Here’s my list of how to be a good virtual client. All of this applies to your virtual classes.
- Make sure your laptop/phone is charged and has the most updated OS.
- Charge your wireless earbuds if you’re not using wired earbuds.
- Have your phone ready to jump to your hotspot if your wifi gets frozen.
- Have your phone ready to jump onto a call if your wifi gets frozen.
- Go to the bathroom, get your snacks and beverages all setup so you don’t have to bail for a few minutes.
- Have your zoom app pulled-up and ready 15 min before your session starts.
- Get dressed and clean your room. Seriously, you may not care about walking around in your skimpies but it puts your therapist in a really awkward position.
- Plan for background noise. Tell roommates (or family) you’re on a call or schedule sessions when no one is home.
- If you’re concerned about privacy, signup for a VPN (virtual private network) which masks your internet travels. I use ExpressVPN.
- Check your internet connection. Ideally, your internet download speed should be between 25-100 mbps. Not sure what you’ve got? Here’s a speed test to figure it out. Since we are ALL working from home, it’s time to invest in faster and more reliable internet connections. Do it now before classes and your therapy sessions start cranking in the Fall.
- Invest in good equipment like a better camera and microphone if you’ll be on zoom alot.
- Stay Focused. Looking up other stuff or playing with your phone during a zoom session is super distracting for a therapist but also means you’re not getting the full experience.