How to prepare for an online art therapy session
- Elspeth Robertson
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Virtual therapy is a great option for clients who are unable to attend in-person appointments. Many clients find it preferable and more accessible to attend therapy from the comfort of their home. If it is your first time trying out online therapy, here’s how you can prepare:
Check your Wi-Fi connection to make sure it is secure before the session. Join the online waiting room a few minutes before your session to test the video and microphone. Joining your session from a computer or tablet is often more preferable than from a phone - so you don’t need to worry about holding onto your device during the session!
Join from a comfortable, quiet and private location. Sit at a table or desk if you want to make art during the session. If you need to join from a couch or your bed, grab a clipboard for your papers. If there are people in adjoining rooms, wear headphones to create an atmosphere free from distractions. Let others know that you are not to be disturbed for the hour during your appointment.
Get familiar with the settings on the platform you are joining from. I use Zoom for both individual and group sessions. The app has features like “Hide Self View” and “Blur Background” that might help you feel more comfortable in the virtual environment.
Prepare your art materials in advance. If you are using messier materials (like pastels or paints), wear a smock or clothing that you are comfortable getting dirty. Grab some wet wipes and paper towels to have by your side if you need to clean your hands or wipe up a mess. Check out this blog post for a suggested materials list.
Consider your self-care needs before your session. Grab water, tea, a blanket, fidget toys or anything else you may need to feel comfortable and focused during your session.
Give yourself a little bit of wiggle room on both ends of the session. If you are attending your session on a workday, avoid booking meetings directly following your therapy appointment. Things can come up in therapy that you may need a little bit of time to sit with after the session. A practice like taking a short walk and physically resetting offers you the space and closure that is sometimes needed after a difficult session.
If they are in the room with you, please introduce me to your pets! I love to see the furry companions that join you during our sessions.
Remember, your therapy session is a time dedicated to you and your wellbeing. If there is anything that you have questions about or are uncomfortable with, please let me know. We will work together to make the most out of our time. See you in an online session soon!
This blog post was written in collaboration with Cassandra Evans at Nirivia Counselling
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