Protocol for Participating in Online Therapy
This protocol provides guidelines for clients attending online therapy sessions to ensure a secure, private, and effective therapeutic experience.
- Session Timeliness & Communication
- Receiving the Meeting Link:
- Expect to receive your session link soon after your appointment is booked, or at least 24 hours in advance.
- If you have not received the link by this time, or if it becomes misplaced, please contact your clinician promptly so the link can be resent.
- Professionalism & Session Environment
- Dress Code:
- Dress in a way that feels comfortable but ensure it is appropriate for a professional consultation, similar to an in-person appointment; please do not join online sessions in a state of undress or wearing nightwear.
- Private & Quiet Environment:
- Select a private, quiet space where you will not be interrupted during the session.
- Family members, pets, or other potential distractions should not enter the room you are in, where possible.
- Ensure that others cannot overhear your conversation, even if they are in a different room. If needed, use headphones to enhance privacy.
- Minimise visual distractions by choosing a simple, uncluttered background, and avoid moving around during the session where possible.
- Device Settings:
- Mute notifications on any device you are using for the session and silence other nearby devices to prevent disruptions.
- Emergency Protocol & Location Awareness
- Sharing Your Location:
- Clinicians may ask to know your location during a session in case of emergency; be prepared to share your current address if needed.
- Make sure your emergency contact information is current, as it may be used to reach someone on your behalf if an emergency arises during the session.
- Safety Awareness:
- If you are experiencing high-risk concerns (such as thoughts of self-harm or intense distress), let your clinician know in advance or at the beginning of the session. This helps them support you with appropriate resources and care.
- Adaptations to Therapy Techniques