What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Remote Therapy Practice
So, you're a therapist thinking about diving into the world of telehealth.
As someone who has been doing this for nearly 10 years, let me tell you, there’s a LOT I’ve learned along the way and so many things I wish I knew sooner. 🙈
Looking back on my journey, despite the things I learned the hard way, the lessons I’ve gained are worth their weight in gold. If you’re thinking about becoming a remote therapist, I’m going to share with you what took me nearly 10 years to figure out so you don’t have to.
Here are 5 insights that could have made my transition to remote therapy much easier. ⬇️
1. Time Zones Can Be Tricky ⏰
Let's talk time zones – the unsung hero or headache (depending on the day) of remote therapy. Scheduling sessions across continents is like putting together a complex puzzle. My tip? Get cozy with scheduling tools that magically adjust for time zones. Double-check appointments, and maybe triple-check just to be safe.
2.Good Lighting is Key 💡
Lighting matters more than you'd think. It's not just about looking good on camera; it profoundly affects the quality of your sessions. Poor lighting can cloak expressions and body language, turning a meaningful moment into a pixelated blur. Invest in some decent lighting – your clients will thank you, and so will your professional appearance.
3. Test Your Connection 👩🏻💻
Before you dive into a session, make friends with your tech. Test everything – your internet, audio, video – the whole shebang. Tech glitches love to make a cameo, but by testing beforehand, you'll be the hero who swiftly resolves issues and keeps the therapeutic flow intact.
4. Always Have a Plan B 🙌
Here's a pro tip – always have a backup plan. Tech can be a bit unpredictable, and your Plan B could be the lifesaver your session needs. Whether it's an alternative video platform or a good ol' phone number, having options shows your clients that you're not just tech-savvy; you're tech-prepared.
5. Learn to Roll With Technical Difficulties 🎬
Speaking of…tech glitches can and will happen. Instead of seeing them as hurdles, just recognize them as an unavoidable part of any remote job. Prepare your client to expect these things to happen occasionally, and create a plan for what to do in the case you lose your connection.
When something goes wrong, keep your cool and do your best to patiently and calmly troubleshoot the situation. If your video cuts out, email or call the client to let them know what’s going on and what the plan is. Most clients are really understanding and adaptable in the rare occasion something isn’t working.
So my advice? Buckle up, get your plan and strategy in place, and remember that if you stay calm there’s no issue you can’t sort out.
What other questions do you have about practicing remotely? Let me know - feel free to reach out and send me an email.
By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about practicing remotely as a psychologist, or being a digital nomad, you may find these other posts helpful: ⬇️
Why I Switched From Traditional Private Practice to Practicing Online 💻
What It's Like Being A Telehealth Psychologist 👩🏻⚕️
Dear Early Career and Future Therapists 💌
- Dr. Therese 💜
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