Online therapy is revolutionizing how we approach mental health—it’s flexible, convenient, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Whether you’re a busy remote worker, seeking improved mental wellness, or a therapist yourself, virtual therapy offers a fantastic alternative to traditional in-person sessions. But, just like any other type of therapy, it works best when you’re intentional about your approach.
How do you make the most of your virtual therapy experience? Below are 20 practical tips to help you take full advantage of your sessions—divided into four key sections to guide you through preparation, engagement, enhancing the experience, and self-care.
Preparing for Your Session
1. Find a Quiet Space
Choosing the right space for your virtual therapy session is crucial to creating an atmosphere where you feel safe and free to express yourself. Start by identifying a private area in your home—or wherever you’re most comfortable—that will allow you to have uninterrupted time. This could be a spare room, a home office, or even a quiet corner that feels secluded. If finding such a spot at home is challenging, consider alternative locations like your car or a secluded space in a park, provided you have a strong internet connection.
Once you decide on the location, take steps to minimize distractions. Inform anyone you share the space with about your therapy schedule to ensure your time is respected. Try to eliminate potential interruptions by silencing notifications on your devices, closing unnecessary windows on your computer, and if possible, using noise-canceling headphones to focus entirely on the session. Creating a cozy and welcoming environment—perhaps by adding soft lighting, a blanket, or a favorite item near you—can further enhance your sense of comfort and openness.
2. Test Your Tech
Nothing derails the flow of a therapy session more than unexpected technical issues. To avoid turning valuable time into a troubleshooting exercise, take a few moments to test your technology ahead of your appointment.
- Start by ensuring that your internet connection is reliable; a wired connection or sitting closer to your Wi-Fi router can improve stability if needed.
- Next, double-check that your microphone and camera are working as they should. If your session involves video, make sure you’ve positioned your camera so your face is clearly visible and that the lighting in your chosen space illuminates you well.
- A quick test call with a friend or using your device’s built-in troubleshooting tools can help you identify potential issues. Additionally, keep your device charged or plugged in to prevent mid-session power failures.
- Finally, familiarize yourself with the platform your therapist uses—whether it’s Zoom, Google Meet, or a specialized therapy app—so you feel at ease navigating it. Being prepared ensures you can focus fully on your session without technical distractions stealing the spotlight.
3. Use Headphones
Headphones aren’t just great for audio clarity—they also provide an added layer of privacy, ensuring that your conversation with your virtual therapist remains confidential. This is particularly important if you share a living space or work in a noisy environment where privacy can sometimes be challenging to maintain. By wearing headphones, you minimize the possibility of others overhearing sensitive details, allowing you to speak freely and comfortably during your session.
A bonus tip is to consider investing in noise-canceling headphones. These can help reduce distractions from external sounds, like background conversations, traffic noise, or other household activities, which might otherwise disrupt your focus. With noise-canceling technology, you can create a quieter and more immersive environment to engage fully with your virtual therapist.
By prioritizing audio clarity and personal privacy through quality headphones, you set yourself up for a more seamless and effective therapeutic experience. This small adjustment can make a significant difference, ensuring that your time with your virtual therapist is as productive and comfortable as possible.
4. Ensure Good Lighting
Good lighting plays a vital role in effective virtual therapy sessions. It helps your therapist read your facial expressions, body language, and other visual cues that are essential for understanding your emotions and responses. Facial expressions are a critical component of communication, and poor lighting can obscure these non-verbal signals, potentially leading to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for connection.
Position yourself facing a light source to evenly illuminate your face—this helps eliminate shadows that might obscure important features. If natural light is available, take advantage of it by sitting near a window, as it tends to provide a soft and flattering light. However, if natural light is insufficient or unavailable, desk lamps or ring lights can offer a consistent and adjustable source of brightness.
Avoid backlighting, such as sitting in front of a window, as this can create a silhouette effect, making it difficult for your therapist to see you clearly. Taking the time to set up proper lighting ensures a more engaging and effective session, allowing for a deeper and more accurate connection.
