If off-campus, try to find a place where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. You might eventually be able to talk to a therapist about things you haven’t been able to tell anyone else and won’t want your conversation to be listened to.
If you are on-campus talk to your roommate about wanting to schedule some private/alone time in your room for a call. You don’t need to explain or share more than that.
Use earbuds or noise-canceling headphones to increase confidentiality. If needed, ask your roommate to wear headphones.
If you have a car, you can use it as another private and confidential space.
During agreeable weather, go for a walk during your counseling session on one of Drew’s paths or close by and talk with your counselor on the phone. You will be providing yourself with 2 forms of positive self-care at the same time!
To be most effective teletherapy should be approached like in-person therapy. Unlike casual conversations with friends, you need to stay off your devices while talking with your therapist or participating in group therapy.
This is not the time to multitask. Don’t try to work on assignments or check your friends’ social media while trying to do therapy. The therapy won’t be effective.
Depending on the weather, schedules, etc. phone calls may be a good option to use from time to time.
Remote counseling might require adding options, such as sharing videos, TedTalks, podcasts, and creative therapies towards your treatment goals.
Expect a transition period and some awkwardness at first as you get used to a new way of interacting with your counselor. Be patient with yourself and your counselor.
Keep an open line of communication. Share any cultural needs you have or uncomfortable feelings using remote counseling.
Share your emotions. Nonverbal cues are more difficult to observe when not in person. Online counseling provides good practice for naming your emotions, which can be therapeutic in and of itself.
Share questions on how to use remote counseling and what is helpful or unhelpful. Your counselor values your feedback on how you feel teletherapy is helping, or not.
