Licensed mental health professionals: What is one effective way to build rapport with clients in teletherapy?

One of the most effective ways to build rapport is to be transparent during your sessions. Being transparent may look like summarizing what you heard your client share, coordinating your schedules, or even asking your client if they have questions, concerns, or feedback. Transparency helps create that level of safety for a client, but it can also help us clinicians promote attunement so that we can assist our clients and leave the space open for them to develop comfort, commit and trust their process. Furthermore, body language is one particular thing I’m most focused on when it comes to transparency, especially when building rapport over telehealth. As a clinician you need to look away to take notes, or grab water if needed, so naming and explaining your shift of gaze helps explain the loss of eye contact and lets the client know that you’re still present.

I use David Burns, MD's "Zero Technique" as described in his ebook, Tools, Not Schools, of Therapy. This means that I zero-in what the client is sharing with me without making interpretations or any premature attempts to help. I also verbally track what the client says while highlighting any feeling words that enter the conversation. I also find it useful to share my own emotional reactions to what the person is sharing without taking the spotlight off of them. Appropriately placed questions also aid in letting the person I'm speaking with know that I'm listening.

One effective way to build rapport with clients in tele-therapy is to invite clients to talk about their experiences and offer validation. For example, a client may express their hesitance to join the session online. Inviting clients to talk about their experience and validate it, sends out a message that this is a safe space for them and that you care about their experience, free from judgments. It also gives you a chance to address clients' specific concerns so that you can make the teletherapy process more smooth for the client. A stronger rapport is built through this process.

Here are my top ways to build rapport with online clients: 1. Laughter! Finding ways to be engaging and humorous helps patients to feel at ease and helps them to build a connection with their therapist. 2. Make a connection by taking time to notice things about the person by mentioning interesting things they are wearing, tattoos, or hairstyles. You can also ask about things you might see in the background, like interesting art on the wall! I have found that breaking the ice in these ways eases their tension and makes the rest of the session flow better. Enjoy your next session! -Gary Daily, LPC

When I work online with clients, I always start with some mindful deep breathing or meditation exercises. I see it as a mental buffer at the beginning of each session, a transition that helps them step fully into the present moment, leaving the noise of their daily life behind. This practice greatly helps improve their receptivity and focus, which then paves the way for more profound and insightful discussions.

Sharing relevant personal experiences within professional boundaries can help humanize the therapist and build a stronger connection with the client. By offering glimpses into similar situations, therapists can show empathy and demonstrate that they understand the client's challenges. For example, if a client is struggling with anxiety, a therapist might share a brief personal experience of managing anxiety to normalize their feelings. This subtle sharing can foster trust, enhance rapport, and create a collaborative therapeutic relationship in teletherapy.

Creating a friendly and welcoming virtual space is a good way to get to know your teletherapy clients better. Start by greeting the client in a sincere and friendly way, asking how they're doing, and showing that you understand how they feel. Make sure that your camera and sound are working well, and try to keep eye contact as much as possible. During the session, use the client's name to make the conversation more personal. Active listening is very important, so show that you're paying attention by nodding, repeating, and agreeing with what they're saying. To make sure the client feels heard and valued, encourage open conversation and ask for feedback on the teletherapy experience. It might take a while to get to know someone, but showing that you understand and care about them on a regular basis can help build a strong therapeutic bond.

Incorporating interactive tools or games into teletherapy sessions can create a more relaxed and enjoyable environment, fostering a stronger connection. For example, a mental health professional can use guided meditation apps or online quizzes to encourage client participation and engagement. These tools offer a unique opportunity for clients to actively participate in their therapy while building rapport with their therapist. By incorporating technology creatively, mental health professionals can enhance the teletherapy experience and establish a sense of trust and collaboration.

Sharing personal anecdotes or experiences, within professional boundaries, can help clients feel more connected and less alone in their struggles. This creates a more relatable and human connection. However, it is essential to exercise caution and discretion, as oversharing may divert the focus from the client. For example, if a client expresses struggles with anxiety, the therapist could briefly share a personal experience of coping with anxiety, highlighting techniques that helped them. This can establish common ground and foster a sense of understanding and empathy.

As a licensed mental health professional, my best tip for building rapport in teletherapy is to be genuinely present and attentive. Despite being in a virtual space, clients can sense when you're fully engaged. By maintaining eye contact, mirroring emotions, and actively listening without distractions, you convey genuine interest and empathy, creating a foundation of trust essential for therapeutic progress.