5. Have a Backup Plan
No matter how prepared you are, technological issues such as connectivity problems, platform glitches, or power outages can interrupt your virtual therapy session. Having a backup plan in place ensures these disruptions don’t derail your progress. Before your session, discuss contingency measures with your therapist to determine a plan B.
This could include switching to a phone call if the internet connection fails, rescheduling the session to a different time, or using an alternative platform that both you and your therapist are familiar with. It’s also a good idea to keep your therapist’s contact information easily accessible in case you need to notify them of an issue quickly.
Additionally, testing your internet connection and ensuring your device is fully charged or plugged in can help minimize potential problems. By taking these proactive steps and establishing clear backup protocols, you can ensure that your therapy remains a consistent and reliable source of support, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Engaging Effectively
6. Be Honest and Open
Virtual therapy is still therapy! To get the most out of it, it’s essential to approach your sessions with honesty and openness. This means being transparent about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences, even when doing so feels uncomfortable or vulnerable. Remember that therapy is a judgment-free zone where your therapist is there to support your growth, not to criticize or judge you.
When you share openly, whether it’s about your fears, struggles, or personal triumphs, you allow your therapist to gain a clearer understanding of your situation. This enables them to deliver more tailored advice and guidance, helping you address the root of your challenges more effectively. Holding back certain details, even seemingly small ones, can limit the progress you make, as it prevents your therapist from seeing the full picture.
It’s also important to trust the process and recognize that being open isn’t about having all the answers or knowing how to articulate your emotions perfectly. Sometimes, you might not even have the words to explain how you feel—and that’s okay. Simply being honest about where you are and what you’re experiencing in the moment will provide a solid foundation for meaningful conversations and therapeutic breakthroughs.
Virtual therapy creates a safe space designed to help you grow and heal, but that space only becomes as effective as the level of authenticity you bring to it. By fostering a mindset of openness during each session, you set the stage for self-discovery, meaningful progress, and the ability to work through life’s complexities with greater confidence and resilience.
7. Stay Present
It can be tempting to check emails, respond to texts, or scroll through your phone during a virtual therapy session, especially when distractions are within arm’s reach. However, multitasking during therapy significantly detracts from the value of your session. Therapy requires your full attention to be effective, as understanding and resolving challenges demand an intentional focus.
By staying fully present, you allow yourself to truly engage in the conversation and absorb the insights being shared. A practical way to enhance your focus is to treat your therapy time as sacred and uninterrupted. Consider closing the door to create a private, distraction-free environment, silencing your devices, and informing those around you that you are unavailable during this time.
Remember, therapy is an investment in your mental and emotional well-being, and prioritizing it means allowing yourself the dedicated time and space to grow without outside interference.
8. Take Notes
Having a notepad or journal nearby during your sessions can be a game-changer in making the most of your therapy experience. Discussions with your therapist often include valuable insights, coping strategies, or actionable homework assignments that can be easy to forget once the session ends.
By taking notes, you create a personal record of the key takeaways and guidance that resonate most with you, ensuring you have something to reference when you need support between sessions. Writing things down also allows you to better internalize what you’re learning, deepening your understanding and enabling you to track your progress over time.
Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a helpful technique, or an emotional breakthrough, documenting these moments ensures they aren’t lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Regularly reviewing your notes can also give you a clearer perspective on how far you’ve come in your therapeutic journey, empowering you to build on the foundation of what you’ve learned.
9. Express Concerns
Not every virtual therapist’s technique or approach will resonate with you immediately, and that’s perfectly normal. Therapy is a deeply personal process, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. If you find yourself feeling stuck, uncertain, or noticing that certain methods or exercises don’t seem to be helping, it is essential to voice these concerns. Open and honest communication with your therapist is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship.
