Five Minutes of Preparation Before an Online Session

First, think about who might be able to hear you where you are. If possible, choose somewhere with a door you can close and where you will not be interrupted during the session. Headphones can reduce how much of the other person’s voice is audible; they do not, on their own, stop others from hearing you speak. If finding space at home is difficult, share this before the session so that suitable conditions can be considered together.

You can say if you cannot arrange the privacy you need that day. Do not join a session while driving or from somewhere that requires you to keep watching what is happening around you.

Open the session link beforehand and check your camera, microphone and internet connection. You can put your device on a stable surface instead of holding it, and make sure it is charged. Silence notifications and close any windows you do not want to share on screen. The camera angle or appearance of the room does not have to be perfect; sitting comfortably and being able to understand one another matter more.

Agree in advance what to do if the connection drops, whether to rejoin using the same link and which contact channel to use. Do not record the session; if you have any need related to recording, discuss it openly together.

Before you start, bring some water and, if you wish, note down one thing you would like to talk about today. You do not have to keep to the sentences you prepared. ‘I do not know where to begin’ is also a natural way to start a session. If there is a technical problem, difficulty hearing or any discomfort, you can interrupt the conversation to say so.

If going straight back to a demanding task after the session feels difficult, try leaving a short gap in your schedule. Making a note, sitting quietly for a while or moving gently into an everyday task may suit you. You can also note down any conditions you would like to change for the next session.