The current global health pandemic caused by Covid-19 (aka the Coronavirus) has turned so much of life as we know it on its head. While we know from experts that limiting the number of people that we come in close contact with helps keep us and others safe, as relational beings with an innate longing for closeness and connection, this can be very painful, lonely, and frustrating.

I have been exclusively providing telehealth sessions via the Zoom videocall platform since mid-March. As of this writing, Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies has issued guidance requiring all mental health professionals and their clients who wish to resume in-person sessions to wear masks for the duration of the session. While I would really like to be back in person, my current assessment is that it is preferable to see clients via telehealth where we can see each other’s faces than in-person while wearing masks.

Some tips to make the most of telehealth:

Find a way to mentally transition into and out of the therapy space - perhaps this means making a cup of tea, doing a little stretching, or just sitting quietly for a couple minutes before your session begins.
Position your camera at or close to face height
Avoid backlighting and try to light your face from the front or above
Find a comfortable and private place to do sessions
Check your internet speed, and if it is slow consider using an ethernet cable to improve connection
Install updates on your computer and try not to run too many programs during a Zoom call
Test your settings before calls, especially your first call. You may need to adjust audio settings.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about any of this or would like to explore more of what comes up for you around telehealth or the stresses of Covid-19.