Don’t have much privacy? Here’s how to make teletherapy work when you lack alone time.
Thanks to the pandemic, online therapy has become very popular. Not only is this practice socially distanced, it’s also a convenient and viable option for a large percentage of people.
One of the major limitations of teletherapy is privacy. Teletherapy creates a new host of problems in the shape of roommates, parents, children, and spouses. The thought of them accidentally listening in on your therapy sessions is kind of terrible.
If you still enjoy the convenience of teletherapy but are concerned with the privacy aspect of it all, there are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable and make the most out of your therapy session. Here are 5 ways to make teletherapy work if you live with other people:
Talk to the people you live with
If you can, be as honest as you can with everyone you live with. Talk about your therapy schedule and your desire for privacy, hopefully getting everyone you live with on the same page and giving you the space you need. Accessorize yourself with headphones and, if you can, get a door in between yourself and others.
Get creative with your space
RELATED: 5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Online Therapy Sessions
If you have a bedroom or a bathroom, make it comfortable and ask for other people to give you some space for the duration of your therapy. Wear headphones and consider using a white noise machine, which can create an environment of quiet and privacy. You should place it right out of the room where you’re having your therapy, giving you some peace of mind.
Incorporate text therapy
If you’re discussing something really juicy that you’d like to keep relatively private, consider incorporating text therapy. Discuss it with your therapist beforehand to see if they agree with you and give it a shot. If this is too much for you, come up with code names for the people you’re talking about, that way you can express yourself and you can get everything off of your chest.
Sit in your car
RELATED: Here’s How To Get Better At Spending Time Alone
If you have a car, you’ve already won half of the battle. This environment is quiet and provides you with total privacy. It’s also nice to leave your home and go to a different setting for your therapy, even if it’s your car.
Go for a walk
If your home is crowded and you don’t have a car where you can have privacy, go for a walk. This is a nice opportunity to move a bit and get your thoughts in order as you have your therapy session. Try to go to a place where there’s not a lot of people and where you can enjoy yourself as best as you can, while also focusing on the task at hand.
