Since the pandemic, it has become normal for most of us to completely operate from our homes. Video technology has made it easier to stay home for meetings, doctors appointments and even therapy or coaching sessions.
Speaking to therapists, counsellors and coaches from the comfort of our homes has made mental health support more accessible. It’s especially helpful for those that previously struggled to fit in-person sessions into their schedules.
A study by Very Well Mind found that over 91% of therapy sessions are currently carried out online. Additionally, virtual sessions were recommended for their flexibility and low cost benefits.
But what happens if you share a house with others and fear that whatever you disclose will be overheard?
Opening up in therapy sessions can already be challenging. And the fear that people are listening in only makes it worse.
We want to feel that we can open up and be ourselves. To get the most out of our sessions, that might even mean needing to dig deeper than we’re comfortable with. And express details we only want to trust our therapist with.
It’s understandable to worry about your housemates or family overhearing. So, we’ve put together a few tips that’ll help you keep your sessions private and away from earshot:
Sit in your car
If you have a car, it’s a good place to sit in to get some much needed privacy for your sessions. As long as you do them parked up for safety, you can rest assured that no one will overhear.
Do your sessions on the move
The best thing about virtual sessions is that you can do them anywhere. All you need is your smartphone and a pair of headphones. If it feels too crowded at home, take your session to a quiet spot at a local park or switch to an audio call and go for a stroll.
This also has the benefit of getting in those much needed steps for those of us with desk jobs.
Use the chat box for your practitioner
Although we don’t recommend it for the entire session, there is a chat box available on our platform. For sensitive topics that you don’t feel comfortable saying out loud, don’t avoid opening up. The option to write it down is there.
Talk to your housemates and ask for privacy
Mental health stigma is declining as more people open up about the benefits of services. 74% of people share that they now see a therapist. And 84% recommend it, citing the benefits it’s given them.
Although it might feel uncomfortable at first, having a conversation with the people you live with is understandable. Ask for space during your sessions if you need it. It’s possible they could play music, go for a walk or cook in the kitchen during that time.
Use headphones
Minimise the chance of your home-based therapy sessions being overheard by using headphones. This helps to protect the responses or exercises your therapist gives you.
Create background noise
Using a fan or putting the TV on in the next room is a great way to add some white noise to your sessions. It will make whatever you say louder, so you can feel comfortable doing so.
Plan your sessions in advance
Ask the people you live with for their schedules, so that you can book your sessions when you know they’ll be out.
If you’re a parent, consider booking sessions when you know your children will be napping or in bed.
