by Harmony Kwiker, LPC, ACS
The Best Therapy Chair
In the early days of my practice, I picked my therapy chairs based on what looked nice and fit my budget. But long days of sitting with clients quickly took a toll on my neck and lower back. I learned the hard way that bodily comfort isn’t just about avoiding pain—it’s the foundation of how we show up, ground ourselves, and remain embodied for our clients.
Acting on a friend’s recommendation, I saved up to buy a Stressless chair and matching ottoman. Though the price tag was steep, it has been my faithful daily support for over ten years. You’ll find plenty of lookalikes on the market, but the superior engineering and craftsmanship of the original set it in a class of its own.
Comfortable Chairs for Telehealth Therapists
After 13 years in private practice, 2020 forced me into remote work for the very first time. I spent weeks searching for an office chair that provided real support, but every option fell short. That changed when a peer in a clinician group recommended the Purple seat cushion as a game-changer for virtual work.
The moment I tried it in my home office, everything shifted. It felt like I’d been driving a car without shocks over gravel roads for weeks—and suddenly, the ride became completely weightless and smooth. It was the missing piece for staying grounded through back-to-back screen sessions. The Purple cushion, combined with targeted lumbar support, makes hours of telehealth not just manageable, but truly comfortable. I simply cannot recommend this combination enough.
Telehealth Office Essentials: Why a Footwarmer Belongs in Your Setup
I used to end my remote workdays completely chilled to the bone. No matter how comfortable my chair was, sitting static for six or seven hours made my circulation drop, leaving me shivering for hours after my final client. During a session with my acupuncturist, I mentioned this daily struggle, and she recommended an electric footwarmer.
Buying one was the best decision I could have made for my home office. With six customizable heat levels and a built-in timer, it turns the space under my desk into a sanctuary of warmth. Keeping my lower extremities warm hasn’t just solved the post-work chills—it helps me feel rooted in my body throughout the day, ensuring my energy stays steady and attentive for my clients.
Tech for Ergonomics and Connection
Aside from the chair and the footwarmer, I find having an external monitor hooked up to my laptop, along with a quality camera and microphone, makes all the difference in how I feel at the end of the day.
When I relied on just my laptop, I was constantly hunched over, squinting at a small screen and unconsciously straining my neck to speak into the built-in mic. Mounting a larger external monitor at eye level immediately took the pressure off my cervical spine. Pairing that with an external camera at eye level restored a feeling of natural human eye contact, while a crisp microphone meant I could speak at a relaxed, grounding volume. These additions transformed telehealth from a physical endurance test into a seamless, sustainable way to practice.
Aromas for Embodiment
As therapists, our body is our primary instrument. To stay tuned and present through hours of deep listening while at the computer offering Telehealth, I rely on a collection of essential oils to support my presence. I keep a row of essential oils at my desk and take in a chosen scent when I feel my energy waning.
Set and Setting
We all know that the set and setting for our clients is important for their comfort, but for telehealth it’s also important to tend to the set and setting for ourselves. A few of my essentials include my favorite crystal that I keep on my desk, Zen art on the wall above my computer, and a dedicated mug for my favorite tea.
