Online therapy
Getting set up for online.
You don't need a perfect setup. Online therapy can work very well from home. The important things are that we can hear and see each other clearly, and that you have enough privacy and uninterrupted time to be able to speak freely.
A few things that help
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A laptop or tablet works best
A phone screen is small enough that it is harder to feel properly met, and it is easy to end up holding it the whole time. A laptop, or at least a tablet, gives us both a steadier, clearer picture. If a phone is genuinely all you have, we can still make it work.
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A private, uninterrupted space
Somewhere you feel comfortable and safe to speak freely, where you will not be overheard or interrupted by anyone for the length of the session. Privacy matters far more than how the room looks.
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A reasonably stable connection
A steady enough internet connection that we can see and hear each other without too many drops. Sitting closer to your router, or using a wired connection, can help if things are patchy.
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A stable surface for your device
Rest your laptop or tablet on a table or another steady surface rather than holding it. It is steadier for both of us, and it lets you settle your hands and your attention.
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A few minutes to settle beforehand
Give yourself a few minutes before we start to get settled and to check that your device, connection and surroundings are ready, much as you might arrive a little early for an in-person session.
None of this needs to be perfect. If something is getting in the way, we can talk about it and work it out together.