Best practices for remote teaching by Behavioral Therapists

As remote and hybrid learning continue to play a significant role in education, Behavioral Therapists must adapt their practices to support students effectively in virtual settings. Remote behavioral therapy presents unique challenges, such as reduced in-person cues, digital distractions, and varying access to technology. However, with the right strategies, therapists can still build strong relationships, deliver impactful interventions, and foster emotional growth from a distance. Here are the best practices for Behavioral Therapists to ensure successful remote teaching and support.

1. Create a Structured, Predictable Routine

Students thrive with consistency—especially those who rely on behavior supports. In remote sessions:

• Begin with a visual agenda to preview the session structure
• Maintain consistent session start and end times
• Use countdowns or timers to manage transitions and attention spans
• End sessions with a routine wrap-up or reflection

Predictability helps students feel safe and engaged, even through a screen.

2. Build Relationships and Rapport Virtually

Trust remains essential, even in digital environments. Build connections by:

• Using student interests in conversation and activities
• Starting sessions with check-ins, emotions charts, or “feelings thermometers”
• Smiling, using affirming language, and celebrating successes regularly
• Being patient with silence or disengagement—it often signals emotional needs

Strong relationships improve engagement and intervention outcomes.

3. Use Interactive and Visual Tools

Engagement in remote therapy depends heavily on visuals and interactivity. Tools that help include:

• Boom Cards: Interactive digital behavior and social skills lessons
• Google Slides + Bitmoji classrooms: For structured visual navigation
• Boardmaker Online: For creating visual schedules, behavior cues, and social stories
• ClassDojo or SeeSaw: For behavior tracking and home-school communication

Interactive tools help maintain focus and make concepts more accessible.

4. Reinforce Positive Behaviors Remotely

Behavioral reinforcement works virtually, too. Strategies include:

• Using digital token boards or sticker charts shared on-screen
• Offering virtual rewards like choosing a game, song, or “show and tell” time
• Celebrating small wins and providing immediate, specific praise
• Involving caregivers in reinforcement plans for consistency at home

Motivation and recognition are key to behavior change—even online.

5. Prioritize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Remote sessions are ideal for teaching SEL and emotional regulation. Try:

• Guided mindfulness or breathing exercises to begin or end sessions
• Emotion charades or feelings flashcards over video
• Story-based discussions that model coping strategies
• Journaling or drawing prompts for self-reflection and expression

SEL helps students build inner resilience and emotional awareness from any location.

6. Communicate Effectively with Families

Parental involvement is more crucial in remote therapy. Stay connected by:

• Sending session summaries and behavior tips after each appointment
• Hosting brief virtual check-ins to update progress or revise strategies
• Providing tech support resources for platforms used in therapy
• Encouraging caregivers to observe or participate when appropriate

Collaboration ensures support continues outside the virtual session.

7. Address Privacy and Compliance

Therapists must protect student privacy while using digital tools. Best practices include:

• Using HIPAA- or FERPA-compliant platforms for video and data sharing
• Securing your work environment from background distractions or interruptions
• Informing caregivers about confidentiality procedures and obtaining consent
• Storing session data securely with encrypted tools

Protecting student information is non-negotiable in remote settings.

Conclusion

Remote teaching as a Behavioral Therapist demands creativity, patience, and technical fluency. By leveraging visual tools, building strong rapport, involving families, and reinforcing positive behaviors, therapists can make a powerful impact from afar. With intentional structure, clear communication, and a focus on emotional safety, virtual sessions become meaningful opportunities to support growth and build lifelong coping skills—even beyond the traditional classroom.