When you share your concerns, you allow your therapist the opportunity to adjust their approach to better meet your needs. This could involve exploring alternative techniques, shifting the focus of your therapy sessions, or even reevaluating your goals to ensure they align with your current priorities and feelings. Remember, therapists are trained to adapt; they value your feedback and want to create a collaborative environment where you feel comfortable and supported.
Additionally, expressing concerns can pave the way for growth and deeper insights. Often, feelings of resistance or discomfort in therapy can highlight areas that require further exploration. By discussing these moments openly with your therapist, you might uncover underlying patterns or beliefs that are worth addressing. Ultimately, your willingness to communicate not only strengthens the therapeutic alliance but also helps shape the path of your healing and leads to a more personalized, effective experience.
10. Be Patient
Therapy is a process, not a quick fix, and it’s crucial to approach it with patience and understanding. Growth and healing often take time, especially when unpacking deeply rooted issues or developing new ways of thinking and coping. Expecting immediate results may lead to frustration, but recognizing that progress occurs incrementally can help you stay motivated. Virtual therapy in particular, requires commitment and consistency, as it may take some time to adapt to this format if it is new to you. However, virtual therapy offers the flexibility and accessibility that can make it easier to commit to regular sessions, even within a busy schedule.
Over time, you may start to notice subtle but impactful changes—whether it’s improving your ability to manage stress, building healthier communication patterns, or simply feeling a greater sense of self-awareness. Progress might look different for everyone, and comparing your experience with others can be counterproductive.
By staying patient and investing in the process, you allow yourself the grace to learn and grow at your own pace. Remember, meaningful healing is rooted in persistence, and virtual therapy provides a structured yet adaptable framework that supports long-term success. Be kind to yourself and trust the process.
Enhancing the Experience
11. Set Goals
Before starting therapy—or early on in your sessions—it’s helpful to set clear, realistic goals that provide direction and purpose. Think about what you want to achieve through therapy. Are you seeking to manage stress more effectively, improve self-esteem, or work on strengthening your relationships? Defining these objectives not only establishes a sense of focus but also gives you measurable markers of progress.
When setting these goals, it’s important to remain flexible and understand that they may evolve as therapy progresses. Don’t hesitate to adjust your objectives as you gain more insight into your emotional health and circumstances. Share your aspirations with your therapist, as they can help you refine these goals and align them with actionable steps. By entering sessions with clearly identified targets, you build a foundation for meaningful conversations and interventions that address your needs.
Additionally, consider breaking down larger objectives into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, if your overarching goal is to manage anxiety, a smaller step could be identifying triggers during the first few weeks. This approach ensures that progress feels attainable and keeps you motivated throughout the process. Remember, goal-setting is not about perfection but about moving forward in a way that feels empowering and authentic to you.
12. Practice Between Sessions
Therapy is not confined to the walls of your session—it extends into the moments between appointments, where the real work and application happen. Your progress often depends on how well you can take the strategies and insights discussed during therapy and implement them into your daily life. This is where practice comes into play, bridging the gap between learning and doing.
For instance, if your therapist introduces mindfulness practices to help you manage stress, dedicate time to consciously meditating or engaging in breathing exercises during challenging moments. Similarly, if your therapy involves improving communication skills, actively use these strategies in your interactions, whether it’s practicing active listening with loved ones or articulating your feelings with greater clarity and calmness.
Journaling is another powerful tool that can deepen your understanding of thoughts and emotions. By writing things down, you gain perspective on patterns or triggers that may not have been immediately obvious. Use these personal reflections to bring depth to your subsequent sessions, sharing observations that may lead to new insights or shifts in your approach.
Consistency is key when practicing between sessions. Even small efforts build momentum and create lasting change over time. While it may feel challenging at first, these exercises are an integral part of reinforcing what you learn in therapy. The more you integrate them into your routine, the more naturally they will become a part of how you approach life. Staying committed to these practices ensures that the benefits of therapy extend far beyond the appointment itself.
