Usually, shed talk to her therapist about things like this, but her appointments were now virtual.
They took place in the 1-bedroom apartment that Nadia and her boyfriend lived (and worked) in together.
She trusted that he would never eavesdrop on her sessions.
Renée Mathews
He was very pro-therapy, and I know he wouldnt cross that boundary, Nadia tells SELF.
But she was still anxious.
Although he was still working through issues with them, he didnt want to drag them back into it.
Hed forgiven them, he says, but he was still working through it on his own.
It might seem that, over a year into the pandemic, people have mastered the art of teletherapy.
Below youll find a few tried-and-true teletherapy tips for making virtual therapy a little bit more comfortable.
Know that you deserve a safe space to processeven if others have it worse.
Were trying to force positivity, which I think is really toxic, Gideon says.
From there, you might try and brainstorm solutions (or use the ones below).
Its also entirely possible that the lack of privacy and other inconveniences outweigh the pros of therapy right now.
If you think that now simply isnt the best time for treatment, dont ghost your therapist.
Instead, you should…
2.
Talk to your therapist about any worries you have regarding online therapy.
Its entirely possible that what feels like an impossible challenge is workable.
For instance, maybe you clam up when you hear your roommate’s footsteps.
Another thing to note: Your therapists WFH situation may be contributing to your discomfort.
Maybe their cat is adorable but kind of distracting.
Honest communication can only make the therapeutic process stronger.
Gideon says client-therapist communication has been critical in figuring out what works for the client.
Your therapist is trained to talk about difficulties and challenges, even when they include the therapeutic relationship.
Be open with the people in your household if its safe to do so.
Maybe this is a prime opportunity for your housemates to run an errand.
The key is to broach the subject sensitively and work with your housemates to find a solution.
Would you mind listening to a podcast with headphones on while I have my sessions?
And if you dont feel comfortable asking that of themits okay.
It could be something worth processing with your therapist, Gideon says.
Consider a white noise machine.
If your housemates arent able to head out while you have therapy, there might be a few workarounds.
But theyre also great tools for anyone doing therapy from home.
Blakes boyfriend is a therapist who uses a white noise machine to ensure his clients privacy.
Think about grabbing a low-cost whitenoise machineand setting it up just outside the room where youre doing therapy.
It can give you some much-needed peace of mind.
Get creative about finding space that works for you.
Were over a year into the pandemic and many people have found their groove.
We got creative, Gideon explains.
Sometimes that meant they would do phone calls instead ofvideo calls.
Other times, patients would sit in their cars while they talked to Gideon.
The guidelines are flexible here, and you and your therapist should work to find whats best for you.
Gideon says some of her clients sit inside their closets to protect their privacy.
Build a ritual around online therapy.
Theres not really time to sit with my thoughts.
Brew a cup of tea, get yourfavorite blanketfor comfort, and set up a comfortable space.
This can help you transition in and out of therapy even when youre not changing your physical location.
Know that your needs might change (and change again).
What you should probably feel comfortable during therapy may change from one session to the next.
What worked for you in March 2020 might not work for you in 2021, and thats okay!
Be open to your ever-evolving needs, and listen to what your body and mind are telling you.
Gideon says she asks her clients, Do we need to be flexible right now?
This question serves as a signal and an invitation to switch things up.
See more from ourGuide to Caring for Your Mental Health here.
