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Support client self-care practices while social distancing

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A self-care practice is imperative during this time where many are separated from their social networks, habitual routines, and in-person counselling sessions. A regular self-care practice is a toolbelt that clients can reach to during times of stress, anxiety or when they need a pick-me-up. There are many ways for counsellors to support their client’s self-care practices while social distancing. Keep reading to find out how. 

Encourage checking in with their network 

Self-care doesn’t always need to be alone. Social connections are key — especially while we can’t be physically close. It’s contradictory, but many people tend to isolate themselves while dealing with stressful situations and anxiety. This leads to rumination and negative thoughts, and worsening the situation. It’s important for clients to reach out to their loved ones for support or just for a light catch-up. Picking up the phone or sending a text can help clients remember how loved and connected they are. 

As much as people are feeling fatigued by video calls, they are one of the best ways to get face time at a distance. Picking up on body language and emotions can help clients feel closer to their loved ones. So encourage clients to connect with their network virtually. 

Suggest picking up a hobby 

Starting a new hobby not only keeps a client occupied, but it can equip them with a sense of purpose and self-trust. If a hobby is a good fit, a client may even find themselves in a state of flow, leading to better emotional regulation, motivation, and creativity. 

Depending on the client’s self-care and social needs, they can either engage in a hobby alone or with others, at a distance. An example of a great shared hobby is a virtual book club. Not only are group members connecting over a mutual interest, but it can easily be done through technology. Tools like video calls, or on an online platform like a Facebook group. No matter which hobby they choose, encourage keeping things light, fun, and casual to avoid rigidness or perfection

Utilize technology to support client self-care

Technology is an excellent way for clients and counsellors to stay connected between sessions, or when social distancing is necessary. A digital homework tool like Therachat helps counsellors do just that. Through the app, counsellors can check-in with clients and encourage self-care routines — keeping clients on-track and actively working towards their goals. Save time with pre-made activities, or customize your own to cater to your client’s unique needs. 

Are you a clinician looking to elevate your practice? Therachat’s innovative features can support you and your clients. Learn more about Therachat for clinicians.

3 surprising benefits of a digital homework app

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More and more counsellors are incorporating technology like a digital homework app into their practice. This is especially important as the shift to online counselling became a necessity in the year 2020. As the industry embraces virtual counselling, digital tools are essential to ensure patients are staying on-track between sessions. 

That’s why a digital homework app is a game-changer. It comes with many surprising benefits for both counsellors and their patients.

Better relationships with patients lead to better outcomes

Research has shown that better relationships between patients and their counsellors leads to better counselling outcomes. A meta-analysis found that many factors like agreeing on therapy goals, applying patient feedback, and repairing ruptures are as vital to a positive outcome as the treatment method used. In short, more communication and trust leads to better counselling outcomes. It also makes counsellors more in-tune with their patient’s needs, leading to higher responsiveness. A digital homework app is a touchpoint that can significantly strengthen the counsellor-patient relationship by increasing connection. 

Stay connected to patience outside of counselling sessions 

For many, counselling progress can feel stagnant outside of sessions. It’s a feeling that’s familiar for many patients: they leave a counselling session, they feel a weight off their shoulders — but a return to the same environment can lead to relapses in negative thoughts and feelings. Adding a channel of connection between sessions via a digital homework app helps patients stay in the same mindset they found during their session. 

It’s also a great way to stay connected while maintaining professional boundaries. Many counsellors don’t feel comfortable giving out their number and opening a constant channel of personal communication with patients. Digital homework apps allow a solution: the relationship stays open, but professional. 

An easy way to follow-up

Research suggests that therapists who don’t consistently follow-up on homework assignments are less likely to generate patient regard for the activity. That’s because counselling can feel ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for many patients as soon as they leave sessions. It’s all too easy to forget about homework or put it off — especially when working through difficult thoughts and feelings. Adding a digital homework app to a patient’s toolbox helps them stay on-track, take ownership of their progress, and keep their goals top-of-mind. So you can work towards growth together. 

Embrace technology with a homework app

Technology is here to stay in the world of counselling. A digital homework app like Therachat is an innovative tool counsellors can use to support their clients from a distance. It offers features like daily homework reminders, skill-building activities, emotion tracking, and mindfulness exercises. It’s a way to stay connected to your clients and support them as they meet their goals.