13. Schedule Thoughtfully
Timing plays a crucial role in getting the most out of therapy. Choosing the right time for your sessions can make a significant difference in how focused and engaged you are during the process. It’s essential to schedule your therapy appointments for moments when you are mentally alert and have the capacity to process the discussion afterward. For many, this might mean mid-morning or early afternoon, when energy levels are optimal.
Avoid placing a session immediately before a high-pressure obligation, such as an important meeting, as it can be difficult to shift your focus back to the demands of the day. Similarly, steer away from scheduling therapy right after a highly stressful event, as your mind might still be processing intense emotions. You want to be in a state where you can give thoughtful attention to the session without the constraints of lingering stress or looming responsibilities. By planning your sessions thoughtfully, you create a supportive environment that encourages genuine reflection and promotes meaningful growth.
14. Use a Journal
Keeping a journal is a powerful tool that can deepen your therapy experience and help you track personal development over time. By recording your thoughts, emotions, and experiences between sessions, you create an opportunity for self-reflection and greater insight into recurring patterns or challenges. A journal allows you to put into words what might otherwise remain unspoken or overlooked, giving you a way to process your feelings in a structured and thoughtful manner.
Additionally, sharing selected entries with your therapist can enhance the quality of your discussions. It provides them with a clearer understanding of what you’ve been experiencing on a day-to-day basis and can help identify areas for further exploration during sessions. Keeping track of what resonates with you, what feels challenging, and moments of progress can act as a tangible reminder of how far you’ve come.
Over time, this practice not only supports your therapy goals but also fosters a deeper personal connection to your mental health journey. A journal can truly become an invaluable companion in your path toward self-awareness and growth.
15. Minimize Interruptions
When preparing for in-person sessions, ensuring a distraction-free environment is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. Informing your family members, roommates, or anyone sharing your living space about your scheduled therapy times is a proactive step in fostering respect for your mental health commitment. Communication is key; setting clear boundaries around your session times can prevent accidental interruptions that may disrupt your focus and the flow of the session.
A simple yet practical solution is placing a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door during scheduled sessions to signal your need for privacy and undisturbed time. This small gesture conveys the importance of the session to others and can significantly enhance the environment needed for meaningful therapeutic work. For those who engage in in-person sessions, maintaining this boundary ensures that the time spent in therapy remains solely dedicated to introspection, growth, and the guided conversation with your therapist.
By minimizing interruptions, you create a solid foundation that allows both you and your therapist to engage fully in the session’s goals. It allows for greater emotional safety and concentration, crucial elements for the success of in-person sessions.
Self-Care & Reflection
16. Practice Self-Compassion
Therapy can bring up a wide range of emotions, some of which may feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. It is important to remember that healing is not a linear process, and encountering difficult emotions or setbacks along the way is entirely natural. Practicing self-compassion means approaching yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than criticism or judgment. Acknowledge the effort you are putting into your healing, even if progress feels slow.
Celebrate small wins, such as gaining a new perspective or simply showing up to a session, as these are significant steps toward emotional growth. When you experience setbacks, remind yourself that these moments do not define your overall progress—they are opportunities to learn and grow. Treat yourself with the same understanding and patience you might offer to a friend and allow space for self-care practices that help replenish your emotional reserves.
This could include activities like journaling, taking a walk in nature, or simply resting when you feel the need. Self-compassion is the foundation for resilience and fosters a nurturing mindset that supports your emotional well-being throughout the therapeutic process.
17. Stay Consistent
Consistency is a key factor in making the most out of your therapy experience. Regular sessions provide a structured framework that allows you to build on the insights and progress made in previous appointments. Maintaining this momentum helps deepen your understanding of the issues you are addressing and fortifies the coping strategies you are developing over time.
While it can be tempting to cancel or reschedule sessions during busy weeks, doing so can disrupt your rhythm, making it harder to revisit critical topics or maintain the stability necessary for growth. By staying committed to your therapy schedule, you demonstrate a dedication to your well-being, even during periods of stress or distraction. If challenges arise that make attending sessions difficult, communicate openly with your therapist to find solutions, such as virtual appointments or temporary schedule adjustments.
