Teletherapy 101

Teletherapy is when mental health services are delivered online instead of in person. These days, a lot of therapists—and their clients—prefer this approach for a bunch of reasons. It can be more flexible, less stressful, and easier to fit into a busy schedule. Some people feel more comfortable opening up from their own space rather than going into an office.

Online sessions often feel a lot like in-person ones and can include plenty of play-based activities, especially for kids. Many games still offer a similar experience digitally, though there are some differences. For example, kids sometimes like to change the rules during play therapy, but some online versions don’t allow that kind of freedom. While that might seem limiting, it can actually be a great way to build skills like impulse control, emotional regulation, and other tools for handling everyday challenges.

When it's time for a teletherapy session, it's helpful to have your child in a quiet, private space with as few distractions as possible. If they want to bring something to share—like a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or even a family photo— that’s totally welcome. Art supplies are great too if they'd like to include drawing or creativity in the session.

That said, we try to keep the space calm and focused, so it’s best to keep extra toys or items to a minimum. And if something comes up during the session—whether it's a comfort item or something they'd like to show, they’re always free to grab it.

Just like in-person therapy, these sessions should be treated with care when it comes to privacy and confidentiality. Creating a respectful space where your child feels safe to express themselves makes a big difference in how effective the session can be

🗣️ Before sessions begin:

The first session is held one-on-one with parent(s) or guardians to explore concerns and establish therapy goals. It's helpful to have an open conversation with your child beforehand to let them know what to expect. For example, you might say:

“Hey, I’m going to meet with someone who wants to help us figure out how to support you with ____. After that, the therapist will meet with you on the (computer, phone, etc.) to get to know you better and do some fun activities to help with ____.”

Please tailor this conversation to your child’s developmental level. It’s important that they feel respected, involved, and valued right from the beginning.

🛋️ During sessions:

After the initial meeting, therapy sessions are held with your child individually. Just like in an office setting, privacy is essential. You’re encouraged to stay nearby but outside the therapy space so we can reach you if needed. If your child is very young and requires support to stay engaged, we’ll work together to find what works best for them.

📞 Staying connected:

Ongoing communication about your child’s progress is a key part of the therapy process. I’m happy to check in with you at the beginning of a session for 5–10 minutes. If you're concerned about your child overhearing or would prefer to share something privately, you're welcome to email me before or after the session, or we can arrange a phone call.

🤝 When parents are part of a session:

If you're joining a session, please refrain from discussing anything that might be emotionally difficult for your child to hear—we can talk about those matters separately. While some sessions will be therapist-led, I also encourage child-led moments where we follow your child’s interests and explore how they can be used therapeutically.

🔐 A respectful space:

Even though we’re meeting virtually, sessions are held with the same respect for privacy and confidentiality as they would be in person. Maintaining that trust is key to a safe and supportive experience.

Zoom fatigue is real, especially after long days of sitting still and learning. If your child wants to turn off their video for part or all of a session, that’s okay. Some children feel safer, less self-conscious, or more focused without the camera on.

As long as they’re interactive, I can continue to engage them through audio, chat, or playful tools like drawing, avatars, or “walk and talk” phone sessions. Video helps build connection, but it’s not required. We’ll work together to find what feels comfortable and effective.

Outbursts can happen, especially when children are in the comfort of their home environment. While this might feel concerning, it actually gives me valuable insight into how your child expresses distress in real time. I can help them practice coping skills and emotional regulation right in the moment.

If your child becomes too dysregulated to stay engaged, I’ll reach out and invite you to join the session to help them de-escalate. Together, we’ll support your child with compassion and calm and use the moment as an opportunity for growth.

Psychotherapy with children looks different than it does with adults, this is true in both in-person and teletherapy sessions. Children often process emotions through play rather than verbal discussion, so I create space for this to happen in ways that are developmentally appropriate and emotionally safe.

Therapy is only effective if your child feels comfortable and connected with me. Building that therapeutic relationship is essential, and sometimes your child may choose an activity that doesn’t appear “therapeutic” on the surface. Research supports this approach as effective in addressing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

If you ever have questions or concerns about a specific activity or any part of your child’s treatment, I welcome you to reach out:
📞 (484) 515-9848
📧 Lucia@lc-playhealsteletherapy.com