Virtual Therapy: How to Ensure Your Telehealth Session is Effective & Connected
- Kendra Lanni, LICSW
- Nov 2
- 3 min read
The way we access mental health support has changed dramatically. If you're considering starting therapy but feel uncertain about the screen-to-screen experience, you're not alone. Many people naturally wonder if virtual therapy, aka telehealth, can truly be as effective and personal as in-person sessions. The short answer is yes, it absolutely can be. Telehealth offers incredible convenience, but it also prompts valid questions. I want to address common concerns head-on and provide practical tips to ensure your virtual experience is deeply connected, effective, and confidential.
Addressing Common Telehealth Concerns:
1. Is it Private and Secure?
The Client Concern: “I worry about security breaches or someone overhearing my session.”
My Commitment to Security: In my practice, privacy is paramount. I use a dedicated, secure platform that is HIPAA-compliant, which means it meets the highest standards for healthcare data security and encryption. This protocol ensures your session content remains strictly confidential. Additionally, I conduct all my sessions from a private, soundproof setting.
Your Key to Privacy: While I ensure my side is completely secure, your biggest privacy factor is your own setting. I strongly encourage you to choose a time and place where you can be certain you won't be interrupted or overheard for the duration of our meeting.
2. Will We Actually Connect?
The Client Concern: “I feel like I’ll miss out on body language and non-verbal cues. Will the connection feel less personal?”
The Reality of Connection: This is a very natural concern. While the medium is different, the human connection is still central to the therapeutic work. I'm trained to use video communication effectively, focusing intently on your tone of voice, facial expressions, and overall demeanor.
Many clients report that once they settle in, the virtual setting can actually feel more comfortable and intimate because they're in their own personal space (the "home-court advantage"). The therapeutic alliance is built on trust, empathy, and consistency—all of which translate beautifully through the screen.
3. Is It Really Effective?
The Client Concern: “Can I really make progress on my challenges through a computer screen?”
The Evidence: Decades of research confirm that virtual therapy is highly effective for a wide range of mental health concerns. The fundamental work of therapy—talking, reflecting, processing, and learning new skills—is not dependent on physical proximity.
In fact, teletherapy can sometimes enhance effectiveness by:
Reducing Barriers: Eliminating travel time, traffic, and childcare issues means fewer missed appointments and more consistent, reliable care.
Integrating Home Life: Being in your own environment allows you to easily reference things, show me items, or immediately implement techniques in the space where you need them most.
How to Maximize Your Session
To help you get the maximum value and comfort from our time together, follow these simple preparation steps:
Find Your Sanctuary: Identify a dedicated spot—a quiet bedroom, a parked car, or an unused office—where you will be undisturbed for the full duration. Consider using a white noise app outside the door if needed.
Test Your Tech: Five minutes before our session, check your internet connection, confirm your microphone and camera work, and have your device fully charged or plugged in.
Use Headphones: I highly recommend using headphones. They significantly improve audio quality and add an extra layer of privacy so only you can hear me.
Take a Moment to Transition: Don't jump straight from a work meeting into therapy. Take five minutes beforehand to pour a glass of water, sit down, and mentally transition into "therapy mode."
