Keeping Teletherapy Private During the Pandemic

/ James Cole Abrams Therapy/

Since we’re not meeting in my office, putting a little effort into creating privacy before session time can be very important.  Therapy can’t happen if you don’t feel safe to talk, so consider these tips:

  • Figure out ahead of time if you’ll be using a laptop, desktop, or phone during the session.  Depending on what you have access to, your options may vary

  • If you’re on a computer of some kind, you’ll likely be stuck indoors.  Sort out which room of your house or apartment offers the most privacy and make sure it’s available during session time.

  • Spotify and Youtube are both free services that offer white noise generators.  If you can, run some white noise by the door during session. Ex: set your phone or tablet by the door running white noise while you use a computer to connect to session.

  • If you put a towel under the door it can help muffle the sounds of talking

  • Try to schedule session when you know people will be out of the house.  I know this can be difficult, but if you plan with me I’ll do my best to work around your schedule.

  • Ask your family/roommates to go to a different part of the house during your session

  • Wear headphones during session so that your family/roommates can’t hear me speak

  • Ask your family/roommates to wear headphones or play music/TV during your session time so they don’t overhear us talking

  • If you’re able to connect on a portable device like a phone or tablet, go for a walk or get in your car and take session that way.  This is a nice way to also get some space and fresh air during this difficult time. This is a great solution if you don’t want the people in your home to know you’re in therapy.

  • In some cases, you might want me to know your privacy has been compromised without being able to say so.  We can set up a code word at the start of session to let me know if someone has walked into the room.

Hopefully these are helpful, and keep in mind this is a living document!  If you come up with any other useful ideas please let me know so I can add them and pass on the knowledge to my other clients.  Stay well, and talk to you soon!