top of page

Easy Breezy: 5 Must-Do Tips for Nailing Your Virtual Therapy Space

Writer's picture: M. GuyM. Guy

Updated: 2 days ago

In today’s world, where online therapy has become more common, the space where you connect with your therapist is essential. A comfortable, private, and personalized environment can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your sessions. If you want to have the best experience possible, read on for five helpful tips for creating your ideal virtual therapy space and foster connection with your therapist.


1. Find Your Quiet Sanctuary


Choosing the right location is crucial. Opt for a quiet area in your home that minimizes distractions. Communicate your session times to family or housemates to reduce potential interruptions. A private space allows you to freely express your thoughts and feelings.


Consistency is key. By having a specific spot for your sessions, you create a routine that can help you transition into a therapeutic mindset. For example, you might choose a cozy corner of your living room or a dedicated office space as your go-to spot. For kids and teens, make sure they have a private space where there are no interruptions and set them up for success by asking them to put away phones or other devices.


Eye-level view of a cozy reading nook with soft cushions
A cozy reading nook ready for a therapy session.

2. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere


The ambiance of your space plays a significant role in your comfort. Soft lighting—like a warm lamp or natural daylight—can set a calming mood. Ensure your seating—such as a favorite chair —is comfortable.


Eliminating clutter is also important. For instance, a tidy background with minimal distractions helps you focus, allowing you to fully engage in your session without the worry of what’s behind you. For kids, if possible, a private space that is not their bedroom are ideal.


3. Tech Check: Prepare Your Equipment


Whenever possible, use a laptop or PC for sessions and ensure it is on a flat surface to minimize movement. You wouldn't want your therapist to get motion sickness! Preparation prevents disruptions. Before your first session, check that your camera and microphone are functioning correctly. Familiarize yourself with the therapy platform—whether it's Owl Practice, Jane, or another service. Use a browser that supports the platform and close up all those tabs for the best results!


A reliable internet connection is critical for smooth sessions. If you can, connect with an Ethernet cable instead of relying on Wi-Fi, which can be unstable at times. Additionally, using a headset in noisy environments can improve sound quality and block out background noise, making it easier to connect with your therapist.


Close-up of a laptop on a small table with a comfortable chair
A laptop set up on a small table, ready for a therapy session.

4. Use Personal Touches


Personalizing your space can make it feel more inviting. Surround yourself with a few items that bring you joy or comfort, such as a favorite fidget, coffee mug, photographs, or calming scents from candles. For Kids, be sure they have privacy during their sessions and encourage them to bring art supplies or favorite toys as they get to know their therapist. These elements can also create a connection with the therapist and support relationship development.


For example, having a photo of a cherished memory, a momento, or a comfort item on your desk or nearby can help evoke feelings of positivity, enhancing the overall experience during therapy.


5. Lights, Camera, Action!


Do your best to arrange your camera and monitor in a position that will allow you and your therapist to "make eye contact" ( or as close as possible).


Even though you are using a screen for your sessions, eye contact is so important for building connection. We all have "mirror neurons" in our brain that will support co-regulation during sessions, and in a virtual world, this can often be a challenge.


Wrapping It Up


Creating an ideal environment for online therapy rests on comfort, privacy, and personal connection. By following these five tips—finding your quiet sanctuary, curating a comfortable atmosphere, checking your tech, adding personal touches, and making eye contact —you can enhance the quality of your sessions.


Investing a bit of time and effort into your setup can lead to transformative experiences and an enhanced relationship with your online therapist.

6 views
bottom of page