Ready to level-up your counselling? Learn more.

How to create a habit of gratitude journaling

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According to research, practicing gratitude is one of the simplest ways to increase and maintain happiness. So it’s no surprise that gratitude journaling has made its way into the daily habits of many. It’s accessible to get started, simple to pick up as a habit, and can offer a full range of benefits. Daily gratitude journaling can lead to increased positivity, reduced stress, and a generally pleasant outlook on life. With the help of a counsellor, clients can take advantage of these benefits and create a positive new daily habit. 

How to get clients started with gratitude journaling 

Clients can sometimes meet gratitude journaling with resistance. They may be unsure, skeptical of benefits, or just find it difficult to incorporate a new habit into their lives. This is natural and understandable. So how can they work past that? 

It’s important to make a new habit as easy as possible to reduce friction. So start as small as possible. Encourage clients to gratitude journal for just two minutes every day. That’s it. It may not seem like much, but by just showing up for the bare minimum, clients are already making gratitude journaling a habit. Once they’re comfortable with the two minutes of writing, slowly increase the time until you hit a new shared goal together. Whether it’s 5, 10, or 15 minutes, working up to new goals will not give clients the benefits of gratitude, but also the pride of knowing they stuck to it. 

When to gratitude journal 

It’s recommended that clients write in their gratitude journal first thing in the morning. Not only is it a great way for clients to incorporate a few minutes of ‘me-time’ into their day, but it’ll create a gratitude snowballing effect. When clients write down a few things they’re grateful for right at the beginning of the day, it’s easier to recognize more throughout the day. With confirmation bias on their side, clients will begin to realize just how much they have to be grateful for.  

Leverage technology 

In today’s tech-focused world, digital tools are the easiest way to stay in touch with clients and keep them engaged with gratitude journaling and other homework. A digital homework app like Therachat can support the counsellor-client relationship. Check in on client progress, send them prompts between sessions, and boost gratitude journaling compliance. Equip your clients with the tools to reach their goals faster.

Gratitude journaling prompts and structures

Not sure how to get clients started or how to offer guidance? Keep reading for a few easy to implement tools and exercises. Once clients get comfortable with the basics, they’ll feel more confident picking up a journal and writing on their own. Here are a few starting points:

  • The 5 Minute Journal: The 5 Minute Journal is an amazing tool for clients who want structure laid out for them in the simplest way. All it takes is a few minutes in the morning and a few at night to build the habit of gratitude journaling. The journal leads people to a better version of themselves. 
  • 5 specific things you’re grateful for: This is another great exercise for beginners. Ask clients to note 5 things they’re grateful for. The goal is to be as specific as possible. For example, rather than “I’m grateful for my family,” aim for something more like “I’m grateful that I got to speak with my mom on the phone today.” The specifics of gratitude not only produce more of an emotional response, but they keep things interesting.
  • Gratitude in the physical space: This one doubles as a grounding mindfulness exercise. Ask clients to look at the physical space and either write or mentally note everything they’re grateful for. So if they’re on the bus, maybe they’d find beauty in the blue sky just outside the window, or watching strangers share a laugh. Clients can do this exercise anywhere, and anytime. So encourage them to take mental breaks during the day to tune into this exercise. Whether they’re at a park, in their home office, or in the middle of a trip to the grocery store — encourage clients to find the good in their space. 

Support your clients with gratitude journaling

Introducing gratitude journaling is well worth the benefits. Over time, clients will feel more comfortable, confident, and even enjoy reaching for gratitude in their mental toolbelt. For counsellors looking to support their clients along the way, digital tools like Therachat will boost gratitude journaling compliance and build positive habits faster. Use Therachat as a channel for communication with your clients, and get them on track to become gratitude journaling pros. Learn more.

5 tips for successfully providing online counselling

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Online counselling is on the rise. In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, most counsellors are now offering online services. Whether it’s through video or voice call, counsellors and their clients are realizing that not only is online counselling possible — but with the right tools, it’s highly effective. Now that counsellors and their clients have discovered that virtual therapy works, it’s here to stay.  But counsellors continue to look for tips and tools to make online counselling a better experience for themselves, and their clients. Here are some tips, tricks, and tools to do just that. 

