in a park or neighbourhood with privacy
Inform people in your house or office that you have an important meeting and ask that they not interrupt you unless necessary.
Consider who might enter the room during your session time, and pre-think your response to get back to the session quickly.
For video sessions:
Check your internet speed allows for good-quality video reception.
Good lighting and a still video camera (not moving your device) will help you and your therapist get the most out of the video experience.
When possible, using a laptop with a microphone and speaker makes it more natural to talk to one another.
Using headphones with your computer might improve sound quality.
For Phone or Voice sessions:
Using wifi may improve the experience.
If you are using wifi, choose your location with stable access to wifi in mind.
Using headphones may help you have a clear, volume-regulated conversation.
If you would like to include a family member or another person in your session, please discuss this with your counselor to make arrangements.
By planning for a comfortable environment and optimizing technology, you can benefit from virtual sessions as you work toward your counseling goals.
We use the exact measures and process that has been shown to increase effectiveness by 120%. You can be sure to get the most effective help available. Conquer your fears, have the peace and passion you desire in your relationship. Bridge the gap between you and your potential.
Why does FIT make such a difference? Simply stated, feedback improves performance. Coaches of elite athletes know this and use it to their advantage. Consistent feedback improves the performance of athletes.
This is true in FIT. The counsellor is getting feedback from the client about how therapy is going, and what needs to be changed. The therapy can then be adjusted to better suit the unique needs of the client. This process of consistent feedback improves therapy.
FIT provides clients with an easy method for giving feedback. Clients often are in a vulnerable state when entering therapy. It can be difficult for them to voice concerns if they feel something is not working well for them. But, when they have the opportunity to fill in a simple form that asks if the therapist’s approach is a good fit, they feel more free to give feedback.
FIT can help client remain in therapy long enough to achieve the results that they desire.