In light of all the changes and how 99% of our human engagement (outside our immediate families) are now facilitated by Zoom, there are a few best practices to get the most out of your meetings. Here are my top 8 suggestions to anyone about to meet with a counselor or health care provider over the internet.

1. Take your cell phone off the WiFi (and ask your loved ones to stop using WiFi completely during your session).

   • If you have more than one device on WiFi, then the frequency is distributed equally to those connected devices. When this happens, it increases the chances of a problem in your internet connection because other people are also using the WiFi signal.

2. Use a computer for your session, not a phone or tablet.

   • Phones and tablets are great (the software that I use for Telehealth counseling sessions has phone/tablet apps that work great), but the problem with using a phone/tablet is that then you are forced to have an arm workout for 50 minutes at a time as you are trying to hold the device at just the right angle. Instead, use a computer so that you can set it and forget it!

3. Use a newer computer when you have the option!

   • Newer computers have greater capacity to process video call information. Older computers can have difficulty in processing which creates choppiness in the video. So when possible, use a newer device. With this being said, you do NOT need to go out to buy a new computer to have Telehealth sessions. Just choose the newer device when you have the option.

4. Restart your device prior to joining your Telehealth session.

   • Other applications might be using computer power or have access to your camera or microphone. Restarting your computer will ensure your computer is ready for video.

5. Use earphones.

   • Sometimes the noise from the other room can be distracting. If you have headphones, the speakers are right in your ears. If you have headphones with a microphone, it will also help the other person(s) on the call to hear your words.

6. Grab a glass of water, tissues, last session's homework, notebook, and pen/pencil.

   • Talking for an hour can make anyone's throat dry. Sometimes in counseling, we come up with big ideas and you may want to write down. I would encourage you to be prepared for whatever you think you may need for your meeting so that you don't need to get up, find the item, and take time away from your session.

7. Have light in front of you and not behind you (as best you can).

   • When the light is behind you, the camera will darken your face to focus in the brightest spot. If you sit in front of the light (facing the light), then the light will light up your face nicely!

8. Arrive at your session 2-5 minutes before the session starts.

   • It is soooo easy to try to sneak one more task in before you jump into your session (I have fallen victim to this from time to time). But if you show up on time, just like you would for an in-person meeting, then you are going to get the most time out of your session no matter what.

TL; DR: To get the most out of your Telehealth session use a new and restarted computer on WiFi with earphones and water (to drink), tissues, homework, pen + paper with adequate lighting.

©Grayson Wallen 2021. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.

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