Recently, the therapy world was forced to improve on a minor aspect of itself – teletherapy. Despite being in existence years before the outbreak, its potential was not fully utilized, until the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
Due to the limitations the virus had imposed, there was no movement, which by extension caused limited physical interaction. People had to stay indoors, affecting all parties involved, psychologically. The logical solution for any psychology-related problem would be therapy, but that was now out of the question.
This was where teletherapy came in – a branch of therapy that administered psychiatric treatment to people through technology. It replaced actual therapy during the pandemic and over time proved to be a viable stand-in.
For those who were used to physical therapy, therapy through technology turned out to be uncharted territory. A lot of people did not know how to get the best out of teletherapy and thus, refuted its efficiency, which was not to be.
While there is no actual guidebook to teletherapy, there are tips on how to make the most of it. Some of them are listed below:
1. Prioritize the sessions
Treat the therapy sessions as you would any normal appointment. These sessions follow the same principle as traditional therapy and would only work if there is seriousness. Attach that importance to teletherapy, as you would to normal therapy.
2. Find a safe and quiet spot
Therapy works best in safe and quiet places, which is why your therapist’s office is tranquil and devoid of any other person besides you both. For teletherapy to work, the conditions and characteristics of a therapy room should be replicated.
Ensure that whatever location you want to use for therapy is quiet and peaceful. Minimize your distractions and maximize privacy. Ensure that spot is safe enough for you to speak out freely. Make an effort to recreate the normal conditions of therapy to get the best result.
3. Be patient with the process
Teletherapy is still relatively new. Before some people start teletherapy, they need time to adjust to it. Some people find it easier speaking to a therapist physically, thus making the change to virtual sessions might seem like a herculean task. Teletherapy needs patience.
While being patient with yourself, remember your therapist is a person too. He/She went through the pandemic just like you did. Synchronization with each other might not occur instantly; it might take time. Give your therapist time to adjust too.
Suggested read: How to Get Affordable Therapy in Nigeria: Free & Low-Cost Options
4. Ask your therapist questions
Openness with your therapist is important. Be free with your therapist. Communicate with them. Whatever you do not understand, either normally or due to distractions, ask questions. Build that relationship with your therapist. Do not hesitate to ask about anything you’re unaware of.
5. Practice flexibility
The aim of teletherapy is to ensure that you are comfortable. Its beauty is that you are not limited to one option, type, pattern or approach, like physical therapy. Make your research and see whatever options and patterns would yield results. You are free to choose.
Maximize the benefits of teletherapy. Do not stick to the same routine as you would with physical therapy. Try other types of therapy as well as other therapists. Compare the results you get and see what suits you.
6. Provide your therapist with feedback
The best results are gotten out of therapy when there is feedback. Ensure that your therapist gets an update on how well therapy is going, for you. It might not be constant, but a review is usually important. The therapist can easily assess how far you’ve come with such feedback.
If you cannot provide constant feedback, you can also ask your therapist to hold you accountable. The therapist can ask questions, follow up on your mental well-being, and check up on you regularly. In cases like this, be responsive enough. Strive to explain in detail, as much as you can.
7. Test your technology
It may not seem like a big deal, but ensuring that your technology is active is important. Ensure that your internet connection, the volume and lighting of your device is working as intended, in order to avoid a break in the sessions.
Takeaway
Teletherapy is a growing aspect of mental health care. It requires patience and prioritization, and as a bonus, flexibility. Treat teletherapy as a normal therapy session. Strive to simulate the conditions of physical therapy. Be open to the new possibilities, teletherapy brings and reap the benefits. For more information on teletherapy, reach out to us here.
