How can I make the most of running sessions online?

Online delivery is now a normal part of health and wellbeing work. Clients expect the option of video sessions for counselling, coaching, training and support groups. When done well, online work increases accessibility, offers flexibility for busy clients, and helps you maintain continuity of care when travel or health issues get in the way.

In this article we will look at how to plan an online session, choose the right platform, create a supportive, well‑managed virtual space, keep clients engaged and manage technical problems confidently.

Planning your online session

Before you open your laptop, make sure you’re clear on two things:

Purpose: Is this a skills based session, a reflective group, or a 1 to 1 therapy session?
Outcome: What do you want clients to know, feel or be able to do by the end of your session?

This will help you shape everything else.

Choosing the right platform

Most practitioners use common video tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or similar. Whichever you choose, focus on:

Security: Use passwords, waiting rooms and meeting links that won’t be shared publicly.
Confidentiality: Check where recordings are stored and only record with clear informed consent from your client.
Make it easy: If your clients aren’t especially confident with tech, keep it simple.

Think about your group size, timing and length

1 to 1 sessions: As a general guide, 45-60 minutes is often enough for an online class.
Small groups: For many practitioners 6-12 participants generally work well for interaction, but this will depend on your work and clients.
Workshops or training: Consider building in breaks every 60-90 minutes; online fatigue is real.

Creating a safer therapeutic online space

Preparing clients

Send a short “how to prepare” note before their first session. Include:

Find a private, quiet room where they will not be overheard.
Use headphones for private sessions, if possible, to protect confidentiality.
Have a drink, tissues and any materials they need to hand.
Test their camera, microphone and internet connection.

Sort out your setup

Your presentation still matters online:

Choose a neutral background with minimal visual clutter.
Sit facing natural light or a soft lamp so your face is clearly visible.
Position the camera at eye level to help you mimic natural eye contact.
Dress as you would for an in person session.

Create some “house rules” for online sessions

At the start, briefly agree:

Confidentiality and how it’s managed online.
Everyone’s expectations about having cameras on/off.
When to use mute and chat.
What to do if someone needs a break or becomes distressed.
A simple script works well: “If you lose connection, please try to re join. If you can’t, I’ll call you on xxx number.”

Engaging your clients during online sessions

Online attention drops faster than in a room, so design your session in short, varied segments.

Use simple tools

Screen share for slides, diagrams or worksheets.
A whiteboard for mapping ideas or drawing models.
Polls or thumbs up checks to assess understanding.
Chat for quieter participants or quick reflections.
Breakout rooms for small group discussions, if appropriate.

Keep energy and focus

Signpost where you are in the session: “First we’ll check in, then practise two grounding techniques.”
Ask regular open questions and invite brief responses.
Build in brief pauses for reflection or note taking.

Adapting in person exercises

Many familiar techniques can translate really well online. For example, a mindfulness body scan can be delivered with cameras off, inviting participants to close their eyes and focus on your voice, then you can debrief together afterwards.

Managing risk, tech issues and following up with your clients

Have a clear plan for what you will do if:

A client becomes very distressed.
Someone discloses risk to self or others.
A participant disappears from the call unexpectedly.

Where appropriate and in line with data‑protection, professional and ethical requirements, collect an emergency contact and location at the start of a programme so you know where your client is joining from and who you can call if needed, always within your usual professional and ethical frameworks.

Handling tech problems

Share a backup contact method, like a phone number.
Decide in advance when you will continue by phone or when you might reschedule.
Normalise glitches: they are inconvenient, not a sign that anyone involved is “bad at tech”.

Following up online health and wellbeing sessions

After the session, a brief follow up email could help consolidate learning or progress, if appropriate. You might include:

A short summary of key points.
Links to resources or handouts.
Simple home practice suggestions.

As before, keep any follow-ups within your usual ethical and professional structures.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a technology expert to start running online classes. What matters most is the same as in any therapeutic or educational work; clear intentions, thoughtful boundaries and genuine human connection.
Begin with a small, manageable session, notice what works and perfect your online programme over time. With practice, online delivery can become a natural extension of your professional toolkit.