Comfort & Healing: How to Prepare for Your First Virtual Therapy Session

Starting therapy can be intimidating, especially with a new therapist. Many people may feel anxious, fearful, excited - all the things, before entering the new space. Understandably so … because what will this look like? What is going to happen? Am I making the right choice? AND I’m expected to tell all my business to a STRANGER??? My mom said don’t be going around telling family business. Feeling uncertain about this new journey is normal. You’re human. Your therapist is human too. Here are some ways that can help ease anxiety and prepare for your first virtual therapy session.

“It’s normal to feel uncertain about this new journey”

Tech Check 

We all know technology has a mind of its own. Sometimes it can work, and sometimes the unexpected happens. Take some time prior to your session and ensure your device is charged, holding enough battery to last throughout the session. Your device may be charged during the session, however, a pre-charged battery helps to avoid potential device overheating, camera orientation challenges, and distractions during your allotted time with your therapist. 

Be sure that your device is connected to a stable wifi connection. Closing (not just minimizing) browser tabs and removing other high powered devices from their online usage can improve your device performance and speed during your session. Internet disruptions may cause an unstable connection, sound discrepancies, and can even disconnect from the appointment video platform. If this occurs, please log back in as soon as possible and/or contact your therapist to inform him/her about the incident. 

Log in to the session early. Not only does this avoid the last minute rush of physical and emotional overwhelm, but it also allows time for increased confidence in the virtual space. An extra several minutes can provide time to familiarize yourself with the platform, to include features such as toggling the camera and microphone on and off, finding the chat box, and any updates the system may have. You can also use this time to ensure your perfect lighting setup and background preferences are in place. 

Set the Scene

Virtual therapy proves advantageous as it allows you to be in control of your space. Take intentional time before your session to ensure you have a private area for your session - somewhere you can talk freely without frequent distractions. Therapy is often a time of vulnerability and difficult topics may arise. Be mindful of your environment during your session time, as the more private the space is, the better. 

Appointments are your time to be unapologetically you. Virtual meetings affords you the luxury to wear your coziest outfits paired with your comfiest blanket. For some, a notebook, water bottle, and/or fidgets can be helpful to have nearby as well. 

Common Myths Busted 

Oftentimes therapy can get a bad reputation. People will equate therapy with “something wrong.” Whether that is true or not, therapy isn’t here to label the good from the bad. It’s to provide a safe space to promote wellbeing. In sessions, you control the pace of things. You decide what information you share, how much detail you provide, and at what point in your journey. Your therapist adopts the role of support, and will not “fix” you or push you to share more than you're comfortable with. Everyone starts somewhere, and you will be encouraged, rather than judged, for taking that first step. 

Overall, it’s normal to be nervous about your first virtual therapy appointment. It’s a new experience and the brain wants to ensure you’re safe. Give yourself permission to be human. Identify and accept how you’re feeling about the upcoming experience, whether good, bad, or indifferent. After all, denying the presence of those emotions won’t make them go away. Be encouraged to enter your sessions confidently with these tips discussed here. Also, feel free to bring your own questions or concerns for your therapist. Commitment to additional sessions are not required, however, commitment to yourself for your personal healing is life changing.

Healing is possible. Let’s begin - together. When you’re ready, book your consultation call here.