Preparing a calm and private environment for your online counseling session is one of the most important parts of getting the most from your time.  We encourage you to find a confidential space that is free from distraction, so that you are able to communicate as freely as possible during your session.  If this type of private space is difficult to establish, try placing a noise machine outside the door of your meeting place to drown out noise.  The use of headphones can also help with privacy.

If your child or teen is participating in online therapy, check in with your therapist about items to have readily available.  Toys, games, or paper and markers to color with are common tools therapists may want to incorporate with your child during session. 

Next, we’ve found that for in-person therapy, the driving time to and from the office is a useful mental and emotional transition time for clients.  Yet, for online sessions, this transition time needs to be intentionally created.  Try taking a few minutes to gather your thoughts and needs before your session, and if time allows, plan to also take a few minutes for yourself after your session is over.  

Finally, your devices and internet play a huge role in the success of your session.  Make sure you have a strong internet connection, your device is charged or connected to power, your notifications are silenced, and that you have a back-up plan established with your therapist if connection gets lost.  If possible, place your device on a solid surface so that your screen is stable—this avoids the potential of motion sickness for you and your therapist.