5 Tips for Working from Home as a Teletherapist

There are several benefits that come along with teletherapy including the ability to create a flexible schedule and comfortable working environment. Working from home can come with its challenges as well. We have provided a list of tips to help you create a successful working environment while maintaining boundaries in your home. 

Create a Designated Workspace

Working from home can cut down on your commute but make sure it doesn’t cut down on your work-life boundaries. While it can be tempting to work from the comforts of your bed or couch, it’s important to define a workspace. This helps to establish a zone where work physically starts and stops, while encouraging you to stay focused. In the case of teletherapy, you’ll probably need to utilize a webcam so be sure that your work area is presentable and distraction-free. 

Also consider what you need in your working environment to help with your productivity levels. Something as simple as working in a space with plenty of natural lighting can serve as a way to ease your mind and aid with a positive outlook for your day. Working on a flat service with an ergonomic chair are both ways to contribute towards creating a productive workspace as well.   

Get Dressed for the Day

Changing from your pjs to everyday wear has more benefits than meets the eye. First of all, it gives you motivation to leaving your bed and starting your day. Starting your day with answering emails from your bed in your pjs can turn into hours without even realizing it. Create a healthy routine for your day and choose to start the day off by changing into an outfit that makes you feel good. Just by changing into a new outfit at the start of your day, you’re getting into the routine of defining when you’re in work mode.

As a teletherapy professional, you’re likely to be on webcam meetings and sessions throughout your day. Be sure to dress as you would at in-person working environments. A good rule of thumb for choosing your work-from-home outfit is to consider if that is an outfit that you would wear outside of the house. 

Define your Daily Goals

Stay on track within your day by creating a list of priorities for the day. It’s great practice to look over your list at the start of your day so that you can plan accordingly. Use this as an opportunity to look over any meetings, sessions and notes you have for the day so that you know what to expect in your day. Simple steps such as this will help to set you up for success. 

Take a Break

There are several benefits to taking breaks throughout your workday. Provide time in your day to go outside and take a walk. This will help to alleviate mental fatigue and gives you the chance to refresh so that you can come back to your workspace with renewed focus. If you’re in a position that requires you to stare at a screen for the majority of the day, be sure that you remind yourself to give your eyes a break as well. Something as simple as looking at another object for 20 seconds every 20 minutes will help to keep your eyes feeling refreshed. 

Communication is Key

If you’re in a position where you are not interacting with your team in-person, maintaining regular calls are a great way to stay connected. Virtual meetings are another way to stay in touch with one another while you are working from home. Staying connected with your team regularly serves as an educational resource as you have the opportunity to discuss various industry standards. It’s important to always ask questions and remain connected so that you’ll have a community to collaborate with. 

Working as a teletherapist is certainly a rewarding career. By applying these practices, you’ll be setting yourself up for success as well as the patients you work with. Establishing a designated workspace area, being proactive about how you start your day and staying in communication with your community are all ways to maintain a successful teletherapy assignment. 

Looking for your next teletherapy assignment? The BlazerJobs team is dedicated to pairing you with the assignment that meets the needs of your growing career. To discover your next adventure, follow this link to speak with one of our team members.