Online and Telephone Therapy
Counselling from the comfort of your home
In the last few years, working online has become an everyday thing for many of us, making a lot of things more accessible and giving us more choices.
For me, rather than being able to only work with people who can travel to me, I can also work with anyone remotely by video or telephone call.
I’ll be honest with you, I had zero plans to learn how to deliver therapy online until COVID forced my hand and guess what…. I enjoy working as an online counsellor.
Online therapy gives people more counsellor choices and more choice is always a good thing.
How it works
We can work together by video call (online) or telephone if face-to-face isn't for you.
Online and telephone are proven to be as effective as face-to-face sessions but there are a few differences.
You need a laptop, smartphone or tablet with access to the internet.
I use a website called Doxy.me for online sessions as this has been specifically designed for psychotherapy sessions etc.
You do not need to download any apps for this.
I send you a link for the session by e-mail. At the scheduled time you click on the link, follow the onscreen prompts and you will be taken to a virtual waiting room. Once you are waiting, I am alerted and we can begin our session.
Privacy
I cannot control the privacy at your end.
Have a think about your privacy if you live with other people including furry creatures.
My dog likes to be the centre of attention and would be very disruptive but if you have a pet that is well-behaved, they may help as a calming, therapeutic addition.
Can the people in your home survive without you while you are in your session?
If you are concerned about others overhearing the session, headphones can stop others from hearing my end of the conversation.
If you are stuck for space, do you have a car? You could stay in your drive, or drive somewhere quiet, scenic even but please make sure you are parked up before the session begins.
Don’t connect to your car’s Bluetooth system, we’ve all passed by people having a conversation over Bluetooth and can hear everything.
If you are staying in your house for the session think about removing any phones from the room, silencing your landline or anything else that may cut in and disturb your session.
I keep my phone on until we are connecting online in case you need to reach me before the session. Once we are connecting online, I switch it off.
Is the device you are using fully charged or at least got enough charge?
Have a think about where you would be comfortable for the session while having a good signal.
Having other apps or files open on your device affects the quality of the video call so please make sure these are all shut down.
If you have any other devices or apps connected to your Wi-Fi but not being used (Games Consoles, Fire Sticks etc.) you may want to disconnect these as they can drain your internet speed and affect the quality of the video call.
If the signal was to drop or you had issues with your broadband we can continue by phone. Please make sure you give me the number you would like to have the duration of the session on.
This hasn't happened yet but I am aware it may be a slight possibility.
If you would rather make contact with me first that is not a problem. Just let me know beforehand.
If you are using your phone, you can put it on do not disturb to stop any other apps from breaking your train of thought.
Have tea, coffee or water with you so you do not dry up from talking.
Is there a chance you may get upset? Have some tissues too.
The disinhibition effect
This is not a good or bad thing, it’s just a thing.
It can cause people to open up quicker than if we were face-to-face.
This can make working online a bit easier for some people who may struggle to open up at the start.
Once the session ends, give yourself some time (if needed) before returning to your world.
Plan ahead for after your session and think about some self-care; quiet time or family time, your favourite music or TV programme, time with a pet, or something relaxing. You’ll know what works best for you.
Payment is made through the booking link or at least 24 hours before the session.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch via the contact section to the right of the page.
Get in touch
Please click here to make a booking. Or use the form here to contact me with any questions you may have or to arrange your first appointment.
You can call me on 07488312784 if you would prefer to speak to me first.
I am happy to discuss any questions you may have prior to arranging your first appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours Monday to Thursday.
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