Getting started using Teletherapy

Teletherapy is a unique online therapy session making it easier to access language and speech
therapy from the comfort of your own home. It also makes it easier to access a therapist who
will spend their uninterrupted time with you and the therapists at helpwithtalking.com are
more than ready to support you. But, before you go ahead and make that appointment we
want you to know that we value your time and presence and as such advise you. to read the
following steps so you get the most out of your time with us. After all, we want you to have a
smooth, friendly and valuable experience with the speech and language therapists here at
helpwithtalking.com.

● Connectivity
It might seem like a no-brainer but before you arrange for a teletherapy session, check the
strength of your internet connection. The last thing you want is for your session to be
interrupted by communication blackouts or lag, both a result of a weak internet connection. A
few things you can do to improve the signal strength for your session is to close any apps
running or pause/cancel any downloads you may have. This also includes closing the web
browser as it refreshes in the background. Also, check how many devices are currently using
the network. Try to remove as many of them as possible before your session so you free up
bandwidth, ensuring your signal is as strong as you can get it.

● Mobile Connection
If you are using a mobile connection instead of WiFi, check to see what data connection you are
on. Ideally, you’ll need to be on 3G as a minimum requirement since anything below that is
known for connection break up and lag during video calls. In some cases, the call may not
connect at all. Even 3G isn’t perfect, so if you can, use 4 or 5G. You can find the mobile data
settings by heading into the connections setting on your device and selecting the desired
mobile networks in the mobile network.

● System Performance
Another no-brainer but it does make all the difference to check the functionality of your
microphone and camera before the session. It’s going to be rough if you pay for your session
only to find your microphone and camera aren’t functioning correctly. The best way to go about
this is to research which drivers you are using and find out first if they are compatible with the
service you will be using. An additional task will be to use your camera on default settings with
video conferencing software to see if there are any faults with it, the same going for your
microphone. If you encounter any faults while in use, search for solutions through a search
engine while making a note of the default settings. Keep tweaking with the settings until they
work, following the guidelines from the solution, and everything should then be set up for your
first session. Also, if your drivers are out of date it may be helpful to update them first.

● Updates
It happens to the best of us. We’re doing something on our laptops or computers and suddenly
it restarts to run updates and we don’t have a clue because it’s running in the background.
Before your session, check on your update status. Because updates are only released
periodically, they might not be apparent, but if they are they’ll have a scheduled time for
installing (which requires a system restart) Check to see if you have any updates pending and if
you do, either restart straight away or set the restart timer for well after your session.

● Privacy
Before you go ahead and choose your therapist, check out their privacy policy. Someone’s
credentials can be impressive, but there’s more to doing business with someone than simply
chatting with them or paying them for a service. You need to know how they are handling your
sensitive data (name, age, address, etc) and who on the platform has access to it.

● Plan Ahead

To make the most of your time with the therapists at asltip.com, consider what you want to say
before your session starts. This saves valuable time of jumping straight in and running out of
time by discussing everything that comes into your head. Thinking about what you want to say
or talk about before time is a good way of making the most of the time you have and helps
structure the session around that particular issue. That allows you and your therapist to focus
on one thing at once, rather than jumping all over the place with different topics.

● Environment
Since you’re using a therapist for speech and language, the best setting is often a quiet one and
one that also provides some privacy. This allows you and your therapist to hear clearly, which is
an important practice in developing speech. If you live near a busy road, close the windows, and
if you live in a busy home, find the quietest room in the house and close the door. If noise is still
an issue, consider using a high-quality pair of headphones and ask your therapist before time if
they could do the same.

● Light
Another requirement for a successful teletherapy session is to be in a well-lit room or place. If
you struggle for natural lighting, play about with a lamp or light fixture to get into a position
with as little shadow as possible on your face. This helps your therapist watch the movement of
your lips and mouth as you speak, helping them to help you develop better speech.

● Hydrate
When we talk it can be thirsty work, so grab some water or some juice prior to your session.
This will help you stay hydrated while you’re talking with your therapist and saves you time
from having to get up and go get some during your session. If you can get away with it, try
hydrating before time. Drinking also helps to loosen up vocal cords which helps make the voice
stronger and louder.

● The Right Stuff
Sometimes, learning to talk can be a bit daunting, especially when it comes to forming new or
complex words and this can make us focus on our failings rather than the things that go right.
Focusing on what goes wrong or what isn’t going right can lead to discouragement and low
mood, so focus on what you get right. Learning new or complex things can be frustrating, so it’s
important to recognize how far you have come in development as not to get discouraged with
your current struggles. Homer didn’t orate his plays overnight. Everything takes time and
practice, so use the encouragement of what has gone well and use that optimism to focus on
the next steps. The last thing you want is to focus on how bad you feel if something didn’t go
well and when you do that, it tends to turn your focus inwards instead of on the task at hand.

Follow these tips and you’ll make the most of your time with the wonderful therapists at
asltip.com. We are here and waiting, ready to help you develop your speech. Thank you so
much for reading and good luck for the future!

Amelia Evans is a freelance writer and works as a content manager for various international
brands. When Amelia is not researching and writing she loves nothing more than heading out
into the country for some downtime. Amelia is currently writing for Be in Health.