7 Tips to Build Connection in Telehealth Counselling
Sep 19, 2025
With the rise of remote mental health services, telehealth counselling has become a powerful and flexible alternative to in-person sessions. Yet, for many new clients, a common concern emerges: “Can I really build a meaningful connection through a screen?” The answer is yes.
At Slip Psychology, we believe that emotional safety and trust are not confined to physical rooms. Connection is created through presence, intention, and care—whether you’re across a couch or across a screen.
This blog will guide you through seven practical ways to build rapport in online therapy, especially for those navigating telehealth for the first time.
Why Connection Matters in Telehealth Counselling
Therapeutic connection—or what's often called the therapeutic alliance—is at the heart of every successful counselling journey. In online settings, some of the traditional rapport cues (like body language or natural pauses) may feel different or even missing. But that doesn’t mean they’re gone.
Challenges in the Virtual Space
Technical barriers: Camera delays, sound issues, or screen fatigue.
Feeling exposed: Talking deeply from home can feel awkward.
Misreading cues: It may be harder to pick up facial expressions or tone shifts.
But connection is possible. And it can be just as meaningful.
In fact, many clients at Slip Psychology have shared that they feel even more emotionally safe in their own space, where they can express themselves without the distractions of a physical setting.
1. Prioritise a Professional Yet Comfortable Setup
How your space looks and feels affects not just your focus, but how you feel emotionally during a session.
What helps:
Sit somewhere quiet, with good natural or warm lighting.
Place your camera at eye level—this boosts natural engagement.
Have a neutral or tidy background to avoid distractions.
Ensure strong internet connection to minimise lags.
This first impression sets the stage for a sense of safety and professionalism. It communicates, “I’m here, present, and focused on this moment.”
2. Start Every Session with Warmth & Routine
Just as a warm smile or small talk starts a face-to-face session, online counselling benefits from predictable, comforting rituals.
What this might look like:
A consistent welcome (“How have things been since we last spoke?”)
A grounding pause before diving into heavy topics
A brief check-in about how you're feeling today about being online
These small gestures help build emotional rhythm in sessions. If you’re new to counselling, our psychologists at Slip Psychology ensure that every session starts with presence and ends with grounding.
3. Master the Art of Virtual Eye Contact
Making eye contact over video isn’t as intuitive—but it makes a big difference in how connection is felt.
Here’s how to adjust:
Look at the camera when listening or responding (not just the screen).
Centre the camera at your eye level.
Reduce distractions by closing extra tabs or silencing phones.
You don’t need to “stare”—gentle, intermittent glances toward the camera signal attentiveness and warmth. Clients often notice when their therapist is genuinely with them in that moment.
4. Leverage Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues Thoughtfully
Without full-body cues, you and your psychologist both rely more on voice tone, pacing, and facial expressions to communicate empathy.
Building rapport virtually through:
A calm, steady tone of voice
Reflective listening: repeating or summarising what’s said
Pauses used intentionally—not just silence, but space to reflect
Gentle facial expressions that mirror emotional responses
Virtual counselling is also a space where small affirmations like “I hear you,” or “That sounds really tough” go a long way. These cues recreate the intimacy of an in-person room.
5. Use Technology as a Therapeutic Ally
Instead of viewing tech as a barrier, you can harness its tools to enrich therapy.
At Slip Psychology, our Telehealth Services are conducted via secure platforms such as Zoom and Coviu, designed specifically for healthcare.
You and your psychologist might use:
Screen sharing to review coping tools or visual strategies
Interactive tools like drawing boards to map emotions
Chat box features for jotting down key points during session
Platform familiarity (e.g., practice logins or pre-session checks)
All of these help reduce anxiety and make the experience smoother and more collaborative.
6. Set Clear Session Expectations from Day One
Virtual counselling works best when expectations are clear—for both client and therapist.
Consider the following:
Be ready 5 minutes before your session in a private, uninterrupted space.
Treat the session like an in-person one: no multitasking or phones.
Agree on a plan for technical issues (e.g., backup phone call).
Understand privacy and confidentiality procedures.
We help all new clients prepare for their first online session via our Book Online portal, where you’ll receive email guidance ahead of time.
Therapists will also help normalise any awkwardness you may feel and talk you through what to expect.
7. Follow Up with Consistency and Check-Ins
Connection is built over time. The first session may feel unfamiliar, but each session builds emotional safety and trust.
What therapists often do to maintain rapport:
Ask how the platform feels to use (“Is this format still working for you?”)
Check how you’re feeling about progress
Adjust pacing or methods to suit your preferences
You can also use between-session reflections—writing down thoughts, or noticing patterns—to bring to your next appointment. All of this contributes to a richer, more collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About Telehealth Counselling
“I can’t really connect with someone through a screen.”
Actually, connection is about emotional presence, not physical presence. Many clients find that the screen actually provides just enough distance to feel safer opening up.
“It’s not as effective as in-person therapy.”
Multiple studies show telehealth can be equally effective. In fact, our team at Slip Psychology has seen countless breakthroughs occur in virtual settings.
“I’ll feel awkward or distracted.”
That’s normal at first. But over time, your sessions become a ritual—where the screen fades away and the connection becomes what matters.
Final Thoughts – Connection is Always Possible, Even Online
In telehealth counselling, the screen may be between you and your therapist—but the relationship is just as real.
With intention, structure, and care, connection flourishes. And for those new to the world of virtual therapy, the most important first step is giving yourself permission to try.
We invite you to begin your journey with Slip Psychology. Whether you prefer telehealth or in-person sessions, our focus is always the same: compassionate, tailored, and collaborative care.
You can book online or contact us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it really possible to build a strong connection with an online psychologist?
Absolutely. Connection is built through empathy, consistency and intention. At Slip Psychology, we focus on presence—not proximity—to create therapeutic safety.
Q2: What platform do you use for telehealth sessions?
We use secure platforms such as Zoom and Coviu, both of which are tailored for confidential, healthcare-grade conversations.
Q3: What should I do to prepare for my first online counselling session?
Find a quiet space, ensure your device is charged, test your internet, and treat the session as you would an in-person one. We’ll walk you through all of this after your first booking.
Q4: Can I switch to in-person therapy later?
Yes, we offer flexible options. Many clients begin with telehealth and later choose in-person sessions depending on what feels right.
Q5: What if I feel awkward on camera or don’t know what to say?
That’s okay. You’re not alone. Our psychologists are trained to help you feel supported, even when words are hard to find. Over time, it becomes more comfortable.