How to Get Started With (Zoom) Online Therapy
GET STARTED WITH ZOOM: WHY NOT?
The hardest part is getting started. Once you get going, it becomes another (normal) way to work. Technology often scares people. We believe in putting-it-on-the-table, and unpacking the benefits and the concerns - and finding ways to make it work, together.
In this post, we share our experience, and what we wish we knew when we started with online therapy.
Trust us - in the beginning, we were filled with doubts and questions.
The humorous side of bombing videoconference calls.
That video is from 2015. Now, we are years ahead.
With advances in the platform and our devices, our online meetings today are simply more stable and more accessible than ever before:
Better quality sound and visual connections.
Much simpler login and meeting links
Your device is probably more than enough to get started (no more accessories to buy)
As we find ourselves leading the field of online speech therapy, with hundreds of online meetings over the past several years, we see the compelling value of meeting our clients online. When we consider the added convenience and enduring client satisfaction, we see a winning solution - provided it’s done right.
In fact, Zoom is a big reason how our small team has such a big reach throughout New York, New Jersey and the world.
Online therapy can be a line of access to connect and help people, otherwise beyond reach.
What you SHOULD expect: NO LESS THAN THE BEST
We can and should expect the same standard of care through online therapy as we do in the office. In some cases, this can be easy and in some cases it can be challenging, but doable. (And of course, some cases are not a good fit at all!).
In our practice we make sure we deliver, without compromise:
- Custom-fitting goals, game-planning and scheduling
- Personalized guidance and advice, with guided things to do between meetings
- Attentive professionals with exceptional expertise and deep experience with teletherapy
More concentrated use of time.
Eliminating unnecessary travel time to-and-from
HOW WE DO IT: MEETING YOU WHERE YOU’RE AT
We meet our clients where they're at (literally and figuratively). Whether you’re at the office, at school or at home, we can help you where you’re at - as long as you have a phone, tablet or computer. With online therapy (just as we do when we meet “in the office”), we personalize the process: setting goals, making a plan and offering flexible scheduling to accommodate you.
As with everything we do, we listen to our clients; so many clients tell us they prefer online meetings.
With online therapy, our professional care comes to you.
TIPS TO GET STARTED WITH ZOOM
We send confirmation emails for every appointment, and the emails include a unique Zoom link and the meeting ID number. All you do is click on the zoom link. That’s it.
(Alternatively, if you use the Zoom app on your phone, tablet or browser; click on “Join Meeting” and enter the meeting ID.)
All you do is click on the zoom link. That’s it.
EXTRA CHECKLIST FOR BEST RESULTS
Simple earphones or headphones can be very helpful. (Simple ones are fine.)
Position yourself in a (comfortable) rigid chair, without wheels or spin-cycle.
Try to set-up a relatively quiet, undisturbed space (if possible, close the door and shades).
Prepare for taking notes: bring pen and paper or open another screen to take notes.
Confirm you have each other’s phone numbers - so in the event of technical difficulty, you can pick up the phone.
Fixed spot: Whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, tablet or iPad, it’s advantageous to have the device in one spot, stationary on a desk or table. (Handheld devices, held in your hand, are more like to be distracting and may cause motion sickness.)
If kids/siblings will be around, set them up with a quiet activity to occupy themselves while you’re on the call.
Remove predictable distractions from the desk space.
Learn how to join Zoom call and configure audio and video settings.
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Your journey: 5 Steps to start online therapy
STEP 1 - Schedule a free phone call.
STEP 2 - Within 24hrs, we can talk, explore your concerns and questions.
STEP 3 - If we are a good fit, we can schedule your first appointment with a week
STEP 4 - You get an email with digital intake form, and easy-to-use unique link code to join your Zoom meeting
STEP 5 - Dive-in at your first meeting!