Written by Dee Keller, LPC in collaboration with Emily Schultz, LCSW.
Client engagement in Teleo can vary from session to session. Some clients may naturally stay focused and engaged, while others might need extra support to participate fully. Energy levels, attention, and motivation can fluctuate for many reasons, so having a flexible approach helps create a more responsive and effective therapy experience. Here are six practical strategies to keep clients engaged in teletherapy.
1. Take Breaks
Sustained focus isnât always easy, and sometimes a short break is all thatâs needed to reset. To help maintain engagement:
Embed quick, structured breaks into the session, such as a 30-second stretch, deep breathing, or a movement-based activity.
Use fun timers or countdowns to signal when a break starts and ends.
Incorporate playful activities like âwiggle your fingers like rainâ or âstrike a superhero poseâ before refocusing.
These moments help clients regulate their energy and return with more focus. Many activities that encourage breaks can be found in the Activity Bank.
2. Give Choices
Providing choices fosters a sense of control and investment in the session. Offering simple options can boost engagement, such as:
Letting clients decide between two activities: âWould you like to do the Feelings Spinner or This Is Sand next?â
Allowing flexibility in how they communicateâverbally, through drawing, or using gestures.
Giving them a say in the session structure, like picking which skill or game to start with.
Choice-making increases motivation and encourages participation.
3. Use Intermittent Reinforcement
Adding an element of surprise can enhance engagement and keep sessions feeling fresh. Unexpected reinforcements can include:
Randomly introducing a âpower-upâ- such as a sticker or sound effect.
Rewarding effort with spontaneous encouragement or a virtual high-five.
Incorporating small, playful elements that clients donât anticipate, keeping them curious about whatâs next.
This unpredictability helps sustain interest and excitement.
4. Use Visual Supports
Visual tools provide structure and predictability, helping clients stay on track. In Teleo, this can look like:
Using on-screen timers to signal transitions.
Displaying a simple visual schedule or first/then board.
Sharing an agenda worksheet so clients can see whatâs coming next.
Engagement can improve when clients know what to expect, and they can even help create their own visual supports for added buy-in.
5. Reinforce Small Wins
Even small moments of participation are worth celebrating. Acknowledging micro-engagements can help build momentum, such as:
Noticing when a client stays on screen.
Recognizing a quick response, glance, or nod.
Encouraging progress, even if an activity isnât fully completed.
Positive reinforcementâwhether verbal encouragement, a fun animation, or a virtual rewardâhelps clients feel successful and motivated to keep going.
âPro Tip:
Boost your Activity Bank with a creative touch! Add a GIF or sound effect for fun reinforcement. Visit giphy.com for celebration GIFs or soundsnap.com for achievement sounds. A little extra flair makes progress even more rewarding!
Every client engages in their own way, and that engagement can shift from session to session. By incorporating structured breaks, offering choices, using visual supports, and celebrating small successes, clinicians can create an adaptive and engaging Teleo experience that meets clients where they are.
âđźDee Keller, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, parenting consultant, and owner of Sunnyside Counseling, a virtual practice based in Virginia. Dee focuses on supporting kids, college students, and moms in navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and overwhelm. She is dedicated to helping clients uncover their strengths and embrace balance and growth in their lives.
Learn more about Deeâs work at sunnysidecville.com
âđźEmily Schultz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and subject-matter expert in pediatric health, behavior, and development. Emily has supported youth mental health across many settings, including healthcare, education, and more. She currently serves on the student wellness team at a local school district, helping educators design and implement social, emotional, and mental health curriculum in schools.