Practical trust over tech trends
It’s Not About Bells and Whistles
Let’s be honest — Zoom has its quirks. We’ve all had calls freeze, lag, or vanish mid-sentence. So it’s fair to ask: why use Zoom for therapy?
Because platform choice isn’t about what’s trendy. It’s about what’s trustworthy.
Many video apps come with features like mood check-ins, timers, whiteboards, or integrations. Some are built for therapists. But shiny extras don’t always mean safer sessions.
When it comes to therapy, the essentials matter more:
- Security — Not every therapy-specific platform offers full end-to-end encryption.
- Accessibility — Some require accounts or downloads, which can be a barrier.
- Stability — Crashes and lag break focus and containment.
Zoom isn’t flashy, but it’s consistent. It’s familiar, easy to join, and gives you control — whether you use a laptop, tablet, or phone.
Familiarity Is a Hidden Strength
During the pandemic, we all became accidental Zoom experts — muting, blurring, lighting, and logging in without thinking.
That familiarity makes therapy smoother. Less time figuring out tech means more time focused on you. No apps to install, no confusing links, no new interfaces.
When you’re being vulnerable, the last thing you need is a learning curve.
Safety First: How I Use Zoom Differently
Zoom itself is one thing; how it’s used is another. Here’s how I create a safe, private therapeutic space:
- Waiting rooms enabled: You’re never dropped in unexpectedly.
- Room locked once we begin: No interruptions.
- No recordings: Sessions are never recorded or stored on Zoom servers.
- Audio-only option: If video feels too intense, we can switch to voice.
- No Zoom account required: You can join directly via link.
- Optional “tech check”: We can test setup before your first session.
If the internet fails, I’ll contact you immediately by text or email and we’ll continue by phone or reschedule. You’re never left waiting.
Zoom isn’t perfect — but how it’s used makes all the difference.
With every application there’s always a compromise, but it’s about what can we mitigate to make it safer, and that’s why i use zoom.
The Data Protection Lens
I don’t just choose what’s easy — I choose what’s ethical.
Yes, Zoom is US-based, and that raises valid GDPR questions. That’s why:
- Cloud recording is disabled.
- Chat and file transfer are not used.
- I use the Pro version, giving access to advanced admin and security controls.
- Any identifiable client data is stored separately — offline or via Proton’s encrypted systems — never through Zoom.
Zoom is simply the meeting room, not the filing cabinet. That distinction matters.
Why Not Use a Therapy-Specific Platform?
It’s a fair question. Many therapist platforms combine scheduling, payments, notes, and video in one place. But I intentionally separate those functions.
Why? Because keeping everything in one system increases data risk.
Most “all-in-one” tools rely on centralised servers — sometimes even storing data after encryption. Others are limited by device type, browser, or region.
Zoom fits my Cipher + Separation Model: it does one thing well — hold space — without holding your data.
What About Proton Meet and Other Privacy Tools?
I keep a close eye on privacy-first platforms like Proton Meet. They show promise with end-to-end encryption and no data tracking.
But many are still developing:
- Some don’t allow guests without an account.
- Others lack the reliability clients need right now.
When a better option emerges that meets Safe Spaces’ privacy standards, I’ll consider it. For now, Zoom remains the most balanced choice — stable, secure, and accessible.
If Something Goes Wrong…
Technology sometimes fails. Wi-Fi drops, power cuts happen. If a session is disrupted:
- I’ll attempt to reconnect immediately.
- If not possible, I’ll text or email to arrange a fallback.
- We can continue by phone or reschedule — whichever feels right for you.
Therapy isn’t a meeting to be “recovered.” It’s a space to be cared for. That care doesn’t stop when the connection does.
So, Why Zoom?
Because it works.
Because it’s familiar.
Because it can be made secure.
Not because it’s trendy, or “what everyone uses,” but because it meets Safe Spaces’ standards for:
- Containment — reliable, structured, predictable.
- Simplicity — no tech hurdles.
- Privacy — no unnecessary data stored.
- Mutual respect — choice and transparency.
If you ever want to explore a different option, we can. This is your space, too.
Therapy isn’t about tech
Therapy isn’t about the technology — but technology shapes how we connect. Platform choice matters because trust matters.
Zoom helps hold that trust in a way that’s clear, flexible, and human. Because in the end, it’s not about the platform. It’s about the presence we build through it.At Safe Spaces Therapy Online, privacy and clarity come before convenience. Zoom isn’t perfect — but it’s configured to be safe, stable, and yours.
