Creating a safe therapy space

Creating a confidential space before each therapy session is important- we want to be sure that your private information stays private, and that you feel safe sharing whatever comes to mind without wondering who could be listening in. We also want to make sure that we limit technological difficulties to the extent that we are able to avoid frustrating interruptions at important moments. I have carefully considered my setup to ensure privacy and a stable connection. Because we are meeting remotely, I have to rely on you to do the same on your end. The following is information provided by Person Centered Tech to help you address privacy and technology concerns.

Things to consider:

• Is the space private?
• Can you lock the door? 
  • If not, will others who have access to the space respect your request for privacy and not enter the room?
    • Can you/have you had a conversation with them?
    • Were they receptive? 
• Can others outside the room hear you talking?
  • If so, can you create white noise with a fan or other form of background noise? (Preferably placed outside the doorway of the room you’re in)
  • Consider using headphones or earbuds so that your provider’s voice is kept private and is only hearable by you

If you have a hard time finding confidential space, here are some examples that others have used. These are not ideal, but should be considered secondary choices if an ideal setup is not available. If you use any of these, please make sure that the space is comfortable to you. Being comfortable is also highly important.

• Laundry Room
• Walk-In-Closet
• Basement
• Attic
• Actual last resort: your car parked in a safe, private spot. (We want to emphasize that private does not mean secluded. Please do make sure you are in a safe location.)

Technical Setup:

• A laptop or desktop computer are ideal — preferably the biggest screen size that you have available to you (that you can also have in a comfortable, confidential space) 
• If you’re using a tablet or phone, please prop up the device so that it is stable and that the camera is about level with your eyes
• Whatever device you’re using, please make sure that the camera is about level with your eyes. It may require propping up your device or monitor on other items, such as books.
• Please make sure that you’re well lit and don’t have a bright light source directly behind you

Clear Your Internet

Be sure to move your computer as close as you can to your WiFi router (the box that makes the WiFi.) Or better yet — plug your computer into the router with a cable!

After that, you’ll want to close out of any programs you don’t need which use your Internet connection. This video (scroll to bottom) will show you some examples of doing that (and this article will explain it.)

(Courtesy of www.personcenteredtech.com)