How to Prepare Your Space for Virtual Therapy: Simple Tips for a Comfortable Session
By: Shelby Spaulding
Preparing Your Space for Virtual Therapy
One of the benefits of virtual therapy is that you get to attend from a space that is familiar to you. Whether that is your living room, home office, bedroom, or even your parked car during a lunch break, you have the opportunity to create an environment that helps you feel comfortable and present.
Unlike meeting in a therapist's office, you are in charge of your surroundings. The good news is that your space does not have to be perfect. A few thoughtful adjustments can make it easier to settle in and focus on yourself for the next 50 minutes.
Find a Space That Feels Private
Privacy is one of the most important parts of virtual therapy. As therapists, protecting your confidentiality is something we take very seriously, and having a private space helps create an environment where you can speak openly without worrying about who might overhear.
If possible, choose a place where you are less likely to be interrupted. Many clients use a bedroom, home office, or another quiet room with the door closed. If privacy is limited, headphones, a white noise machine outside the door, or even sitting in your parked car can be great alternatives.
For your safety, therapy sessions cannot take place while you're driving. If you need to attend from your car, simply park before your session begins.
That said, we also understand that life happens. A dog may bark, a child may need your attention, or someone may unexpectedly knock on the door. Those moments are part of being human and don't have to make your session any less meaningful. The goal isn't to create a perfectly quiet environment. It's to find a space where you feel safe enough to slow down, reflect, and be yourself.
Get Comfortable
Think about where you'll be sitting for your session. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and a fully charged device can go a long way in helping you stay present.
Some people like to have a blanket nearby, while others prefer a favorite chair or a cup of coffee or tea. There is no right way to set up your space. The goal is to create an environment that allows you to focus on yourself rather than your surroundings.
If your session includes EMDR, I recommend joining from a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer if possible. EMDR often involves bilateral stimulation that is much easier to follow on a larger screen than on a phone. Don't worry if you've never done EMDR before. I'll make sure you know exactly what to expect and have everything you need before we begin.
Keep a Few Comfort Items Nearby
It can be helpful to have a few things within reach before your session begins, such as:
A glass of water, coffee, or tea
Tissues
A journal and pen if you like writing down reflections
A blanket
A fidget or comfort object
I personally have a NeeDoh Gumdrop with me during all of my sessions. Having something to fidget with helps me stay grounded and focused. Whether it's a stress ball, your favorite mug, or a cozy blanket, small comforts are always welcome in therapy.
Minimize Distractions
Before joining your session, consider silencing notifications, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, and letting others in your home know you'll be unavailable if possible.
You do not need to eliminate every distraction, because life happens. A dog may bark, a package may arrive, or a child may need your attention. Therapy is flexible, and those moments are simply part of real life. Reducing distractions where you can just helps create a little more space to focus on yourself.
Give Yourself a Few Minutes Before and After
If your schedule allows, try not to log into therapy immediately after a stressful meeting or while answering emails. Giving yourself even a few minutes to settle in can make a difference.
You might take a few deep breaths, refill your water, or simply ask yourself, “What's been on my mind this week?”
If possible, give yourself a few minutes after your session, too. Therapy often brings up thoughts or emotions that deserve a little time before jumping back into work or your to-do list.
There Is No “Perfect Therapy Space”
Your virtual therapy setup does not need to look a certain way. Some sessions happen from a beautifully designed home office. Others happen from a parked car, a college apartment, or a quiet corner of the house before the kids get home.
What matters most is not creating the perfect environment. It is creating a space where you feel comfortable enough to slow down, reflect, and show up as you are.
What Next?
If you're preparing for your first virtual therapy session, remember that you don't have to get everything exactly right. Therapy is about showing up, not having the perfect setup.
At Bloomwell Relational Therapy, I provide virtual therapy for adults across Texas. Whether you're seeking support for women's issues, relationships, identity development, life transitions, or trauma through EMDR, my hope is that wherever you're joining from, your therapy space becomes one where you can take a breath, feel supported, and make room for yourself.
If you're ready to get started, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about what therapy at Bloomwell could look like for you.