1. Stay adaptable 

For a lot of clients and counsellors, online therapy is brand new territory. We’re all figuring this out together, so it’s important to stay flexible with your client’s needs. While some may benefit most from a video call, others might feel more comfortable with a voice-only call, or text message check-ins. It all depends on the client’s current situation. For example, those living with families or roommates might prefer text to maintain privacy. But for those living on their own, audio and video on loudspeaker might feel most effective. The beauty of online therapy is how adjustable it is for every client’s unique needs — so be open to discovering which combination of video, audio, and text works best for each individual. Not only is online counselling convenient, but with the right tips and tools, it’s accessible to clients everywhere. Everyone’s needs are different. So meet your clients where they are, virtually. 

2. Incorporate technology into your practice 

When it comes to homework compliance, using digital tools and technology can be a huge benefit to your clients. A digital homework app like Therachat can help you with a whole host of benefits like checking in on client progress, sending daily homework reminders, check-ins, emotion tracking, and skill-building activities. Over time, better homework compliance helps clients reach their goals faster. And, clients already have access to what they need most on their smartphones. That’s why having counsellor check-ins at their fingertips feels natural and accessible. It’s about delivering care in a way that’s familiar to clients. 

3. Balance technology and traditions

While using technology to your advantage can be helpful for counsellors and clients, it’s best to keep certain aspects traditional. Amelia Larson, MSW, RSW is one of Wellin5’s successful online counsellors. She recommends balancing technology with traditionality for best results. 

“Im sort of old school. I take notes in a notebook. When we introduce technology into a therapy setting, it can divide the attention differently. In my sessions, I always use a notebook because I want to avoid clicking away on the keyboard while a client is sharing some of their toughest moments with me.” 

Amelia’s strategy allows counsellors to take notes that meet regulatory requirements, while staying engaged with clients throughout the session. 

 4. Ensure clients feel comfortable

The intimate nature of counselling means clients are often unpacking the deepest parts of themselves. It’s best to ensure they are comfortable, so emotions can flow more freely, and so they feel supported in those moments. Encourage clients to intentionally set up their physical space to feel as safe and cozy as possible. Whether it’s setting the right ambience with pillows and lighting a candle — or practical things like finding a quiet space or putting on headphones. Whatever helps clients feel they are in an environment that’s safe, supported, and open.

5. Embrace small moments 

When appropriate, counsellors can connect with their clients on a personal level to build a trusting relationship over time. Counsellors can do this through chit chat and small talk before diving into the more heavy topics. It may sound insignificant, but small moments of connection like chatting about goings-on in the city or hobbies is an easy way to build rapport and solidify connection. It goes a long way in helping clients feel less isolated, especially while many are still isolating at home. 

“Clients will appreciate that you’re a real person. Find moments to be human. Be real. Be expressive. It’s about finding ways to be in the room when you’re not physically in the room,” said Amelia. 

The small things can make clients feel supported in a big way — particularly while providing care at a physical distance. It enhances the sense of community that’s so important for mental health during these times. 

Find success with online counselling tips

Shifting from in-person to online counselling can be an adjustment for everyone — but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tips and tools in place, counsellors and their clients can successfully meet their goals together. For more ways to elevate your client’s online counselling experience, check out Therachat’s innovative features.

How To Incorporate & Benefit Technology In Your Private Practice

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When we talk with our Therachat users, we notice that each therapist has a story to tell that just about anyone can benefit. That’s why we decided to kick off a series of interviews around specific topics. Today we talked with Vivien, a motivated private practice clinician that fully embraced the power of technology and happily wanted to share tips and tricks. [Read more…] about How To Incorporate & Benefit Technology In Your Private Practice

Send Worksheets, Articles, Images, Links, Audio… To Your Clients

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We’re so excited to announce that as of now you’re able to upload and use a whole array of extra things with your clients through Therachat. Send worksheets, other PDF-documents, images, videos, audio…  easily to your clients.

Therachat activities overview [Read more…] about Send Worksheets, Articles, Images, Links, Audio… To Your Clients