Therapist Toolkit: A Clinically Minded Transition to Virtual Sessions

By Sarah Trance, LMFT

If you’re a therapist or mental health counselor, you’ve likely been thrusted into virtual sessions during COVID-19 and I know it's not ideal. I think we can all agree that face-to-face sessions feel better to us; our norm in many ways, and during time of crisis and chaos, it makes sense to crave your normal. But, we’re in a time where it’s vital to focus on the silver linings! I'm learning that there can be some great aspects to telehealth including our ability to have access and give care to our clients, continuously. So, how do we make this work?! I've compiled some tips over the last few weeks based on my own experiences, feedback from colleagues and open dialogue with clients on how to transition to or begin virtual sessions:

• Be transparent with the unexpected transition and validate their efforts and willingness to continue their work during a global crisis. That’s a HUGE step!
  
  
• Consider setting up the session and controlling the environment in a similar way you would in your office. What do you think you need? How can you help the client(s) create a safe space? I'd suggest asking the client to sit on the couch with their upper body being shown in the video. Ideally, they're alone and in a quiet, private space where they can concentrate and do work.
  
  

                  -We need to note the current crisis, cultural aspects and NYC living
                    situations. This isn't going to be possible for all clients so how can you
                    process with them what will and will not work?

                  -Be straightforward in what you're hoping for, set your boundaries but be
                    willing to be flexible – it’s needed right now!

                  -Make note of something that feels like a ‘clinical issue’ versus ‘necessary’
                    during this time (re: what does it mean if the client is eating during
                    session or are chatting from their bed?

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