If you are thinking about becoming a therapist or counselor, you probably already know that a lot of therapy happens online now. It is called telehealth, and it is a big part of the job. But here is the thing: talking to someone through a screen is different than talking to them in person. You cannot see their whole body. The sound might be a little off. Sometimes the video freezes right when someone is about to cry. So how do you get good at this before you even start your degree program? The answer is simple: practice with free video call apps using real people in your life. And I am going to tell you exactly how to do that in a way that feels easy and even fun.

First, pick a free video call app that you already know how to use. Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, or even Facebook Messenger video all work great. You do not need any fancy equipment. Just your phone, tablet, or laptop will do. The goal is not to buy fancy stuff. The goal is to get comfortable with the awkwardness of talking to a face on a screen. So grab your device, find a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted, and pick a friend or family member to be your practice partner. Tell them you are working on your counseling skills and ask if they would be willing to do a short role-play with you. Most people love helping out because it is interesting and they get to see what you are learning.

Now, here is the key part: set a time limit. Start with ten or fifteen minutes. That is plenty for a practice session. You do not want to burn out or make it feel like a big homework project. Before you start, decide what kind of problem your practice partner is going to talk about. It does not have to be a real issue. They can make up something simple, like being stressed about a test or upset about a disagreement with a friend. You will be the counselor, and they will be the client. Hit the record button if your app lets you record. Most apps have a record option built right in. Recording is a super powerful tool because you can watch yourself later and see what you did well and what you can improve. Do not worry about looking silly. Nobody else has to see it.

During the practice session, focus on things that matter for telehealth. Look at the camera, not at the screen. That makes it seem like you are making eye contact. Nod your head when your partner talks. Use simple words like “Tell me more about that” or “How does that make you feel?“ If the video freezes or the sound cuts out, do not panic. Just pause and say, “Sorry, I think my connection is a little shaky. Can you repeat that?“ That is exactly what you would do with a real client. Practicing these small moments builds your confidence.

After your session, take five minutes to watch the recording. Look for one thing you did well, like asking a good question or staying quiet while your partner talked. Then look for one thing you want to improve, like talking too fast or forgetting to ask how they are feeling. That is it. Do not try to fix everything at once. Just one thing each time you practice. You can do this practice once a week. After a few sessions, you will notice you feel more natural on camera. You will also get better at reading emotions through a screen, which is a skill that takes time.

Another great tool is to use the chat feature in your video call. In real telehealth, sometimes clients type things they are too nervous to say out loud. So during your practice, have your partner type one or two messages in the chat. Practice reading those messages and then talking about them. That is a real skill that many new therapists forget about.

Finally, remember that your goal is not to be perfect. Your goal is to be comfortable and kind. Your practice partner will probably mess up, too, and that is okay. Laugh a little if something funny happens. Being human is part of being a good therapist. So grab a friend, open a free app, and start your telehealth training today. You will be amazed at how much you learn in just a few short sessions.