4 Suggestions for Getting Ready For Online Counseling in Minnesota

Okay, so you're interested in online Christian counseling in Minnesota, but you want to make the most of it! Here's how to get ready for an online Christian counseling session. Is internet counseling the same as in-person counseling? In the year 2021, much of our world migrated to an internet platform, which has been (usually) quite easy! Yes, counseling is one of those areas where it works great online (when done correctly!).

What is the best way to be ready for an online Christian therapy session? I've developed a list for you below!

REPRODUCE THE "SENSE" OF A PERSONAL COUNSELING SESSION

The clients who strive to reproduce the setting appear to be the most relaxed and ready for their counseling sessions. Don't worry, you won't have to go out and buy anything new! Having a few items close might make you feel more relaxed and prepared. Here's a list of things to keep on hand:

Tissue Box: As therapists, we have a knack for making patients weep. (I joke that I wouldn't have tried if you didn't cry.) Of course, crying isn't required for every session. It does, however, happen frequently. It's always better to be prepared.

Water Bottle: During your sessions, you will be chatting a lot. A glass of water can help.

Blanket or pillow: Even if the temperature in your home is ideal, a blanket or pillow might provide comfort. While working through unpleasant topics, a soft item might provide emotional consolation.

Notebook and pen/pencil: You never know when you'll get a nugget of insight into therapy. It will be easier for you to recall things if you can write them down.

PREPARE FOR YOUR ONLINE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING SESSION AHEAD OF TIME

This might range from putting on lights to hiring kid sitters; the point is to allow yourself time to plan ahead and build out the environment where you feel most at ease and present. 

Test Lighting: Lighting that is directed towards your face is preferable to lighting that is directed behind you. Behind-the-scenes lighting casts shadows on your face, and no one wants to look like Batman with awful hair.

Find a Quiet Space: Both you and your therapist might be distracted by noise. If you can, locate a babysitter for your children, find a quiet area away from busy streets, and turn off notifications and alarms on your device to decrease noise pollution. (It's also a good idea to have headphones on hand.)

Ensure that everyone is dressed: This did happen. Twice. Clothing is an excellent tool for counseling. I strongly advise you to plan ahead and notify family members that you will be attending a meeting!

EVALUATE YOUR SYSTEM

Your Therapist (and, occasionally, the office) will email you a connection to the online platform you'll be using. It's a good idea to get on early to have your system ready for the session. Make certain you...

To guarantee that your computer, tablet, or phone is powered and ready to go, turn it on ahead of time.

Look through your email for the invitation. To access the platform, go to the website and click on the link.

To be sure you can hear and be heard, click ‘Test My Speaker and Microphone.'

At North Woods Christian Counseling, we use HIPAA-compliant Zoom.

GET READY FOR YOUR VERY FIRST ONLINE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING SESSION IN MINNESOTA

Let's get you ready now that everything else is ready. To begin, take a few deep breaths to relax your mind and body. Close your eyes and scan your body for areas of stress and emotion, then tighten those muscles for 10-15 seconds. Now let go of the stress and take a deep breath, delivering it to these places. Before beginning the session, allow your mind and body to relax and settle down.

Online therapy allows you to meet with your therapist from the convenience of your own home. And with a few little modifications, it may be just as beneficial (if not more so!) than meeting in person. Many of our best online counselors in Minnesota are also qualified to conduct virtual versions of traditional in-person trauma therapies like EMDR or Brainspotting. We'd want to meet you right now, wherever you are!

You've already set yourself up for success by creating a safe location, preparing ahead, testing your system, and taking the time to prepare yourself! We wish you a successful online session!





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