Getting the most out of your Telehealth Sessions
With the emergence of Covid-19 many providers, and not just in the health care industry, are turning to Telehealth as an increasingly popular platform for appointments. Telehealth is the use of technology such as computers, tablets, and mobile devices to provide and access health appointments and services.
Benefits of Telehealth therapy?
You can do it basically anywhere!
So long as you have a stable internet connection and a device to use (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone) you can attend a session from virtually anywhere. This means that you may not even need to travel, you can skip the traffic, save time, and stay in the comfort of your own home if you wish.
Telehealth is Covid-safe
With the increased restrictions and social distancing measures being put in place, attending appointments can be extremely difficult. However, Telehealth can give you the access to your regular or new health services so you are supported even if you are not able to leave your home.
Telehealth therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy
While Telehealth may seem daunting, growing research has shown that Telehealth is as effective as face-to-face therapy. In fact, recent studies have indicated that Telehealth can be effective for numerous concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep concerns, and more. Our psychologists are also all well practiced at conducting video and telephone sessions, and as such they will ensure that the session can feel as comfortable and personal as being in the therapy room.
How to get the most out of your Telehealth therapy session?
Before your session be sure that your device is charged and ready to use. Just like in a normal face-to-face session your time is valuable and we want to use your session for what’s important for you so you won’t want to waste time restarting or searching for a charger. This is also important for maintaining the stream of the session.
Our practice has decided to use the video platform linked to our practice management software. The platform is Power Diary, and it is an Australian based company with Australian servers, and has been chosen as they have assured maximum security and privacy with no data being sold to third parties. You will receive a appointment reminder email the day before your session which will also have your video session link. This link is unique to you, and offers end to end encryption. The link simply opens in your web browser on your device, and doesn’t require any downloading of apps or creating a login. If you need any assistance accessing your session your clinician, or our practice manager, Katherine, are there to help you.
It’s a good idea to minimise any possible distractions as well. This means putting your phone on silent, advising your family or housemates that you are in an appointment, and picking a nice quiet and safe spot where you will have privacy. Having privacy is also recommended so that your information and what you discuss with your clinician is kept private and confidential. To help with this it’s a great idea to use headphones during your session.
Depending on what makes you comfortable, having a glass of water, pen and paper, and tissues handy might be a good idea to save you from needing to disrupt your session. During your session you also might want to take notes as you go, draw diagrams or pictures.
Therapy isn’t easy sometimes, so after your session it can be a good idea to ensure you have some self-care measures in place. This could be things like spending time with a friend or family member, going for a walk, doing a breathing exercise, meditating, having a shower, or watching your favourite TV show.
Conclusion
Telehealth may not be for everyone, but it certainly is a great way to access mental health services and support and with the right use can certainly help you get back on track just like face to face sessions!