Remember, attending therapy regularly is an act of prioritizing yourself and your mental health, affirming that your growth and healing process is worth the time and effort. Consistency reinforces the therapeutic relationship, builds trust, and helps you stay on track toward achieving your goals.
18. Address Zoom Fatigue
Sitting in front of a screen all day can be physically and mentally draining, particularly when your job or daily routine relies heavily on remote work. Prolonged screen time can lead to feelings of exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and even physical discomfort, often referred to as “Zoom fatigue.” To manage this and ensure therapy remains an effective and restorative process, it’s important to adopt strategies that help reduce the impact of long virtual days.
Take intentional breaks before and after your therapy sessions. A short walk, stretching, or practicing mindfulness exercises can help reset your mind and relieve tension in your body. These moments of disconnect create a clear divide between activities during your day, allowing you to approach therapy with a clearer focus and more energy.
Additionally, consider adjusting your screen settings to reduce eye strain, such as lowering the brightness, increasing font size, or using blue light filters. Position your screen at eye level to avoid strain on your neck and shoulders. If feasible, schedule therapy sessions at times when your energy levels are higher, and ensure you’re in a comfortable, distraction-free environment.
Zoom fatigue is a common experience, but by taking proactive steps, you can ensure that it doesn’t diminish the value of your therapy sessions. Recognize your limits, prioritize self-care, and use these small adjustments to create a more balanced and energizing approach to virtual meetings, including your vital therapy appointments.
19. Explore Different Formats
If video conferencing feels uncomfortable or mentally draining, it’s important to remember that virtual therapy isn’t limited to just one format. Many therapists understand that individual preferences vary widely, especially for those managing Behavioral Conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which might amplify discomfort with certain communication styles. Discussing alternative formats with your therapist—such as phone sessions, live chat, or email-based therapies—can be a game changer for your mental health journey.
Phone sessions often provide a simplicity that removes the pressure of being on camera, allowing you to focus more on the conversation itself. For individuals who feel more comfortable expressing themselves in writing, chat or email therapy might be highly effective. These formats can be particularly beneficial for those with Behavioral Conditions that make face-to-face communication overwhelming.
Writing your thoughts can also provide deeper reflection and more clarity before sharing with your therapist. Therapists are trained to adapt to your preferences, so don’t hesitate to communicate openly about what format makes you feel most at ease. The goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters progress in your mental health, no matter the medium.
20. Give Feedback
Your virtual therapist values your feedback—it’s a vital part of creating a therapeutic space that works best for you. Whether it’s the pacing of the sessions, how the conversation flows, or even technical aspects of the platform, your input helps refine and enhance your experience. Expressing your thoughts on what feels effective and what could be improved ensures that the therapy dynamic aligns with your needs and preferences.
For those navigating Behavioral Conditions, feedback gains even more significance. If you feel like the structure of the sessions isn’t addressing specific concerns or if certain strategies aren’t resonating with you, it’s crucial to vocalize these insights. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and tailoring the experience to fit your unique situation can only be achieved through communication.
Even smaller suggestions, such as altering the session length, incorporating more actionable advice, or shifting the focus toward particular challenges, can lead to significant improvements. Ultimately, an open and honest dialogue with your therapist not only empowers you but also allows them to support you more effectively in your mental health goals.
Make Virtual Therapy Work for You
Virtual therapy is an incredible resource for managing mental health in today’s digital-first world. By being proactive, thoughtful, and intentional, you can cultivate a meaningful and impactful experience that helps you reach your personal goals.
Whether it’s your first time trying therapy or you’re transitioning from in-person sessions, implementing these tips will ensure that you get the most out of each appointment.
Remember, mental health is a personal journey, and finding what works best for you is part of the process. If you’re considering starting virtual therapy, now’s the perfect time to take that first step.
Take control of your mental wellness—explore virtual therapy today.
