Telephone Therapy Trouble

[Moniq]

Since offices are closed I have been having therapy sessions by phone. I thought “great! Maybe I will be able to assess topics that I cannot in face to face sessions.” This has not been the case, I am more apprehensive, I start to get anxious before the call and feeling like maybe it is a bad idea. Another layer is that I can hear the person doing other things while on the call: doing dishes, chores, preparing drink or meal. It is all very loud to me which I interpret into that the issues trying to be discussed are not that important an I am wasting the person’s time. Something about this bothers me then I shut down.
Anyone have any experience with this?
Is it something I should suck up and deal with? Is it something that should get addressed? If so, how? I’m not sure.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thank you

 

[Rainman8772]

There is another thread with this item if you check it out you can see there are lots of different opinions. Personally I didn’t mind it so much.

 

[Changing4Best]

This is very unprofessional on that therapist's part. I would feel the same as you if that happened to me. I would ask them, "What are you doing?" And tell them you can hear background sounds.

 

[Deanna]

Ask your therapist if she/he could close the door. I know everyone is working from home but this is not private. Check out the other thread, too, like Rainmab was talking about.

 

[Friday]

Is it something that should get addressed?

If it bothers you? Yep. It’s worth addressing.

If so, how? I’m not sure.

I would suggest asking at the very beginning of the call if you could talk about the background noise, and anxiety, and how these calls are more difficult than you expected them to be?

Mostly, because I find that giving problem-solvers a problem to solve (like background noise, anxiety, and privacy concerns) is usually waaaaaaay more effective than Yo! Seriously??? You’re doing dishes whilst we talk? And preparing a meal for how many people listening to my session???

But I’ve done the 2nd one, too ;)

Either way is still valid.

I’m just coming from the opposite angle, where more direct needs to move towards diplomatic/effective, rather than afraid to ask needs to move towards bringing it up at all.

Your T? Will have clients like me, who call them out on shit as it happens. Your asking politely in the beginning? Is a gift to them. BEFORE someone like me gets on the line with them.

 

[Warrior Chicken]

I also had trouble with noises in the therapists space when I had a video session. He wears earbuds, but anything he says can be heard by others.

I understand everyone is doing their best given the current circumstances, but I’m having a hard time getting past that - “bothering the personal realm of another“ - train of thought.
For me, no therapy for now, but I don’t recommend that route. For my situation, I’m just taking some time to figure that piece out.

All that to say, you’re not alone in this!
Good luck at your end.

 

[Deanna]

I also had trouble with noises in the therapists space when I had a video session. He wears earbuds, but anything he says can be heard by others.

I understand everyone is doing their best given the current circumstances, but I’m having a hard time getting past that - “bothering the personal realm of another“ - train of thought.
For me, no therapy for now, but I don’t recommend that route. For my situation, I’m just taking some time to figure that piece out.

All that to say, you’re not alone in this!
Good luck at your end.

Therapists pay for the building their in (rent) and the money is up to them. ( some of them) mine is like that..

 

[Moniq]

There is another thread with this item if you check it out you can see there are lots of different opinions. Personally I didn’t mind it so much.

@Rainman8772 Can you provide the name for the other thread regarding this issue please? I searched for one prior to posting and did not see find any.

 

[Rainman8772]

Virtual/Video/Telehealth Sessions

 

[grit]

Wow! this one is redflag all over....so unprofessional. A therapist is bounded by their guidelines and ethics to provide a safe space, private space for confidentiality and should not be walking around her/his house while on the phone with a client. At minimum, they need private space in their house or sound canceling headphones, if that fails, they can still go to their office and do the calls there.

No reason why anyone should listen the therapist or their families cooking and cleaning or walking about.

I recommend two things: you put in writing in email to her prior and request that the sounds and noise are problem for you (no need to tell her all about your triggers in email), just basics and the real issue at hand about THE THERAPY FRAME - which is their job. Then you can let her know, you will continue when they find a private place for your session and to let you know prior to your next session. Let them find the solution.

Of course, I can understand if you are unable to voice your need or opinion or your request but whatever you do, you do truly have the right to quiet place to conduct therapy provided by your therapist.

 

[Moniq]

Thank you all for the support and suggestions, it’s been helpful. I thought maybe it was me. I am going to try to address this at an upcoming session. If not able to address it I will stop sessions for now. Sucks feeling like an interruption to someone’s day and I’d rather not.