So we are finishing up week 2 in our practice of online therapy sessions.  I am reaching out to see how you all are doing?

Personally I have experienced every emotion possible during the past 2 weeks:

            Fear (What am I going to do?)

            Motivation (I am going to clean my house from top to bottom!)

            Frustation (The internet is not working!)

            Encouragement (I really love connecting with my patients on line.)

            Productivity (I filmed a month’s worth of videos!)

            Boredom (Ok I guess I will watch Tiger King.)

These 2 weeks online have been challenging but great all at the same time.  I thought I would share some tips for making your teletherapy sessions (and online school) a little less frustrating:

1. If it is your first session-don’t wait until the last minute to connect.  Consider a practice run.
2. Reduce distractions-background noise, siblings and television may not sound too loud to you but the microphone picks up every noise and makes it difficult for the therapist to focus
3. Stay close-ok lets keep this one real-you know your child and if they are easily distracted-a parent sitting beside them helps them to focus.  Also with EVERYONE online right now technical difficulties are very likely to happen.
4. Expect Technical difficulties (and stay calm)-Please  heart his-ALL platforms have technical difficulties.  I have talked to many, many different therapists and teachers and they all report that glitches happen.  So when that happens-take a breath and wait (sometimes it corrects itself), call your therapist or teacher or retry the connection.
5. Use headphones/earphones if possible.  It helps with the audio and it also helps block out distractions
6. Use a preferred activity or item to motivate your child.  If your child is having difficulties engaging or sitting still.  Outside time, video/tv time or a fun treat is great motivation.
7. Get on a regular schedule.  Just like when you came to the office or your child went to school.  Scheduling therapy sessions or online school at a regular/consistent time is helpful for all. 
8. Be flexible.  The other day I was having difficulty connecting to a patient with our platform.  We were able to hop onto the phone and finish the session because the mom was very flexible.
9. Let your therapist know sooner than later if you need to cancel or reschedule.  We are working from home with our kids too.  So keep that in mind. We take those gaps to school our own kids, clean, etc.
10. Remember to give yourself and your therapist/teacher some grace.  If you forget give yourself grace. If the internet or platform is having difficulty-give it grace.

Thank you to all of our patients/families that show up to  see us week after week online.  It truly brings us joy to see our patients.  Personally my heart swells a bit every time I see a patient. If you haven’t scheduled yet-go ahead and reach out to your therapist.  It’s not too late and we would love to see you.  You all stay safe out there!

Adrienne